The 1970 Nissan Patrol came from an era when four-wheel-drive utility vehicles were built for durability, simple serviceability, and real off-road work rather than luxury. That gives tire choice a different emphasis than it would on a passenger car, because the right fitment needs to support the Patrol’s rugged character and 15-inch wheel setup. For this model year, primary tire fitment centers on 6.50-15 and 700-15 bias-ply sizes. Within those sizes, the choices lean toward traditional blackwall utility tires, with some whitewall and military- or truck-style offerings in 700-15. The key is matching the exact size on the vehicle and choosing a tire that suits restoration goals, road use, and wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1970 Nissan Patrol
The 1970 Nissan Patrol uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply tires for 15-inch rims. Because the 4WD sub-model can use either 6.50-15 or 700-15, the first step is confirming which size is already on the vehicle and checking the wheel width before choosing among available tire styles and service-oriented designs.
The 6.50-15 size uses a traditional numeric bias-ply format, where 6.50 refers to nominal section width in inches and 15 identifies the rim diameter. On a 1970 Nissan Patrol, this is a period-style utility fitment that keeps the vehicle in its original bias-ply sizing language. Bias-ply construction suits owners who want a traditional driving feel and vintage presentation rather than a modernized tire profile. This size is worth confirming when the Patrol retains its narrower original-style wheel and the goal is to stay close to a classic 4x4 tire appearance.
The 700-15 size is also a traditional numeric bias-ply format, with the leading number representing nominal section width and the final number showing the 15-inch rim diameter. For the 1970 Nissan Patrol, 700-15 brings the broadest selection, including Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offerings across classic bias-ply, military-style, traction, and highway-oriented series. Sidewall choices include mostly blackwall options, along with wide whitewall versions for a more distinct vintage look. It is the size to examine closely when tire style, load-related specifications, and working-truck character all matter in the final decision.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, but tire choice still matters because the 4WD Patrol can use more than one primary size. Checking the exact size already fitted to the vehicle helps narrow the decision before comparing tire style, construction details, and wheel compatibility.
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1970 Nissan Patrol (4WD)
The 1970 Nissan Patrol 4WD uses bias-ply tires in 6.50-15 or 700-15 on 15-inch rims. That means tire selection starts with confirming which size the truck is set up for, then choosing between a more traditional utility presentation and the broader range of 700-15 product styles.
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 Patrol Tires for Sale
Available 1970 Nissan Patrol tire choices are concentrated in 700-15, with Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA options spanning classic bias-ply, military-style, traction, and highway series. Sidewall treatments range from blackwall to wide whitewall, and some products also differ in rim-width specification and load-related details.
Common 1970 Nissan Patrol tire questions usually come down to choosing between 6.50-15 and 700-15, understanding the 15-inch rim setup, and sorting through restoration-style versus utility-oriented bias-ply options. Owners also tend to ask about wheel changes, inspection, and road-use checks on older 4WD trucks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1970 Nissan Patrol?
A 1970 Nissan Patrol uses 6.50-15 or 700-15 tires, and both are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims. The covered 4WD Patrol configuration can use either of those primary sizes, so the vehicle is not limited to just one numeric fitment code.
The practical step is to confirm which size the Patrol is already set up to use before choosing a replacement. Checking the tire sidewall, wheel width, and overall wheel setup helps prevent confusion, especially on older utility vehicles that may have seen replacement wheels or long-term service changes over the years.
What size rim does a 1970 Nissan Patrol use?
The 1970 Nissan Patrol uses a 15-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. Both 6.50-15 and 700-15 are built around that 15-inch wheel diameter, so rim diameter stays consistent even though more than one tire size is used on the vehicle.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth checking the wheel width before selecting a tire. That matters most with 700-15 products, since some carry a stated rim-width range, and the Patrol may have replacement wheels that differ from its original-style setup.
Why does the 1970 Nissan Patrol have more than one tire size?
The 1970 Nissan Patrol has more than one primary tire size because both 6.50-15 and 700-15 are used on this model year’s 4WD fitment. They share the same 15-inch rim diameter, but they represent different numeric bias-ply sizes within the Patrol’s overall vintage utility tire range.
