1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon Tires

A 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon uses two primary tire sizes: 185R14 in radial construction and 700-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are tied to the same 14-inch rim diameter, so the fitment decision is less about wheel diameter and more about which tire construction and sizing system matches the vehicle's setup and intended use.

That means the next step is confirming whether the Bus still has wheels suited to the tire you want to run. A radial 185R14 and a bias-ply 700-14 do not present the same buying considerations, so it helps to decide early whether the goal is a traditional look, a radial-format driving setup, or a restoration-minded balance between appearance and road use.

The 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon uses a 14-inch rim with both supported tire sizes. The radial 185R14 and the bias-ply 700-14 are both built around that same rim diameter, which keeps wheel diameter simple even though the tire constructions and sizing formats differ.

Rim diameter is only the first check, though. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a bias-ply tire with a radial alternative, because the supported rim-width ranges are not identical across the available products. Measuring the actual wheel on the Bus is worthwhile if it has replacement wheels, mixed wheels, or an older restoration with changes made over time.

700-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 700 refers to the nominal section width in the older inch-based format, and the 14 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon, it represents the traditional bias-ply choice rather than the radial-format 185R14 option.

That older sizing system matters because it usually appeals to owners trying to keep a more period-style tire presentation. It also means the buyer should not assume a modern metric radial with the same rim diameter behaves the same way in appearance or wheel fitment. Matching the tire type to the Bus's wheels, suspension condition, and restoration goals is the smarter approach.

On the 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon, 700-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the vintage numeric format used for the traditional construction choice on this vehicle, while 185R14 is the radial-format alternative that also fits the Station Wagon's 14-inch wheel diameter.

That distinction matters because bias-ply and radial tires are selected for different reasons. A 700-14 bias-ply leans toward a more traditional presentation, while a radial-format setup changes the tire choice path and may involve a different wheel-width range. Before switching constructions, it is smart to confirm wheel width, overall tire clearance, and whether the Bus is being kept close to a period-style restoration.

Radial equivalents for 700-14 include 185R14 as the 80-series metric radial option, P195/75R14 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, and P205/70R14 as the P-metric 70-series radial option. These are equivalent-size choices for owners comparing a vintage bias-ply size to more modern radial sizing conventions.

Each equivalent follows a different sizing format, so the choice is not just about finding any 14-inch radial. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and the actual fit should still be checked against the Bus's wheels and available clearance. Equivalent sizing is useful guidance, but the final decision still depends on the vehicle's actual setup.

A conversion from 700-14 bias-ply to a radial on a 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon starts with wheel compatibility. Radial equivalents for that size include 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14, and the equivalent range calls for a 4 to 6 inch rim width. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and the specific radial size under consideration should all be confirmed first.

Beyond the wheel itself, it helps to inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the overall stance of the Bus before committing to a radial setup. A vehicle that has been lowered, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels deserves extra attention. The goal is to make sure the radial alternative suits the actual vehicle rather than assuming every equivalent-size option behaves the same way.

Start with the basic decision between the two primary fitments: 700-14 bias-ply or 185R14 radial. That choice affects not only construction, but also the look of the Bus and the product options available within the correct size. Both use a 14-inch rim, but their buying paths differ once sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility enter the picture.

From there, compare the tire against how the Station Wagon is actually used. A restoration-focused Bus may point toward the traditional bias-ply size, while a regularly driven vehicle may lead an owner toward the radial-format choices. Sidewall appearance, brand preference, and whether the wheel dimensions still match the intended tire are often the details that settle the final selection.

Sidewall choices for the 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon include blackwall and narrow whitewall, depending on the tire size and product selected. The 185R14 radial options include both blackwall and narrow whitewall versions, and the 700-14 bias-ply options are also available in blackwall and narrow whitewall form.

That gives the owner some room to shape the vehicle's visual character without changing the basic size path. A blackwall keeps the presentation simple and understated, while a narrow whitewall adds a more styled vintage look. Since sidewall treatment does not override fitment, the best approach is to choose the correct size and construction first, then decide which sidewall style suits the Bus.

Tire choices for the 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon come from Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, and BFGoodrich. Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein cover the 185R14 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich covers the 700-14 bias-ply size. That split is useful because brand selection here is closely tied to the construction and size path you choose.

Rather than treating brand as the only decision, it helps to compare each option by size, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility. A buyer looking at 185R14 has multiple radial brands to weigh, while 700-14 centers on BFGoodrich within a traditional bias-ply format. The strongest comparison comes from matching the brand choice to the vehicle's appearance goals and wheel setup.

For a period-style 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon, the 700-14 bias-ply is the most traditional starting point. Its vintage numeric sizing and bias-ply construction align naturally with an older tire presentation, especially for owners who want the Bus to retain a more historically familiar look rather than moving immediately to a radial-format tire.

That does not automatically make every 700-14 the right restoration answer for every Bus. Sidewall style still changes the overall impression, and exact originality can depend on vehicle history, market, and restoration standard. When authenticity matters at a high level, checking marque references or restoration documentation alongside the tire choice helps keep appearance decisions grounded.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon more than many buyers expect. A 700-14 bias-ply gives the Bus a more traditional vintage stance, while a 185R14 radial usually reads as a more modernized choice even when it stays within an appropriate 14-inch wheel diameter.

The sidewall treatment then fine-tunes that look. Blackwall keeps the presentation restrained, while narrow whitewall adds a stronger period-style accent. Owners balancing restoration appearance with road use often compare construction first and sidewall style second, because that sequence keeps the major visual decision tied to the tire's overall character instead of reducing the choice to trim details alone.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon. Even though the supported sizes center on a 14-inch rim, changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, or suspension work can change how a 185R14 radial or 700-14 bias-ply sits in the wheel opening and clears surrounding components.

A Bus that has been lowered or fitted with non-stock wheels deserves a careful check before a tire is chosen simply by size code. Measuring actual wheel width, checking steering travel, and looking for fender or suspension clearance issues can prevent surprises. That is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial setups, since the construction choice can change the overall fitment conversation.

Before driving a 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and basic suspension condition, then make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size and construction for the vehicle's setup. It also helps to verify inflation, look over tread and sidewalls, and confirm there is no contact with fenders, steering parts, or suspension components.

A short, careful road test is a smart follow-up after installation. Pay attention to any rubbing, pull, vibration, or unusual feel at low speed before moving into normal use. On an older Bus, tire installation is also a good time to check wheel fastener condition and revisit alignment or chassis issues that may have been hidden by aged or worn tires.

Tires on a collector 1968 Volkswagen Station Wagon should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, even if the Bus is driven only occasionally. Low-mileage collector vehicles can age tires out before they wear them out, so appearance alone should not be the only standard used to judge roadworthiness.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage. Keeping the Bus away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives, and maintaining proper inflation helps the casing hold its shape. A vehicle that sits for long periods benefits from periodic checks and a close look before any longer trip, especially after seasonal storage.