1968 Peugeot 404 Tires

A 1968 Peugeot 404 can use 165R15 or 590-15 on the Sedan & Convertible, while the Wagon uses 185R15 or 6.50-15. The radial sizes are 165R15 and 185R15, and the bias-ply sizes are 590-15 and 6.50-15. All of these fitments use a 15-inch rim.

The first step is confirming whether the car is a Sedan & Convertible or a Wagon, because the body style determines which pair of sizes applies. After that, tire choice comes down to whether the goal is a period-style bias-ply look or a radial setup, plus any preferences for sidewall style, brand, and wheel-width compatibility.

The 1968 Peugeot 404 uses a 15-inch rim across its supported tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with 165R15, 590-15, 185R15, or 6.50-15. Rim diameter stays consistent even though the car uses both radial and bias-ply sizing conventions.

That 15-inch diameter is only part of the fitment picture. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing radial options or considering a radial equivalent for a bias-ply size. Measuring the actual wheel on the car is worthwhile on any restored or modified 404, since an older vehicle may no longer be wearing its original wheel set.

No. The 1968 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible uses 165R15 or 590-15, while the Wagon uses 185R15 or 6.50-15. That means the 404 does not have one universal tire size across all covered sub-models, even though all of them use 15-inch rims.

This difference matters because a Wagon owner should not assume a Sedan & Convertible size is appropriate, and the reverse is equally true. Body style needs to be confirmed before comparing products, especially when switching construction types, choosing sidewall appearance, or checking wheel-width suitability on a car that may have been changed over time.

590-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1968 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible. It is the traditional numeric bias-ply fitment paired with the radial 165R15 option on the same 15-inch wheel diameter. Buyers choosing 590-15 are usually following a more period-style construction path.

That makes 590-15 especially relevant when appearance and vintage tire character matter as much as size. A change from 590-15 to a radial alternative should be approached carefully, with attention to wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance. The car's current wheels and suspension condition are worth checking before moving away from the original bias-ply format.

Radial equivalents for 590-15 include 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These options keep the 15-inch rim diameter while offering different radial sizing conventions. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents.

Those choices give a 1968 Peugeot 404 owner several ways to move from a numeric bias-ply size into radial sizing without treating every option as the same. The right choice depends on the actual wheel width, the vehicle's available clearance, and how closely the tire should preserve the original visual character of the Sedan or Convertible.

Start by confirming the correct body style and original bias-ply size, then verify the wheel diameter and actual wheel width on the car. For a 590-15 application, the available radial equivalents include 165R15, P165/75R15, and P175/70R15, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches. Construction changes should be matched to the wheel and tire size actually in use.

A conversion also calls for checking steering clearance, fender clearance, and the condition of suspension and steering components on a low-use collector vehicle. Cars that have been restored, lowered, or fitted with non-original wheels deserve extra care, because the correct rim diameter alone does not guarantee the same result once section width and profile change.

A 165R15 tire for a 1968 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible should first be chosen by confirming that this is the correct body style and that radial construction is the goal. From there, the main differences are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions are all available in this size.

The practical decision is whether the car should lean toward a simple driver-style blackwall look or a more restoration-oriented whitewall presentation. Comparing the tire's stated rim-width range is especially important on older European wheels, and the final choice should also reflect how the car will be used rather than treating every 165R15 radial as interchangeable.

Sidewall choices for 1968 Peugeot 404 tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the size. The 165R15 radial range offers blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options. The 590-15 bias-ply size appears in blackwall and wide whitewall, while 185R15 radial choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline.

That gives the 404 owner room to match the tire's appearance to the car's intended personality. A blackwall usually keeps the presentation simple and understated, while whitewalls or redlines push the look in a more styled direction. The right approach depends on the exact body style, the era-inspired look being pursued, and whether the car is a careful restoration or a road-driven classic.

Tires for the 1968 Peugeot 404 are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, depending on the size. Brand choice varies by fitment, so the full mix is not identical across 165R15, 590-15, and 185R15. Some sizes have broad radial coverage, while the bias-ply fitment is narrower.

That brand spread matters because the available tires also differ by series and sidewall style, not just by name on the sidewall. The best comparison process is to start with the correct Peugeot 404 size for the body style, then narrow the options by construction, wheel-width range, and the visual effect the owner wants from the finished tire setup.

A period-style 1968 Peugeot 404 usually starts with the size and construction that belong to the correct body style. For the Sedan & Convertible, that means looking closely at 590-15 bias-ply or 165R15 radial depending on the intended presentation. For the Wagon, the comparable decision is between 6.50-15 bias-ply and 185R15 radial.

Bias-ply construction generally preserves the most traditional look, while a radial can still maintain a vintage character with the right sidewall treatment and proportions. If exact originality matters beyond period style, marque-specific references and restoration records are worth consulting before settling on a whitewall, blackwall, redline, or construction choice for the completed car.

Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1968 Peugeot 404 even when the wheel diameter remains the same. A bias-ply size such as 590-15 or 6.50-15 gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while radial sizes like 165R15 or 185R15 tend to suit owners who want a classic look with radial sizing conventions.

Sidewall treatment adds another layer to that decision. Blackwalls keep the car restrained, while narrow or wide whitewalls and redlines can shift the overall tone noticeably. The best result comes from matching construction and sidewall style to the body style, the restoration's visual intent, and the wheel setup actually on the car rather than choosing by size alone.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Peugeot 404 even when the car still uses a 15-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowered suspension, replacement springs, or body repairs can all change how a tire sits and clears the fender or steering components. That matters on both Sedan & Convertible and Wagon fitments.

A modified car should be measured rather than treated like a stock-size reference example. Clearance at full steering lock and suspension movement deserves special attention, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial formats. Checking the actual wheel dimensions on the car is one of the simplest ways to avoid choosing a tire that matches the diameter but not the overall setup.

Before driving a 1968 Peugeot 404 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the tires match the correct body-style fitment. It is also smart to check valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of suspension and steering parts on a collector-era car that may not see regular use.

A short road test should be preceded by checking inflation, visual clearance, and whether the tire sits properly within the wheel opening. Older cars deserve an extra look for rubbing during turns and over suspension travel. Any vibration, pull, or unusual contact after installation is a reason to stop and recheck the wheel, tire, and chassis setup.

Tires on a collector 1968 Peugeot 404 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Sidewall cracking, bulges, tread damage, and slow air loss deserve attention even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-mileage classics can age out their tires long before tread wear becomes the deciding factor.

Storage environment matters almost as much as driving use. Keeping the Peugeot away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excessive heat, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to inspect the tires before each outing, because a classic car that sits for long periods can develop issues that are easy to miss until the next road drive.