The 1968 Pontiac Pontiac sits squarely in the full-size American wagon era, when ride comfort, road presence, and family-duty practicality shaped the way these cars were equipped. Buyers looking at one today are usually balancing authentic period character with the realities of safe, usable road manners. Tire fitment centers on 14-inch bias-ply sizes, with 855-14 and H78-14 used on the 2 Seat Wagon and All Other Models, while the 3 Seat Wagon steps up to 885-14 or J78-14. That opens the door to choices in numeric versus alphanumeric sizing, whitewall presentation, and selected radial-equivalent comparisons. The right decision starts with the exact sub-model and the wheel setup currently on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Pontiac Pontiac
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. All of them are bias-ply tires for 14-inch rims, but the 2 Seat Wagon and All Other Models use different sizes than the 3 Seat Wagon. Before choosing a tire, confirm which sub-model you have, then compare the size format, sidewall style, and any radial-equivalent options that relate to that fitment.
An 855-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 8.55 figure refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment suited to a period-style driving feel and appearance. Available choices include BFGoodrich options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with narrow whitewall styling. This size is worth considering when your wagon uses the smaller of the covered full-size fitments and you want to stay close to its original tire format.
H78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, where the letter marks the tire's size class, the 78 identifies its profile family, and the 14 is the rim diameter. It keeps the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac in a period-correct sizing language while offering a different way of expressing fitment than older numeric sizes. In this size, the available product uses a wide whitewall sidewall and the Coker Classic Bias Ply series. It is a useful choice when your car calls for H78-14 and appearance matters as much as keeping the proper 14-inch bias-ply format.
An 885-14 is another numeric bias-ply size, with the 8.85 figure indicating nominal section width and the 14 referring to the wheel diameter. For the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac, this larger numeric size belongs with the 3 Seat Wagon fitment rather than the smaller wagon configurations. BFGoodrich offers this size in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with a narrow whitewall treatment, giving it a distinctly traditional full-size wagon look. This size should be evaluated when carrying the correct sub-model fitment is more important than simply matching another Pontiac body style.
J78-14 uses the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply system, pairing a width class letter with a 78-series profile family and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac, it serves the 3 Seat Wagon alongside the equivalent-era numeric fitment, so it should not be assumed to apply across all sub-models. Its practical value is in preserving the classic alphanumeric look many buyers expect on late-1960s full-size American cars. Use this size only after confirming the wagon configuration and making sure the wheel and overall setup still match the intended fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac because the wagon configurations do not all share the same tire size. The 2 Seat Wagon and All Other Models use one pair of 14-inch bias-ply sizes, while the 3 Seat Wagon uses a larger pair, so the exact body configuration should be confirmed first.
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1968 Pontiac Pontiac 2 Seat Wagon
The 1968 Pontiac Pontiac 2 Seat Wagon uses the smaller 14-inch bias-ply fitment group shared with All Other Models. That makes tire selection less about broad Pontiac interchange and more about choosing the right numeric or alphanumeric size format, sidewall appearance, and any radial-equivalent path tied to that fitment.
The 1968 Pontiac Pontiac 3 Seat Wagon moves to the larger 14-inch bias-ply fitment group. That change makes sub-model identification especially important, since selecting tires by year and make alone could lead you toward the smaller wagon sizes instead of the ones intended for this configuration.
The 1968 Pontiac Pontiac All Other Models shares the same 14-inch bias-ply fitment group as the 2 Seat Wagon. Tire selection can then focus on whether you prefer the numeric or alphanumeric size presentation, along with the available whitewall style and the option to compare approved radial-equivalent sizes where applicable.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac
For 855-14 and H78-14, three radial-equivalent sizes are available for each original fitment. Those options are 215R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P235/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The difference is mainly the sizing convention and profile family rather than the original bias-ply format. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches applies, and any conversion should be checked against the car's wheel dimensions and body clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
215R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (855-14)
P225/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (855-14)
P235/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (855-14)
215R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (H78-14)
P225/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (H78-14)
P235/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (H78-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 Pontiac Pontiac Tires for sale
Available 14-inch bias-ply choices center on BFGoodrich and Coker Classic, with Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Coker Classic Bias Ply series represented. Sidewall appearance varies from narrow whitewall to wide whitewall, and rim-width specifications differ by size, giving buyers several period-style directions within the correct fitment.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac, how sub-model fitment changes the decision, and what to consider when comparing bias-ply tires with available radial-equivalent alternatives.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Pontiac Pontiac?
The 1968 Pontiac Pontiac uses four primary bias-ply tire sizes on 14-inch rims: 855-14, H78-14, 885-14, and J78-14. The 2 Seat Wagon and All Other Models use 855-14 or H78-14, while the 3 Seat Wagon uses 885-14 or J78-14.
The important next step is identifying the exact sub-model before selecting a tire. Once that is confirmed, you can narrow the choice to the correct size family and decide whether you want a numeric or alphanumeric period-style presentation, along with the available whitewall treatment and any radial-equivalent comparison tied to that fitment.
What size rim does a 1968 Pontiac Pontiac use?
Each primary tire size used on the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac is built for a 14-inch rim. That applies across the 855-14, H78-14, 885-14, and J78-14 fitments, even though the sizes themselves vary by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only the first checkpoint, especially on older full-size cars that may have had wheel changes over the years. A 14-inch wheel can still vary in width, and that matters when comparing tire options, so it is smart to verify the actual wheel dimensions on the car before moving from one size family or construction approach to another.
