1968 Nissan PL510 Tires

The 1968 Nissan PL510 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 13-inch rims, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction type belongs on the specific setup being used on the car.

That distinction matters because a radial-sized PL510 and a bias-ply-sized PL510 may call for different wheel widths and produce a different visual character. Checking the wheel width already on the car, along with the intended look and driving use, is the right next step before choosing between the two primary sizes.

The primary tire fitments for the 1968 Nissan PL510 use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 165R13 radial and the 560-13 bias-ply sizes are built around that same 13-inch wheel diameter, so there is no split here between different factory-style rim diameters within the covered fitments.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. The available products show different rim-width ranges between the radial and bias-ply options, so measuring the actual wheel width on the car is still important before selecting a tire, especially if the car has had wheels changed over the years.

The 1968 Nissan PL510 Sedan follows the same fitment pattern as the model overall, with both 165R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply tire sizes associated with it. That means the Sedan does not introduce a separate unique tire size in this coverage; the choice remains between the two established 13-inch fitment paths.

For an owner, that makes the decision more straightforward but not automatic. The key is confirming whether the car is set up for a radial tire or a period-style bias-ply tire, then checking wheel width and overall tire presentation so the selected size suits the car's current configuration and intended use.

On the 1968 Nissan PL510, 560-13 is the bias-ply tire size. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, with the first number representing nominal section width and the final number showing that it fits a 13-inch rim. In available products, this size appears in classic bias-ply lines from BFGoodrich and Firestone.

Choosing 560-13 usually means the buyer is aiming for a more traditional look, especially with narrow or wide whitewall sidewall treatments. Since the available bias-ply products use narrower wheel-width ranges than the radial options, the actual wheel width on the car should be checked before staying with this construction or comparing it to a radial alternative.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those represent, respectively, an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial. No bias-look radial equivalent is tied to 560-13 here, so the radial alternatives are all conventional radial sizing formats.

These equivalent sizes provide useful comparison points, but they should not be treated as automatic replacements. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalents, and the car's wheel width, overall dimensions, and steering and body clearance should all be confirmed before converting from a 560-13 bias-ply tire to a radial size.

A 1968 Nissan PL510 can be approached either way, because both a 560-13 bias-ply fitment and a 165R13 radial fitment are associated with this model. The better choice depends on what matters most for the car: a period-style appearance with vintage sizing, or a radial-based setup using the 165R13 fitment or a radial equivalent to 560-13.

Construction choice should be made only after confirming the wheel dimensions and the car's current setup. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the visual character of a bias-ply whitewall, while a road-use-focused owner may lean toward a radial. Either way, wheel width and clearance deserve a careful check before making the final selection.

Start with the primary fitment decision: 560-13 is the bias-ply option and 165R13 is the radial option, with both built for 13-inch rims. After that, compare wheel-width compatibility, tire construction, sidewall appearance, and the general character you want the car to present, since the available product mix is split clearly between vintage-style bias-ply and blackwall radial offerings.

That means selection is not just about the printed size code. A PL510 kept closer to a period-style look may point toward the 560-13 bias-ply choices, while a radial-equipped setup may point toward 165R13. Checking the actual wheel width on the car helps narrow the decision quickly and avoids choosing a tire that mismatches the wheel.

The available 1968 Nissan PL510 tire options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Blackwall appears on the 165R13 radial choices, while narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments appear on the 560-13 bias-ply offerings from BFGoodrich and Firestone.

Sidewall style has a strong effect on the car's finished look, especially on a compact sedan where tire presentation is easy to notice. A buyer choosing among these styles should think about whether the goal is a cleaner radial blackwall appearance or a more traditional bias-ply whitewall look, then confirm that the preferred style is attached to the right construction and wheel setup.

Tires for the 1968 Nissan PL510 are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the 560-13 bias-ply side with classic-style whitewall options.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and presentation rather than by itself. In practical terms, the real comparison is between radial blackwall series such as Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, versus bias-ply series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Firestone Classic Bias Ply in whitewall form.

For a period-style 1968 Nissan PL510, the 560-13 bias-ply fitment is usually the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and opens the door to traditional whitewall presentations. Available choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply products, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions offered in this size.

That does not make every whitewall treatment historically exact for every individual car, so buyers focused on strict originality should compare their choice against marque literature or other vehicle-specific references. For many restorations, though, staying with the 560-13 bias-ply format keeps the visual language of the car much closer to its late-1960s context.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1968 Nissan PL510 more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire carries a distinctly vintage size format and is available with whitewall styling, while the 165R13 radial choices are blackwall tires in a more modern metric format, giving the car a different presentation even before it moves.

Because the PL510 is a small, cleanly styled sedan, sidewall treatment and tire profile stand out quickly. A buyer deciding between these constructions should think about whether the restoration is aiming for a traditional showroom-era look or a more road-oriented finished car, then make sure the wheels support the chosen tire correctly.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Nissan PL510 even when the tire size itself appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body modifications can all change how a 165R13 radial, a 560-13 bias-ply, or a radial equivalent to 560-13 sits in the car.

That is why a modified PL510 should be measured, not assumed. Confirm the actual wheel diameter and width first, then check steering clearance, fender clearance, and overall space around the tire. Those checks are especially important when moving from a bias-ply setup to a radial alternative or when the car's stance has been altered.

Before driving a 1968 Nissan PL510 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are seated properly, and verify that inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It also makes sense to look over suspension, steering, and brake components if the car has been parked for long periods.

A short clearance check can prevent surprises once the car is back on the road. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for rubbing near the fenders and suspension, and recheck pressure after the first few drives. Collector cars often sit for long stretches, so early follow-up inspection is just as important as the initial installation.

Collector-car tires on a 1968 Nissan PL510 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Whether the car is using 560-13 bias-ply tires or 165R13 radials, look for sidewall cracking, tread damage, bulges, cuts, and any gradual air loss, especially if the car spends much of its time parked.

Good storage practices help preserve both appearance and serviceability. Keeping the car away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce premature aging, and moving the vehicle occasionally helps avoid long-term flat spotting. Before a longer drive, give the tires another close inspection and confirm that pressures are where they should be.