The 1970 Nissan 2000 sits in the era of lightweight Japanese sports cars that earned their reputation through balanced proportions, open-top driving, and a direct mechanical feel. For owners restoring one or keeping it on the road, tire choice has a real effect on both appearance and behavior. This car uses two 14-inch fitment paths: a 560-14 bias-ply for a traditional period-style presentation and a 165R14 radial for a more modern vintage radial approach. Available choices range from blackwall bias-ply and whitewall bias-ply options to classic blackwall radials from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. The key is deciding whether authenticity of look, road manners, or a blend of both matters most for your Sports model.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1970 Nissan 2000
The 1970 Nissan 2000 uses two primary tire sizes, and the choice is tied mainly to construction rather than a different wheel diameter. Both fitments use a 14-inch rim on the Sports model, so the real decision is whether to stay with the traditional 560-14 bias-ply format or move to the 165R14 radial format. Identifying your wheel setup and restoration goals comes first before comparing specific tires.
A 165R14 uses a 165-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter, with this format commonly associated with an 80-series profile. On a 1970 Nissan 2000, it represents the more modern vintage-style fitment choice while still keeping the car on the correct rim diameter. Available options include blackwall radials from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in series such as Cinturato CA67, XAS, and Sprint Classic. This size is worth considering if road use, classic radial appearance, and compatibility with an existing 14-inch wheel setup are your main priorities.
A 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 560 designation reflects a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, paired with a 14-inch rim. On the 1970 Nissan 2000, this size supports a more traditional period-style tire presentation and retains the character associated with vintage bias-ply construction. Available choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply products in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form. This size makes the most sense when the goal is to preserve an earlier look, confirm narrow wheel compatibility, and keep the car visually aligned with a restoration-oriented setup.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1970 Nissan 2000 sub-model because the Sports model can be equipped with either the radial or bias-ply 14-inch tire size. Checking the sub-model still matters because it confirms that the page applies to your exact car before you decide between the two construction types.
1
1970 Nissan 2000 Sports
The 1970 Nissan 2000 Sports can use either the 165R14 radial or the 560-14 bias-ply tire size on a 14-inch rim. That gives the owner a clear choice between a more traditional restoration-oriented bias-ply look and a vintage radial setup that should still be checked against the actual wheel dimensions on the car.
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 1970 Nissan 2000 Tires for Sale
Available 1970 Nissan 2000 tire choices split cleanly between 165R14 blackwall radials from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein and 560-14 BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form. The product grid is where to compare construction, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specifications.
These 1970 Nissan 2000 tire FAQs focus on the two primary 14-inch fitments, how the Sports model uses them, and what to consider when choosing between vintage radial and bias-ply construction, appearance, and road-use readiness.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1970 Nissan 2000?
The 1970 Nissan 2000 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R14 in radial construction and 560-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes apply to the 1970 Nissan 2000 Sports and both use a 14-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction and tire style best suit the car.
Choosing between them depends on the wheel actually on the vehicle and the result you want. A 560-14 suits a traditional period-style presentation, while a 165R14 moves the car into a classic radial format. Before selecting either one, confirm the wheel width, inspect clearance at full steering lock, and account for any aftermarket wheel or suspension changes.
What size rim does a 1970 Nissan 2000 use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 1970 Nissan 2000 use a 14-inch rim diameter. That is true for the 165R14 radial fitment and the 560-14 bias-ply fitment, so the car stays within the same basic wheel diameter even though the tire sizing systems are different.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older sports car. The 165R14 radial products and the 560-14 bias-ply products do not share the same rim-width requirements, so measuring the actual wheel on the car matters. A previous owner may also have changed wheels, which makes a quick visual check more important than relying on appearance alone.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1970 Nissan 2000?
A 560-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 portion represents a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, and the 14 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1970 Nissan 2000, it is the bias-ply fitment option and gives the car a more traditional vintage tire profile and visual character.
That older sizing format matters because it points you toward a different type of tire than a modern metric radial. A 560-14 bias-ply tire should be chosen with close attention to wheel width and intended use, especially if the car has been modified. It is also the better starting point when the goal is a restoration-oriented look instead of a classic radial driving setup.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1970 Nissan 2000?
On the 1970 Nissan 2000, 560-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format associated with vintage bias-ply construction, while the car's alternate primary fitment, 165R14, is the radial option. The two sizes share the same 14-inch rim diameter but represent different construction choices and a different period feel.
That distinction affects more than the sidewall label. Bias-ply and radial tires can call for different wheel-width ranges and can change the car's visual stance and road manners. Keeping the car consistent on all four corners and checking the actual wheel dimensions before a construction change are the most important next steps for a Nissan 2000 owner.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1970 Nissan 2000?
A 1970 Nissan 2000 can be equipped with either a 560-14 bias-ply tire or a 165R14 radial tire, so the right choice depends on how the car is being presented and driven. Bias-ply tires support a more traditional period-style appearance, while the radial size gives access to classic blackwall radial options from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein.
