The 1968 Nissan L520 belongs to the era when compact imported pickups were valued for straightforward utility, tidy dimensions, and simple mechanical character. Today, that same character makes the truck appealing to restorers and vintage light-truck enthusiasts who want the right stance and period feel. Tire fitment for the 1968 Nissan L520 centers on two 14-inch bias-ply sizes, 560-14 and 6.00-14, so the main decision is confirming which size suits the truck’s wheel setup and presentation. Available choices in 560-14 include blackwall and whitewall versions in BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That makes tire selection as much about appearance and wheel compatibility as it is about keeping the truck road-ready.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Nissan L520
The 1968 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes, both built as bias-ply tires for 14-inch rims. Since the L520 Base can use either 560-14 or 6.00-14, the first step is confirming the wheel setup already on the truck, then deciding whether the goal is a narrower or slightly fuller period-style fitment within the correct vintage sizing range.
A 560-14 numeric bias-ply size uses the leading number to indicate a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, with the final number showing a 14-inch rim diameter. On a 1968 Nissan L520, this size keeps the truck in a traditional bias-ply construction that suits vintage light-truck character and appearance. Available 560-14 options come in BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is a useful choice for owners who want a period-style tire and need to match the truck’s existing wheel width and visual presentation carefully.
A 6.00-14 numeric bias-ply size uses the first number as a nominal section-width designation, with the 14 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1968 Nissan L520, it represents another primary vintage-style bias-ply fitment on the same 14-inch rim diameter. This size matters because it is not just another labeling variation; it should be matched to the actual wheel and vehicle setup rather than assumed interchangeable with any 14-inch tire. It is worth evaluating when the truck already wears that size or when maintaining the intended stance and proportions is the main goal.
Tire fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1968 Nissan L520 sub-model uses the same two primary bias-ply sizes. Even so, checking the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the truck still matters before choosing between the two fitment options.
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1968 Nissan L520 Base
The 1968 Nissan L520 Base uses 14-inch bias-ply tire fitments and can be equipped with either 560-14 or 6.00-14. That means tire selection comes down to verifying which size matches the truck’s current wheel setup and deciding which period-style look best suits the vehicle.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1968 Nissan L520 Tires for Sale
Current product choices center on 560-14 bias-ply tires from BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. The main comparison points are sidewall style, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, along with matching the tire to the proper wheel-width range.
Owners of a 1968 Nissan L520 usually need clear answers on the two correct tire sizes, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, sidewall choices, and what to inspect before putting a vintage pickup back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Nissan L520?
The 1968 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-14 and 6.00-14. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 14-inch rims, and both apply to the L520 Base. That means the truck does not rely on a modern metric size as its primary fitment.
Choosing between those two sizes starts with the wheels actually on the truck. A vintage pickup may have had wheels changed over the years, so wheel width and the tire size already established on the vehicle should be checked before ordering. Staying with the correct size family helps preserve the truck’s proportions and period-style appearance.
What size rim does a 1968 Nissan L520 use?
The 1968 Nissan L520 uses a 14-inch rim diameter with its primary tire fitments. Both 560-14 and 6.00-14 are 14-inch tire sizes, so confirming diameter is more straightforward here than on vehicles that changed wheel sizes by trim or package.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a vintage truck. The wheel width also matters, and available 560-14 products are built for relatively narrow rims. Measuring the wheel on the truck before selecting a tire helps avoid mismatching an old or replacement wheel with a period-size bias-ply tire.
Does the 1968 Nissan L520 Base use the same tire size?
The 1968 Nissan L520 Base uses the same primary fitment range covered here: 560-14 and 6.00-14. Both sizes are bias-ply and both fit the truck’s 14-inch rim diameter, so the sub-model itself does not force a different construction or wheel diameter choice.
That consistency simplifies shopping, but it does not remove the need to inspect the truck. A previous owner may have changed wheels, altered ride height, or standardized the truck around one size. Matching the replacement tire to the actual wheel and stance already on the vehicle is the safest way to keep the fitment sensible.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-14 tire for a 1968 Nissan L520?
