1968 Sunbeam Arrow Tires

A 1968 Sunbeam Arrow can use either 165R13 in radial construction or 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the model and both use a 13-inch rim, so the correct replacement depends on which construction and wheel setup the car currently has.

That means the smartest first check is the actual tire size already mounted, followed by wheel width and general clearance. Since this Arrow can appear with either a bias-ply or radial fitment, choosing by year and model alone is not enough. Matching the car's current configuration is usually the cleanest way to avoid appearance surprises or wheel-compatibility issues.

The 1968 Sunbeam Arrow uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is running 165R13 radial tires or 600-13 bias-ply tires, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the sizing format and construction differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though, because wheel width also matters when choosing between these sizes. The available 165R13 radial products suit a wider wheel range than the 600-13 bias-ply options. Measuring the actual wheel before replacement helps keep the tire choice aligned with both the size and the intended construction.

On a 1968 Sunbeam Arrow, 600-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 portion represents a nominal section width of about 6.00 inches, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. It is a traditional vintage sizing format rather than a modern metric radial designation.

That older size code matters because it points to both the construction style and the visual character of the tire. A 600-13 Arrow can be kept in bias-ply form for a traditional look, or it can be compared against radial equivalents such as 165R13. Wheel width and overall setup should be checked before changing formats.

For the 1968 Sunbeam Arrow, 600-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and is separate from the Arrow's 165R13 radial fitment. Owners looking at 600-13 are dealing with the traditional construction side of this vehicle's tire choices.

That distinction affects both appearance and selection. Available 600-13 choices focus on BFGoodrich bias-ply tires with whitewall treatments, while radial-style options belong to different equivalent or alternate size paths. Before changing construction, confirm the wheel width and make sure the car's steering and body clearance suit the tire being considered.

Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These give the 1968 Sunbeam Arrow owner several radial comparison points without changing away from the 13-inch rim diameter.

Each equivalent uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about radial construction but also about profile and wheel compatibility. The recommended rim-width range for the equivalent group is 4 to 5 inches. Checking the actual wheel and available clearance remains important before treating any of these sizes as a usable alternative.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width, then compare the Arrow's current 600-13 setup against the radial size being considered, such as 165R13, P165/75R13, or P175/70R13. Radial conversion is more than a construction change, because size format, wheel-width suitability, and overall fit on the car all come into play.

A careful inspection should also include fender and steering clearance, suspension condition, and the age and condition of the existing wheels. On a lightly used collector car, it is also wise to look for rubbing marks, uneven wear, or prior modifications. Those checks help determine whether a radial alternative is a sound fit for the specific Arrow in front of you.

The main considerations are staying with the correct 600-13 bias-ply size, matching the 13-inch wheel, and deciding what visual style suits the car. In this size, the available BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options focus on whitewall presentation rather than multiple construction types or tread families.

Wheel width matters here because the available 600-13 products are intended for a narrower rim range than the radial alternatives. It also helps to decide early whether the goal is a traditional restoration-oriented appearance or whether a radial equivalent should be explored instead. That keeps the selection process focused and avoids mixing appearance goals with incompatible wheel setups.

Sidewall choices for the 1968 Sunbeam Arrow include blackwall and whitewall styles, depending on tire size and construction. The 165R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 600-13 bias-ply choices are available with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments.

That split makes sidewall appearance part of the larger size-and-construction decision rather than a separate cosmetic detail. A blackwall radial gives the Arrow a different visual character than a whitewall bias-ply tire. Owners who are trying to shape the car's period presentation should choose the sidewall style only after confirming which tire size and wheel setup the car will use.

The 1968 Sunbeam Arrow has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side with blackwall products, while BFGoodrich covers the 600-13 bias-ply side with whitewall options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

Brand choice should follow fitment choice, not replace it. Once the correct size and construction are confirmed, the useful comparisons become tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability. That approach keeps the decision grounded in how the Arrow is actually set up instead of selecting a brand first and trying to force the fitment afterward.

A period-style 1968 Sunbeam Arrow usually starts with deciding whether the car's presentation should follow a traditional bias-ply look or a later radial-type appearance. The 600-13 bias-ply size is the more traditional route, while 165R13 keeps the car in a vintage European radial format on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

That decision affects more than style alone, because available sidewalls differ with the size. The bias-ply choices include narrow and wide whitewalls, while the radial products are blackwalls. If exact originality is important, the safest path is to compare the tire choice against period photos, marque references, or vehicle-specific restoration documentation before settling on appearance.

Tire construction changes the restored look of a 1968 Sunbeam Arrow because the available bias-ply and radial options present the car differently. A 600-13 bias-ply tire carries a more traditional vintage feel, especially with whitewall styling, while the 165R13 radial choices give the car a blackwall European road-car character.

For many restorations, that visual difference is just as important as the size itself. Construction choice also influences the range of products available, since the Arrow's radial and bias-ply paths do not share the same sidewall treatments. Settling on the intended appearance first usually makes it easier to narrow the tire options without second-guessing the overall presentation.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Sunbeam Arrow even when the tire size itself looks appropriate. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, or body alterations can all influence how either 165R13 radial tires or 600-13 bias-ply tires sit and clear on the car.

That is why a modified Arrow should be checked as an individual vehicle rather than treated as a stock example. Looking at steering clearance, fender clearance, and the actual wheel dimensions helps prevent surprises. A car that has been lowered or changed over time may need closer measurement before either of the Arrow's primary tire sizes is selected.

Before driving a 1968 Sunbeam Arrow on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, check that the tires are properly seated and inflated, and make sure there is no contact at the fenders or steering stops. It also helps to verify that the chosen size matches the car's current construction and wheel setup.

A short initial road check is useful for spotting pull, vibration, or unexpected rubbing before taking the car on a longer outing. Collector cars also deserve a look at suspension bushings, wheel bearings, and brake condition, since those can affect how a newly mounted tire behaves. Early inspection makes the first miles more predictable and informative.

Collector-car tires on a 1968 Sunbeam Arrow should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 600-13 bias-ply tires or 165R13 radials, attention should go to cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any signs of slow air loss after the car has been sitting.

Low annual mileage does not eliminate aging, so a stored Arrow should still be inspected before road use. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires over time. Periodic wheel and clearance checks are also worthwhile, especially after service work or long storage intervals.