1968 Toyota Corona Tires

A 1968 Toyota Corona uses either 165R13 in radial construction or 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with 13-inch rims, so the main fitment question is not wheel diameter but which construction style belongs on the car you are maintaining or restoring.

That distinction matters because a radial and a bias-ply tire can change both appearance and setup considerations. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been changed over the years, and decide whether the goal is a more period-style presentation or a radial alternative built around the same rim diameter.

The 1968 Toyota Corona uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 165R13 and the bias-ply 600-13 are both built around that same 13-inch wheel diameter, which keeps rim diameter simple even though construction choices differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, so wheel width still needs attention before a final tire choice is made. The available 600-13 bias-ply products suit a narrower wheel range than the 165R13 radial products, which is important if the car is still on original-style wheels or has been fitted with aftermarket replacements.

The 1968 Toyota Corona RT follows the same basic fitment pattern, using either 165R13 as a radial or 600-13 as a bias-ply size. That means the RT does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a unique tire-size family within this coverage.

Even with shared fitment, the right choice still depends on the wheel and the intended look of the car. An RT being restored with a traditional whitewall appearance may lean toward 600-13 bias-ply, while a driver-oriented setup may point toward 165R13, provided the wheel width and overall vehicle clearance are checked.

On a 1968 Toyota Corona, 600-13 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format, and the available products in this size are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with whitewall sidewall treatments rather than radial construction.

That makes 600-13 the traditional-looking option for owners who want a more period-style presentation. Since it shares the 13-inch rim diameter with the radial alternative, the larger decision becomes construction and wheel-width suitability, along with whether the car is being restored for appearance, occasional touring, or more regular road use.

Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. In that group, 165R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P165/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series option, and P175/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series alternative.

Those sizes give a buyer several modern radial comparison points without making them automatic replacements. A 4-to-5-inch recommended rim-width range is tied to the radial-equivalent path, so it is smart to confirm wheel width, compare the overall tire dimensions against the car’s setup, and check steering and body clearance before making the change.

A 1968 Toyota Corona can be set up with either 600-13 bias-ply tires or 165R13 radial tires, so the choice depends on how the car is being used and presented. Bias-ply keeps the traditional construction style, while the radial option follows a more modern tire format on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

Owners focused on restoration character often start with the bias-ply size, especially when whitewall appearance matters. A radial may be more appealing for someone prioritizing a radial-style setup, but the car’s actual wheel width, suspension condition, and available clearance should be reviewed first rather than assuming any alternative will behave the same.

Start with the correct size and construction for the way the 1968 Toyota Corona is being used. The primary decision is between 600-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial, since both fit 13-inch rims but represent different tire types, sidewall treatments, and wheel-width expectations.

After that, compare the car’s actual wheel width, the appearance you want, and the product range within each size. The bias-ply side offers whitewall choices through BFGoodrich, while the radial side includes Michelin and Dunlop blackwall options, so the final decision usually comes down to construction style, presentation, and wheel compatibility.

Sidewall styling for the 1968 Toyota Corona depends on the tire size and construction chosen. The 165R13 radial products are offered as blackwall tires, while the 600-13 bias-ply products are available with either a wide whitewall or a narrow whitewall treatment.

That makes sidewall choice a meaningful part of the buying decision rather than just a cosmetic detail. A whitewall bias-ply tire supports a stronger period-style look, while a blackwall radial gives the car a cleaner and more understated presentation, so it helps to decide whether appearance or construction style is driving the purchase.

Tires for the 1968 Toyota Corona are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich covers the 600-13 bias-ply side through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and sidewall style rather than treated as a standalone decision. Since the radial and bias-ply offerings serve different goals, the better question is whether the Corona is being equipped for a traditional whitewall look, a blackwall radial presentation, or a setup that matches its existing wheels most closely.

For a period-style 1968 Toyota Corona, the 600-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and the traditional bias-ply construction. Available choices in that size also include whitewall treatments, which can be an important part of the car’s overall presentation.

The final appearance still depends on details such as whitewall width, wheel style, and how closely the car is being restored to a particular delivery-era look. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the tire choice against period photos, marque references, or restoration documentation rather than assuming every tire sold in the correct size matches factory practice.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1968 Toyota Corona more than many owners expect. A 600-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 165R13 radial in blackwall form creates a later and more modern-looking tire profile on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

That difference matters even before the car is driven. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the way a whitewall bias-ply complements the sedan’s late-1960s look, while a radial may suit a more road-focused car, so appearance goals should be settled early before choosing among sidewall styles and product lines.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1968 Toyota Corona, even when the nominal size remains 600-13 or 165R13. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence whether a tire clears properly in steering and suspension travel.

A car that has been in service for decades often differs from its original setup, so it helps to inspect what is actually on the vehicle before choosing a tire. Measure the wheel diameter and width, look for rubbing marks, and confirm clearance around the fenders and front suspension before committing to either the bias-ply or radial path.

Before driving a 1968 Toyota Corona on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall condition of the suspension and steering components. It also helps to verify that the selected tire size matches the wheel and that there is no interference at full steering lock or over normal suspension movement.

Collector cars can develop issues while sitting, so the tires themselves are only part of the readiness check. Confirm inflation, look over the wheel hardware, and take a short test drive while paying attention to vibration, pull, or contact noise, especially if the car has changed from bias-ply to radial construction or has non-original wheels.

Tires on a collector 1968 Toyota Corona should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, whether the car is running 600-13 bias-ply tires or 165R13 radials. Low annual mileage does not prevent age and storage conditions from affecting tire condition.

Good maintenance also means protecting the car from long periods of heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure during storage. Checking pressure before each drive, moving the vehicle periodically, and watching for changes in ride feel can help catch problems early, especially on a vintage sedan that may spend more time parked than on the road.