The best way to decide is to start with the car's wheel dimensions and your ownership goals. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward the bias-ply format, while a car driven more regularly may point toward the radial route. Either way, confirm wheel width, check clearance, and avoid mixing construction types casually without evaluating the complete setup.
What should I check before converting my 1970 Nissan 2000 from bias-ply to radial tires?
The first checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, and the tire size you plan to use. A 1970 Nissan 2000 stays on a 14-inch rim in either primary fitment, but the available 165R14 radial products include rim-width requirements that differ from the 560-14 bias-ply range. Construction change should never be treated as automatic just because the rim diameter matches.
Road clearance matters just as much on a compact vintage sports car. Inspect the front and rear wheel openings, check steering clearance lock to lock, and account for any suspension settling or modifications. It also helps to evaluate how the car will be used, since a show-oriented presentation and a driver-focused setup may lead you toward different tire choices.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1970 Nissan 2000?
Start with the two valid fitment paths for the 1970 Nissan 2000: 560-14 bias-ply or 165R14 radial. That first decision shapes everything else, including appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and the types of products available. Once the construction is settled, compare brand, sidewall style, tire series, and any published load or rim-width details that apply to the exact tire.
A buyer choosing for road use may focus on classic radial offerings such as Pirelli, Michelin, or Vredestein, while a buyer aiming for a traditional presentation may prefer the BFGoodrich bias-ply line. The car's actual wheels should guide the final decision, especially if they are not original-style. Tire age, storage history, and the intended use of the car also deserve attention.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Nissan 2000 tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 1970 Nissan 2000 depend on which primary tire size you choose. The 165R14 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-14 bias-ply options are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form. That means sidewall appearance is closely tied to the construction and size path you select first.
A blackwall radial keeps the presentation simple and sporting, while the whitewall bias-ply choices create a more styled vintage look. Since sidewall treatment changes the character of the car visually, it is worth deciding whether the Nissan 2000 is being restored for a conservative period-style appearance or personalized within the correct basic fitment range.
What brands offer tires for the 1970 Nissan 2000?
The 1970 Nissan 2000 has tire options from several established vintage tire brands. In 165R14 radial form, choices include Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. In 560-14 bias-ply form, the available options are from BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with blackwall and whitewall variations depending on the look you want.
Brand choice should come after confirming the correct size and construction for the car. Once that is set, compare series character, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and any load information supplied with the individual tire. Since each brand offering here sits within a distinct fitment path, avoid choosing by brand name alone without checking the basic setup first.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1970 Nissan 2000?
For a period-style 1970 Nissan 2000, the 560-14 bias-ply fitment is the strongest visual starting point. It uses the older numeric size format and is available in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form, which keeps the car in a distinctly vintage presentation. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions offer different restoration-oriented directions within that size.
The right choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what visual character you want the finished Nissan 2000 to project. Exact originality claims should be checked against marque references or historical documentation for your specific car. Even on a show-focused build, wheel width and basic clearance still need to be confirmed before final selection.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1970 Nissan 2000?
Tire construction changes the visual language of a restored 1970 Nissan 2000 more than many owners expect. A 560-14 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage stance and opens the door to blackwall or whitewall presentations, while a 165R14 radial creates a more modern classic-sports-car look with blackwall sidewalls and radial sizing conventions.
That difference matters because a restoration can aim for several valid outcomes, from preservation-style authenticity to a subtly updated driver. The tire should support the overall theme instead of fighting it. Construction also affects wheel-width compatibility, so appearance and fitment should be evaluated together rather than treating the tire as a purely cosmetic decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1970 Nissan 2000?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1970 Nissan 2000 even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or bodywork differences can all influence how a 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply tire sits in the car's wheel openings and how much steering clearance remains.
That is why the actual car should be checked before choosing between the two fitment paths. Measure the installed wheel, inspect inner and outer clearance, and turn the steering from lock to lock on the front axle. A modified Nissan 2000 may still use one of the correct sizes, but the complete wheel-and-suspension combination needs to be verified first.
What should I inspect before driving a 1970 Nissan 2000 on new tires?
Before driving a 1970 Nissan 2000 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and mounting condition, then confirm that the tires are correctly seated and inflated for service. It is also smart to check for interference at the fenders and suspension, especially if the car has been sitting for long periods or has any non-stock wheel or ride-height changes.
A short, careful first drive is the best follow-up. Listen for rubbing, watch for vibration, and recheck pressure after the initial outing. Older sports cars can hide worn steering, suspension, or brake parts that only become obvious once fresh tires are fitted, so overall chassis condition deserves attention along with the tires themselves.
How should tires on a collector 1970 Nissan 2000 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1970 Nissan 2000 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 165R14 radials or 560-14 bias-ply tires, look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss. Low-use collector cars often age tires by time and environment rather than by mileage alone.
Storage conditions make a difference on a car like this. Keep the Nissan 2000 away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and inspect the tires before each driving season or long trip. Periodic wheel and alignment checks also help protect the tires, particularly if the car has been parked for extended stretches between drives.