1968 Pontiac Tempest Tires

A 1968 Pontiac Tempest can use 775-14, F78-14, 825-14, G78-14, or G77-14, depending on the exact sub-model. All of those primary fitments are bias-ply tires designed for 14-inch rims, but they are not used interchangeably across every Tempest configuration.

The first step is confirming whether the car is a 6 Cyl., 8 Cyl., Wagon 6 Cyl., Wagon 8 Cyl., or the GTO special-size application. Once that is settled, the remaining decision is usually the tire’s visual presentation and construction path, such as whitewall versus redline or staying with bias-ply versus comparing a radial equivalent.

The primary tire fitments for the 1968 Pontiac Tempest all use a 14-inch rim diameter. That consistency helps narrow the search, since the key differences between Tempest tire options come from the tire size itself and the sub-model that uses it rather than from multiple factory rim diameters.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on a collector car that may no longer have its original wheels. It is still worth checking the actual wheel width before choosing among bias-ply products or radial equivalents, because some sizes and equivalent options carry different recommended rim-width ranges.

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest has more than one tire size because fitment changes with the vehicle’s specific sub-model. Six-cylinder cars use a smaller fitment group, eight-cylinder cars use a larger one, and the GTO special-size application introduces its own sizing distinction within the same 14-inch rim family.

That means tire selection should begin with the exact model configuration rather than with the year and nameplate alone. Owners should also confirm the actual wheels on the car, since a Tempest that has been modified over the years may no longer match its original tire-size group even though the rim diameter remains 14 inches.

On the 1968 Pontiac Tempest, 775-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is part of the smaller 14-inch fitment group used on certain six-cylinder applications, and available products in that size follow the traditional bias-ply construction and period-style presentation expected for a late-1960s intermediate Pontiac.

Owners who want to keep the car visually rooted in its era often stay with the bias-ply format and then choose among redline, goldline, blueline, or whitewall treatments. A radial alternative can still be considered, but that becomes a conversion decision rather than the original primary construction for the Tempest.

Radial equivalents for 775-14 include 195R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 750R14 as a bias-look radial. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 4-6 inches.

Those options give different sizing conventions and visual directions while staying in the same general comparison family. The 750R14 keeps a more traditional appearance, while the metric and P-metric sizes introduce more modern radial labeling, and each should be checked against wheel width, clearance, and the car’s actual ride-height and suspension setup.

Start by confirming the Tempest’s original size group, then compare the intended radial equivalent with the car’s 14-inch wheel diameter and actual wheel width. A six-cylinder Tempest using the 775-14 or F78-14 family does not share the same equivalent range as an eight-cylinder car using the 825-14 or G78-14 family.

Beyond wheel size, check steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and any changes to springs or ride height. A radial equivalent is a useful alternative, not an automatic replacement, so the owner should treat the conversion as a complete fitment review rather than only a simple size-label substitution.

Choosing a 775-14 tire starts with making sure the car is one of the Tempest sub-models that actually uses that size. Once that is confirmed, the main comparisons are among bias-ply product lines, sidewall treatments such as narrow whitewall, redline, goldline, or blueline, and the wheel-width requirements of the specific tire.

The best choice depends on how the Tempest is being presented and driven. A restoration-minded build may focus on period-style appearance, while a regular road car may lead the owner to compare the available radial equivalents as well, using wheel width and overall vehicle clearance as the deciding checks.

1968 Pontiac Tempest tires are available with several sidewall styles, depending on size. Across the primary fitments, the choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, goldline, blueline, and dual-white-stripe treatments, which gives the Tempest owner a broad range of traditional and performance-flavored appearances.

The right sidewall style depends on the exact tire size first, since not every style is offered in every Tempest fitment. After size is confirmed, sidewall choice becomes a visual decision tied to the car’s intended character, whether that means a restrained stock-type look, a bright restoration-style whitewall, or a sportier stripe treatment.

Tires for the 1968 Pontiac Tempest are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, US Royal, and Coker Classic. Brand choice depends partly on tire size, since some Tempest sizes have several brand options while others are represented by a more limited selection within a single bias-ply series.

Brand should be considered alongside size, sidewall treatment, and construction rather than by itself. A 775-14 buyer has a wider appearance spread to compare, while an F78-14 or certain larger sizes may narrow the field, making the visual style and rim-width compatibility more important than brand name alone.

A period-style 1968 Pontiac Tempest should begin with the correct primary size for its exact sub-model, using one of the original bias-ply fitment families on a 14-inch rim. From there, the choice shifts to presentation, with options that include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, goldline, blueline, and dual-white-stripe styling.

That approach keeps the tire decision anchored in proper fitment before appearance enters the picture. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare the chosen sidewall style with marque references, build documentation, or period photos, since a period-style tire can look appropriate without necessarily matching a specific factory delivery combination.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1968 Pontiac Tempest even when the rim diameter stays the same. The primary Tempest fitments are bias-ply, and that construction generally preserves the late-1960s tire presentation more naturally than a modern radial marked in metric or P-metric sizing.

A bias-look radial can narrow that visual gap for owners who want a more traditional appearance while considering radial construction. Even so, construction choice should still be balanced against wheel width, ride height, and the overall restoration goal, because appearance and fitment need to work together on a car from this era.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Pontiac Tempest even when the car still uses 14-inch wheels. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, different offset, lowered suspension, replacement springs, or body work around the fenders can all change how a primary tire size or radial equivalent sits on the car.

That matters most on a Tempest with multiple original size groups, because the car may already be starting from a specific six-cylinder, eight-cylinder, or GTO-related fitment. Measuring the actual wheel setup and checking steering and fender clearance is the safest way to avoid assuming that a correct-on-paper size will behave the same on a modified car.

Before driving a 1968 Pontiac Tempest on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, confirm proper inflation, and make sure there is clear space at the fenders and steering components. On a collector-era car, it is also smart to look over suspension and steering parts that may have aged while the vehicle spent time parked.

The tire itself should be checked for even seating and any early signs of air loss after installation. A short, careful road test can reveal rubbing, pull, or vibration that points to a wheel, balance, or clearance issue, and those checks become even more important when the car is changing from bias-ply to a radial-equivalent setup.

775-14 tires on a collector 1968 Pontiac Tempest should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Even a car that is driven sparingly can develop tire issues over time, so sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss deserve attention before every meaningful outing.

Storage habits matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use Tempest. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, while routine inspection of the wheels and suspension helps catch problems that can shorten tire life or affect how the car feels on the road.