The 1968 Nissan Patrol comes from the era when compact four-wheel-drive utility vehicles were built first for durability, traction, and simple field service rather than polished on-road manners. That heritage matters when choosing tires, because this Patrol uses 15-inch bias-ply fitments in 6.50-15 and 700-15, both very much in keeping with a working 4WD of the period. Within those sizes, the choice can shift from traditional blackwall and wide whitewall styling to more truck- and military-oriented tread series. The right selection depends on whether the goal is a restoration-minded appearance, utility-focused use, or a careful match to the wheels currently on the vehicle.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Nissan Patrol
The 1968 Nissan Patrol uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply tires built for 15-inch wheels. Since the covered 4WD configuration can use either size, the real decision is confirming the wheel setup on the vehicle and then choosing the tire style, tread character, and overall presentation that best suits how the Patrol is being kept and driven.
A 6.50-15 size is a numeric bias-ply designation in which the first number refers to nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 15-inch rim diameter. On a 1968 Nissan Patrol, this type of sizing reflects the truck's period utility-vehicle fitment and traditional bias-ply construction. It represents a narrower primary fitment than 700-15, so the key question is whether the Patrol is still on the wheel and tire setup intended for this size. Buyers considering 6.50-15 should verify actual wheel width, present clearances, and the vehicle's current stance before selecting a replacement.
A 700-15 size is also a numeric bias-ply format, with the leading number indicating nominal section width and the last number showing it fits a 15-inch rim. For the 1968 Nissan Patrol, this size opens up the broadest visible choice in period-style tires, including Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA options. Available versions include blackwall and wide whitewall styling, along with series such as Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Traxion, Super Transport, Transport Highway, and Firestone Classic Military. This size is the one to study closely when balancing restoration appearance, truck-duty character, and wheel compatibility.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, since the covered 4WD Patrol configuration uses the same two primary tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still matters because the tire decision comes down to confirming which wheel and size combination is actually on the vehicle before choosing a replacement.
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1968 Nissan Patrol (4WD)
The 1968 Nissan Patrol (4WD) uses bias-ply tires on 15-inch wheels and can be fitted with either 6.50-15 or 700-15. That means tire selection starts with confirming which size the truck is set up for, then choosing between period-style passenger presentation and more utility- or military-oriented options where applicable.
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 Patrol Tires for Sale
Available 700-15 choices span Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA, with several distinct series and sidewall treatments. Buyers can compare blackwall and wide whitewall styles alongside classic bias-ply, military, traction, and transport-focused designs on 15-inch wheel fitment.
Tire questions for a 1968 Nissan Patrol usually come down to the two primary bias-ply sizes, the 15-inch wheel requirement, and how to choose between restoration-style and truck-oriented tire options. The FAQs below focus on fitment, construction, appearance, and pre-road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Nissan Patrol?
A 1968 Nissan Patrol uses two primary tire sizes: 6.50-15 and 700-15. Both are numeric bias-ply sizes built for 15-inch rims, and the covered 4WD Patrol configuration can use either one depending on the wheel and tire setup on the vehicle.
That makes the first step less about model-year identification and more about confirming what is actually mounted on the Patrol today. Check the wheel diameter, the size stamped on the existing tires if they are trustworthy enough to reference, and the wheel width before choosing between the narrower 6.50-15 and the wider 700-15 fitment path.
What size rim does a 1968 Nissan Patrol use?
The 1968 Nissan Patrol uses a 15-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. Both 6.50-15 and 700-15 share that same rim diameter, so the wheel diameter itself stays consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in nominal section width.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on an older 4WD. A Patrol may still be on original-style wheels, or it may have later replacements, so it is smart to confirm wheel width and overall condition at the same time. That helps narrow the correct tire choice without assuming every 15-inch wheel is suited to both sizes.
What does 700-15 mean on a 1968 Nissan Patrol?
On a 1968 Nissan Patrol, 700-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 700 indicates a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system commonly seen on utility vehicles, trucks, and collector vehicles from the period.
Understanding that format helps when comparing replacement tires, because modern buyers often expect alphanumeric or metric sizing instead. On this Patrol, 700-15 remains a primary period-style fitment rather than a conversion size. The practical next step is to confirm whether the truck is actually running 700-15 now, especially if wheels, suspension, or ride height have changed over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1968 Nissan Patrol?
Choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1968 Nissan Patrol starts with matching the size and 15-inch rim fitment, then deciding what kind of tire character best suits the vehicle. Available 700-15 options include classic bias-ply styles, military-inspired designs, traction-oriented tread patterns, and highway or transport-focused tires.
The best comparison points are wheel compatibility, sidewall appearance, tread style, and whether the Patrol is being kept for restoration presentation, mixed road use, or more work-oriented driving. Looking at details such as rim-width guidance where stated, load figures where shown, and tube-type or tubeless construction language can help separate tires that share the same size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Nissan Patrol tires?
For the 1968 Nissan Patrol, the visible sidewall choices in 700-15 include blackwall and wide whitewall. That gives the truck owner a meaningful appearance decision even within the same basic size, especially if the Patrol is being restored with a more passenger-oriented look versus a more utilitarian 4WD presentation.
A blackwall usually supports the Patrol's work-truck and off-road character more naturally, while a wide whitewall creates a more styled period impression. Sidewall appearance should still be secondary to correct size and wheel compatibility, because an attractive sidewall treatment does not override fitment basics such as the tire's intended rim range and the vehicle's actual wheel setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 Nissan Patrol?
The 700-15 fitment for a 1968 Nissan Patrol is available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. Those brands cover several distinct tire series, ranging from classic passenger-style bias-ply designs to military, traction, and transport-oriented options that better match a utility vehicle's working character.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a Patrol. It is more useful to compare the tire series, sidewall style, intended character, and any stated rim-width or load information that applies to the exact tire. That approach helps narrow the right tire for the truck's present use without treating all 700-15 offerings as essentially the same.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Nissan Patrol?
A period-style 1968 Nissan Patrol tire choice starts with staying in one of the correct primary sizes, 6.50-15 or 700-15, and retaining the original-style bias-ply construction. From there, the visual direction can move toward a classic blackwall presentation or, in 700-15, toward wide whitewall choices that create a more styled vintage look.
The right answer depends on how the Patrol is being interpreted. A utility-focused restoration may lean toward blackwall, military, or transport-style tires, while a more show-oriented build may emphasize the whitewall look. For exact originality, period photos, marque references, and vehicle-specific historical documentation are worth checking before settling on a final sidewall or series choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1968 Nissan Patrol restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1968 Nissan Patrol restoration because the tire strongly affects stance, wheelwell appearance, and the vehicle's overall period character. Using one of the proper primary sizes and keeping the vintage bias-ply construction preserves the look and feel that suit a late-1960s Patrol.
Fitment also influences practicality. Even when the vehicle is mainly shown rather than driven often, the chosen size still needs to match the wheel setup and clear the suspension and body correctly. A restoration-minded buyer should evaluate the truck as it sits today, especially if wheels or ride height have changed at some point in its life.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Nissan Patrol?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Nissan Patrol even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension lifts or lowering, and body or fender changes can all influence how a 6.50-15 or 700-15 tire sits and clears.
A Patrol that has been changed from its original-style setup should be measured rather than assumed. Check wheel diameter, actual wheel width, steering clearance, and space at the fenders before mounting replacement tires. Older 4WDs often accumulate changes over time, so verifying the current configuration is the safest way to avoid fitment surprises.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Nissan Patrol on new tires?
Before driving a 1968 Nissan Patrol on new tires, inspect the wheels for cracks, corrosion, and general condition, and make sure the tire size matches the wheel setup. It is also smart to confirm that the tires seat properly, hold air evenly, and have adequate clearance through steering travel and suspension movement.
Road readiness on a collector 4WD is about more than fresh rubber. Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the tire and vehicle use, and the Patrol itself should be checked for worn steering parts, aged suspension components, and brake issues that can mask themselves as tire trouble. A careful shakedown drive helps confirm that the setup behaves normally before longer use.
How should 700-15 tires on a collector 1968 Nissan Patrol be maintained?
700-15 tires on a collector 1968 Nissan Patrol should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and sensible storage habits. Even if the truck sees limited miles, the tires should still be examined for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss, because age and storage conditions matter on collector vehicles.
Keeping the Patrol away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. It also pays to inspect the tires before any longer drive rather than assuming low mileage means low risk. On an older utility vehicle, routine attention to pressure, condition, and wheel integrity goes a long way toward preserving both appearance and road manners.
