1970 Nissan PL510 Tires

The 1970 Nissan PL510 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 13-inch wheels, but they represent different tire types, different wheel-width needs, and different visual character on the car.

Choosing between them starts with the setup already on the car and the goal for the vehicle. A restoration-oriented PL510 may lean toward the traditional 560-13 bias-ply look, while a driver-focused car may use the 165R13 radial format. Wheel width should be confirmed before making the final choice, especially if the car has replacement wheels.

The 1970 Nissan PL510 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 165R13 radial fitment and to the 560-13 bias-ply fitment, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though tire construction changes.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture. Wheel width also matters, because the available 165R13 radial products and 560-13 bias-ply products do not share the same width ranges. A quick measurement of the actual wheel helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the diameter but falls outside the wheel's intended width range.

Yes. The 1970 Nissan PL510 Sedan follows the same fitment pattern as the model core, using either a 165R13 radial or a 560-13 bias-ply tire. Both choices stay within the 13-inch rim diameter used on this application.

That makes the sedan's tire decision less about trim differences and more about construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility. If the sedan has been restored, modified, or fitted with different wheels over the years, checking actual wheel width and current clearance is still worthwhile before settling on either the radial or bias-ply option.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1970 Nissan PL510. It uses the older numeric sizing system common to many period vehicles, and the available products in this size are classic bias-ply tires rather than radials.

That matters because a bias-ply PL510 will present and feel different from one running metric radials. Buyers choosing 560-13 often focus on period-style appearance, including whitewall options, while buyers considering a change should also confirm wheel width and review whether the car's suspension, alignment, and general setup are ready for a construction change.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those represent three different radial sizing approaches: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a lower-profile 70-series P-metric radial.

These sizes are useful alternatives, not automatic replacements. The recommended rim-width range attached to the equivalent group is 4 to 5 inches, and the final decision should also account for wheel compatibility and clearance on the car. That is especially important if the PL510 has aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or any changes from its original wheel-and-tire setup.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width on the car, then compare that wheel to the radial size being considered. For a PL510 moving away from 560-13 bias-ply tires, 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13 are the radial-equivalent sizes to evaluate.

Clearance at the fenders, steering range, and suspension should be inspected before making the switch, especially on a car that has sat for long periods or has been modified. It also helps to look at the vehicle's intended use. A period-style restoration may favor staying with bias-ply, while a driver-oriented car may justify a radial alternative.

The first decision is whether the car should stay with a 560-13 bias-ply tire or use a 165R13 radial. After that, the important factors are wheel width, construction type, sidewall appearance, and the kind of use the PL510 will see, whether that is show presentation, weekend driving, or regular road use.

Available products create two distinct paths. The radial side centers on blackwall Michelin and Dunlop choices, while the bias-ply side includes BFGoodrich and Firestone tires with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling. Choosing well means matching the tire not just to the car's size, but also to the wheel, the visual goal, and how the car will actually be driven.

The 1970 Nissan PL510 has both blackwall and whitewall sidewall choices, depending on the tire size and construction selected. The 165R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options are available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.

That makes sidewall style part of the overall direction of the car. A blackwall radial gives the PL510 a cleaner, more understated road-car look, while a whitewall bias-ply pushes the car toward a more traditional vintage presentation. Sidewall style should be chosen alongside the correct size and construction, not as a separate cosmetic decision.

Tires for the 1970 Nissan PL510 are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 165R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the 560-13 bias-ply fitment.

Brand choice only becomes meaningful after the correct size and construction path are settled. Once that is clear, the buyer can compare details such as tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility within the applicable size. The strongest comparison is usually between products serving the same fitment goal rather than across the radial and bias-ply categories.

For a period-style 1970 Nissan PL510, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the older numeric sizing format and the traditional construction associated with many cars of the era. It also opens the door to whitewall presentations that suit a more vintage visual direction.

That does not make every whitewall or every brand the exact historical match for every car. Owners chasing strict originality should compare the tire choice against marque references, restoration records, or period photography. For many restorations, though, choosing the correct bias-ply size and an appropriate sidewall treatment is the most important first step.

Tire construction changes the visual stance of a restored 1970 Nissan PL510 more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply setup gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, especially with narrow or wide whitewall styling, while a 165R13 radial creates a more modern blackwall look.

That difference matters even before the car starts moving. Restorers usually choose bias-ply when the goal is a period-style profile and choose radial when road use and modern tire format take priority. The best choice depends on how the PL510 is being finished, how it will be driven, and whether appearance or driving format comes first.

Yes. Modifications can change how either a 165R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tire fits on a 1970 Nissan PL510, even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Wheel-width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, and suspension work can all affect fitment.

A PL510 that has been lowered, fitted with different offsets, or updated over the years deserves a careful clearance check before new tires go on. Steering travel, fender space, and wheel dimensions should all be confirmed on the actual car. That step is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial construction.

Before driving a 1970 Nissan PL510 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify that the wheel diameter and width match the selected tire, and make sure the tires are mounted and inflated properly. It also helps to check for obvious suspension or steering wear that could affect tire behavior.

A short test drive should follow a visual clearance check at full steering lock and under normal ride height. On a collector car, it is also smart to recheck lug torque, look for any early signs of rubbing, and monitor air pressure after the first few drives. Those simple checks help catch setup issues before they become bigger problems.

Tires on a collector 1970 Nissan PL510 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and pressure loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-mileage storage can hide age-related problems, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on an older hobby car.

Storage habits make a real difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the rubber over time. It is also wise to check pressure before each outing and give the tires a close look before longer drives, especially after the car has been parked for weeks or months.