A 560-14 tire for a 1968 Nissan L520 should first be evaluated as a fitment and wheel-match decision. This size is a bias-ply design for a 14-inch rim, and the available examples come in BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Sidewall treatment is one of the main visible differences.
Appearance, wheel width, and intended use all matter once the size is confirmed. Available 560-14 options cover blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, so the truck can lean more work-truck plain or more restoration-oriented in presentation. It also helps to compare load figures and general tire condition goals before regular road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Nissan L520 tires?
For the available 560-14 tire options on a 1968 Nissan L520, sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices all remain within the same vintage bias-ply size family, so the visual difference does not require stepping outside the correct period-style fitment format.
The right sidewall style depends on how the truck is being presented. A blackwall usually gives a more utilitarian look, while whitewall treatments add a more styled and restoration-oriented appearance. Since sidewall style changes the visual character more than the fitment basics, wheel compatibility should still be confirmed before making the appearance choice.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 Nissan L520?
The available product selection for the 1968 Nissan L520 centers on BFGoodrich in the 560-14 size. Those tires are offered in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with multiple sidewall treatments that allow the truck’s appearance to stay within a traditional vintage tire presentation.
Since brand variety is limited here, the more meaningful comparison is between tire style and specification details rather than between several manufacturers. Checking the wheel width, confirming the tire size already suited to the truck, and deciding whether a blackwall or whitewall look fits the project will usually matter more than chasing a broader brand spread.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Nissan L520?
A period-style 1968 Nissan L520 tire choice starts with the original-style fitment family: 560-14 or 6.00-14 in bias-ply construction. Those sizes preserve the truck’s vintage sizing language and help maintain the narrower, upright look associated with compact pickups of the era.
The final choice depends on the truck’s wheels and the visual direction of the project. A 560-14 is available with blackwall and whitewall treatments, which gives some flexibility without leaving the proper vintage format. When exact restoration accuracy matters, period photos, marque references, and vehicle-specific history are worth consulting before settling on the sidewall style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1968 Nissan L520 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1968 Nissan L520 restoration because tire size strongly affects stance, wheelwell appearance, and the overall period impression of the truck. Using one of the proper bias-ply sizes keeps the restoration grounded in the tire format the vehicle was built around.
Fitment also affects more than looks. The wrong wheel width or a substitute size with different proportions can change how the truck sits and how convincingly the restoration comes together. Even on a driver-quality project, confirming the actual wheel dimensions and selecting a tire that suits the build helps avoid an appearance that feels visually out of era.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Nissan L520?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1968 Nissan L520. Even though the truck’s primary sizes are straightforward, changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, or body modifications can influence how a 560-14 or 6.00-14 tire sits and clears during normal driving and steering movement.
A vintage pickup should be checked as it exists today, not just as it left the factory decades ago. Wheel width, wheel offset, front-end geometry, and fender clearance all deserve a look before replacing tires. That is especially important when the truck’s history is unclear or when it has already been tailored for a custom or lowered stance.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Nissan L520 on new tires?
Before driving a 1968 Nissan L520 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, then look over the truck’s steering, suspension, and brake components. A fresh set of tires works best when the rest of the running gear is in sound condition and able to support stable road behavior.
It also makes sense to confirm proper inflation, lug security, and basic tire-to-body clearance once the tires are mounted. After the first short drive, recheck for rubbing, unusual wear marks, or air loss. Vintage trucks that have spent long periods parked benefit from a full road-use inspection rather than a tire change alone.
How should 560-14 tires on a collector 1968 Nissan L520 be maintained?
560-14 tires on a collector 1968 Nissan L520 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply collector tires often spend long stretches parked, so age, sidewall condition, and signs of cracking or flat spotting deserve as much attention as tread depth.
Keeping the truck away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect for cuts, bulges, and slow air loss before each outing, especially after seasonal storage. Occasional use does not remove the need for routine inspection on an older light truck.