Do all 1968 Pontiac Pontiac sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1968 Pontiac Pontiac does not use one tire size across every covered sub-model. The 2 Seat Wagon and All Other Models share 855-14 or H78-14, while the 3 Seat Wagon uses the larger 885-14 or J78-14 bias-ply fitment.
That difference means tire selection should begin with the body configuration, not just the year and make. Choosing by a broad Pontiac fitment could easily point you toward the wrong size group, so it helps to confirm the sub-model first and then compare whitewall style, construction format, and wheel compatibility within the correct range.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 855-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac?
On the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac, 855-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It belongs to the traditional numeric bias-ply sizing system used on late-1960s American cars, with the 8.55 designation referring to nominal section width and the 14 referring to rim diameter.
That matters because a buyer deciding on 855-14 is usually choosing between keeping the original-style bias-ply construction or considering one of the radial-equivalent sizes tied to that fitment. The wheel width, tire profile preference, and the intended character of the car all deserve a closer look before changing construction.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 855-14?
Radial equivalents for 855-14 include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac several radial-format comparison points tied to the original bias-ply size.
Each of those alternatives should still be checked against the wheel and the car itself before conversion. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches applies, and it is wise to confirm actual wheel width, overall clearance, and the way the car sits before moving from the original bias-ply fitment to a radial alternative.
What should I check before converting my 1968 Pontiac Pontiac from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the exact original tire size for the sub-model, then compare it to the specific radial equivalent tied to that size. On the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac, radial-equivalent options are available for 855-14 and H78-14, and they stay within the same 14-inch rim diameter while changing sizing format and profile family.
Wheel width should be verified before anything else, especially on a car that may no longer wear its original wheels. It also helps to inspect steering and fender clearance, look at suspension condition and ride height, and make sure the chosen radial alternative suits how the car will actually be driven and presented.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 855-14 tire for a 1968 Pontiac Pontiac?
The main considerations with 855-14 are using it on the correct sub-model, keeping the 14-inch bias-ply format, and deciding what appearance you want from the sidewall. In this size, BFGoodrich options are available in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with narrow whitewall styling.
From there, compare the wheel width on the car with the tire's intended rim-width range and think about how restoration-oriented or road-focused the car needs to be. A buyer staying with bias-ply may prioritize period look and feel, while someone exploring alternatives may also want to compare the radial-equivalent path for the same original size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Pontiac Pontiac tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size. The 855-14 and 885-14 products use narrow whitewall styling, while the available H78-14 option uses a wide whitewall treatment.
That sidewall difference can strongly affect the car's finished look, especially on a late-1960s full-size Pontiac wagon. The right choice depends on the exact size your sub-model uses, then on how traditional or understated you want the car to appear once the correct fitment has been confirmed.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac?
BFGoodrich and Coker Classic both offer applicable tires for the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac. BFGoodrich appears in the 855-14 and 885-14 fitments through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, while Coker Classic is represented in H78-14 through the Coker Classic Bias Ply series.
Brand choice should follow fitment, not replace it. Once the correct sub-model and size are confirmed, compare the available brand by sidewall presentation, series style, and wheel compatibility rather than assuming every brand applies across all four primary Pontiac fitments covered on this page.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Pontiac Pontiac?
A period-style choice starts with the original bias-ply fitment used by the correct sub-model. For the 1968 Pontiac Pontiac, that means choosing from 855-14 or H78-14 on the 2 Seat Wagon and All Other Models, or 885-14 or J78-14 on the 3 Seat Wagon.
After size is confirmed, the visual character comes from the sizing format and sidewall treatment. Numeric and alphanumeric bias-ply tires each present the car a little differently, and whitewall width changes the overall impression, so buyers pursuing exact originality may also want to consult marque references specific to their car.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 Pontiac Pontiac?
Tire construction shapes the finished look as much as the size itself. On a restored 1968 Pontiac Pontiac, a bias-ply tire preserves the traditional sidewall and tread-era presentation associated with late-1960s full-size American cars, especially when paired with the right whitewall style for the build.
A radial alternative can change that visual impression even when it is selected as an equivalent size. Buyers who want the car to retain a more period-style stance usually start by staying with the original bias-ply format, then compare sidewall details carefully so the tire complements the wagon's overall restoration direction.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Pontiac Pontiac?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Pontiac Pontiac even when the tire size matches the correct sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, or suspension work can all influence how a bias-ply or radial-equivalent tire sits and clears the body.
That is especially important on a wagon where broad body dimensions can make a tire look correct at a glance even when the setup has changed underneath. Before mounting new tires, confirm wheel diameter and width, then check steering sweep and fender clearance so the chosen size works with the car as it exists today.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Pontiac Pontiac on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the tire mounting itself, then confirm that the new tires match the correct size group for the sub-model. It also helps to look over the suspension and steering components, since an older full-size Pontiac can feel very different once fresh tires are installed.
A short local drive is a smart way to catch any rubbing, pull, vibration, or pressure loss before putting miles on the car. Collector vehicles that sit for long periods also deserve a second look at alignment condition, brake function, and visible clearance around the tire shoulder and sidewall.
How should 855-14 tires on a collector 1968 Pontiac Pontiac be maintained?
855-14 tires on a collector 1968 Pontiac Pontiac should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even when tread looks good, an older or lightly used bias-ply tire can still develop age-related issues such as cracking, flat-spotting, or air loss.
Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect sidewalls and tread before each outing, especially after long storage, and to recheck the wheels for any signs that the tire and rim combination is no longer seated or wearing evenly.