That means the right choice depends less on model-year identity and more on the actual wheel-and-tire setup on the truck. Looking at the tires currently installed, confirming wheel width, and checking clearance around suspension and bodywork is the best way to sort out which of the two primary sizes belongs on a specific Patrol.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1970 Nissan Patrol?
Choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1970 Nissan Patrol starts with matching the correct size and bias-ply construction, then comparing the kind of tire the truck needs. In this size, options range from classic bias-ply designs to military- and truck-oriented tread styles, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments also available.
After size, think about how the Patrol will be used and how you want it to look. A restoration-minded truck may call for a more traditional appearance, while a work-focused or military-style build may point toward traction or transport-style series. Wheel-width compatibility and load-related specifications are worth checking before making the final choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Nissan Patrol tires?
Sidewall choices for 1970 Nissan Patrol tires in 700-15 include blackwall and wide whitewall. Blackwall is the more common presentation across the available utility, military-style, and highway-oriented options, while wide whitewall versions appear in classic bias-ply offerings from Firestone and BFGoodrich.
That gives the Patrol owner a meaningful appearance decision even within the same overall size. Blackwall usually suits a more functional truck presentation, while wide whitewall creates a more stylized vintage look. The best choice depends on whether the vehicle is being finished as a rugged 4x4, a restoration-oriented show piece, or something between those two.
What brands offer tires for the 1970 Nissan Patrol?
Tires for the 1970 Nissan Patrol are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA in the 700-15 size. Those brands cover several different tire series, including classic bias-ply designs as well as utility, military-style, traction, and transport-focused options.
Brand choice is only one part of the decision, because the more important differences often come from tire series, sidewall style, and service character. A Patrol owner should compare whether the tire is aimed at traditional appearance, highway use, or a more work-truck presentation, while also confirming that the wheel setup matches the tire’s intended rim range where stated.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1970 Nissan Patrol?
A period-style 1970 Nissan Patrol usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 6.50-15 or 700-15, depending on the truck’s actual setup. Staying with bias-ply construction preserves the vehicle’s vintage sizing language and keeps the overall look more in line with an older four-wheel-drive utility vehicle.
From there, the decision shifts to presentation and intended use. A traditional blackwall tire often suits the Patrol’s rugged character, while a wide whitewall can create a more stylized vintage look. When exact originality matters, it is smart to compare the vehicle against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation before settling on a sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1970 Nissan Patrol?
Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1970 Nissan Patrol because bias-ply tires carry the older sizing style and profile associated with the truck’s era. On this model, both primary fitments are bias-ply, so the construction itself contributes to the Patrol’s traditional stance and overall vintage utility presentation.
Appearance is only part of the picture, since construction also influences how the truck feels on the road. For a restoration-oriented Patrol, keeping the correct style of bias-ply tire often matters as much as selecting the right size. That is especially true when the goal is to preserve the truck’s original-era character rather than modernize its look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1970 Nissan Patrol?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1970 Nissan Patrol, even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Changes to wheels, ride height, springs, steering components, or body clearance can alter how a 6.50-15 or 700-15 tire sits and moves through its full range of travel.
A modified Patrol should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, sidewall clearance, and interference at steering lock or suspension compression before new tires go into service. Older 4WD vehicles are especially likely to have seen setup changes over time, so a careful inspection is more useful than assuming the truck still matches a stock configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1970 Nissan Patrol on new tires?
Before driving a 1970 Nissan Patrol on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that the tires are seated properly, and confirm inflation is appropriate for the tire and vehicle setup. It also makes sense to look over the suspension, steering components, and brake hardware on an older utility vehicle.
A short clearance check is important before regular road use. Turn the steering from lock to lock, watch for rubbing, and recheck for any signs of air loss after the first drive. On a collector-era Patrol, it is also wise to inspect wheel fasteners, valve stems, and the overall condition of any wheels that may have been in service for decades.
How should 700-15 tires on a collector 1970 Nissan Patrol be maintained?
700-15 tires on a collector 1970 Nissan Patrol should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Because older four-wheel-drive vehicles are often driven less frequently, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss can go unnoticed longer than they would on a daily-driven vehicle.
Good maintenance also means keeping the Patrol away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources during storage whenever possible. Tires should be inspected before any longer drive, especially after the truck has been sitting. Looking at tread wear patterns and checking for clearance issues can also reveal alignment or suspension problems before they become more serious.
