1970 Simca 1204 Tires

A 1970 Simca 1204 can use four primary tire sizes, depending on sub-model and construction type: 145R13, 520-13, 155R13, and 560-13. The Sedan uses 145R13 as its radial option and 520-13 as its bias-ply option, while the Wagon uses 155R13 as its radial option and 560-13 as its bias-ply option.

The practical decision is not just picking a 13-inch tire, but confirming whether the car is a Sedan or Wagon and whether it is staying with bias-ply construction or radial. If the car has been modified over the years, verify the actual wheel width and the tire currently on the car before selecting a replacement.

All primary tire fitments for the 1970 Simca 1204 use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies across both radial sizes, 145R13 and 155R13, as well as the bias-ply sizes 520-13 and 560-13, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizing systems differ.

That does not mean every 13-inch wheel is automatically suitable for every tire size. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing smaller and larger Simca 1204 fitments or considering a radial equivalent for a bias-ply size. Checking the actual wheel before purchase helps avoid mismatch in sidewall shape, clearance, and overall presentation.

No. The 1970 Simca 1204 Sedan and Wagon use different primary tire sizes. The Sedan is associated with 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply fitment, while the Wagon is associated with 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fitment, so the correct choice changes with the body style.

That difference makes sub-model identification the first step before comparing brands, whitewall styles, or radial alternatives. A Wagon should not be treated like a Sedan simply because both use 13-inch rims. Looking at the current tire size, wheel width, and the car's intended appearance will usually point you toward the right Simca 1204 fitment path.

On the 1970 Simca 1204, 520-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is one of the primary fitments associated with the Sedan and uses the older numeric sizing format rather than a metric radial format. Buyers looking at 520-13 are choosing within the traditional bias-ply side of the Simca 1204 fitment range.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and replacement strategy. If the car is staying true to a period-style presentation, 520-13 keeps that traditional look, with blackwall and whitewall options available. If a radial alternative is under consideration, compare wheel width, physical dimensions, and clearance before changing construction.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 on a 1970 Simca 1204 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are alternative radial size formats associated with the 520-13 bias-ply fitment rather than additional primary bias-ply sizes.

Each equivalent keeps the 13-inch rim diameter, but the sizing convention changes and the tire should still be evaluated against the car's actual wheel and available space. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so confirming wheel width first helps narrow the most appropriate radial option.

Start by confirming the exact bias-ply size on the car and matching it to the proper radial equivalent. For a 1970 Simca 1204, 520-13 and 560-13 both have radial-equivalent paths that include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, all on 13-inch rims. The wheel itself also needs to be checked for width suitability before conversion.

Beyond basic size matching, compare the actual vehicle setup for steering clearance, fender space, and any wheel or suspension changes made over time. Construction changes can also alter the car's visual character, so owners often weigh road-use goals against restoration appearance. A careful measurement check is more useful than assuming any equivalent will behave the same.

The most important factors are the exact sub-model, the correct primary size, and whether the car is staying with radial or bias-ply construction. A 1970 Simca 1204 Sedan uses a different tire-size pair than a Wagon, and the product mix also changes depending on whether the goal is a blackwall radial or a more traditional bias-ply presentation.

After size and construction are settled, compare brand, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility where those details are available. That helps narrow the choice between a road-use oriented radial and a restoration-style bias-ply. Looking at the car's existing wheels and the appearance you want often makes the final decision much clearer.

Sidewall choices for the 1970 Simca 1204 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and construction. The radial options shown in 145R13 and 155R13 are blackwall tires, while the bias-ply options in 520-13 and 560-13 include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles.

That makes sidewall selection a meaningful appearance decision, especially on a compact European car where the tire is visually prominent. Blackwall radials suit a cleaner, more understated look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more overtly vintage presentation. Matching the sidewall treatment to the body style and restoration direction usually produces the most satisfying result.

Tires for the 1970 Simca 1204 are available from Michelin, Firestone, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Premium Sport. Brand availability depends on the specific size and construction, with Michelin and Dunlop appearing in radial fitments, and Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Premium Sport covering much of the bias-ply and whitewall side of the range.

Brand choice becomes more useful once the correct size is confirmed. Some buyers start with construction and sidewall appearance, then compare brands within that narrower group instead of comparing every option at once. That approach works especially well on the Simca 1204 because Sedan and Wagon fitments divide the available products into distinct paths.

A period-style 1970 Simca 1204 usually starts with the correct primary size for the specific body style and then narrows to bias-ply or radial based on the look being preserved. The Sedan uses 145R13 or 520-13, while the Wagon uses 155R13 or 560-13. Bias-ply choices tend to emphasize a more traditional vintage presentation.

For owners focused on visual authenticity, sidewall treatment can matter nearly as much as construction. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply options create different period impressions, while blackwall radials lean toward a more restrained European look. If exact originality is important, compare the tire choice against marque-specific historical references before making a final call.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1970 Simca 1204 because the available radial and bias-ply options present the car differently. The radial offerings in 145R13 and 155R13 are blackwall tires with a cleaner, more modernized road look, while the bias-ply sizes 520-13 and 560-13 open the door to traditional whitewall styling.

That difference is especially noticeable on a small 13-inch-wheel car, where sidewall shape and treatment draw the eye. Bias-ply tires often suit a restoration-oriented presentation, while radials can preserve a classic European feel without the same visual emphasis on whitewall styling. The best choice depends on whether the project prioritizes appearance, driving use, or a balance of both.

Yes. Even though the 1970 Simca 1204 uses 13-inch tire fitments, modifications can change whether a specific size works cleanly on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or body modifications can affect how a 145R13, 520-13, 155R13, or 560-13 tire sits and clears under real driving conditions.

That is why the current wheel and chassis setup should be checked before ordering replacement tires, especially when switching between bias-ply and radial construction. Looking at steering clearance, fender space, and how the existing tire sits on the wheel can reveal issues that a simple size label alone does not address.

Before road use, inspect wheel condition, confirm proper tire pressure, and make sure the new tires seat correctly on the rims used on the 1970 Simca 1204. It is also worth checking for adequate clearance at the fenders and suspension, especially if the car has changed sizes in the past or is moving from bias-ply to radial construction.

A short, careful test drive can help reveal rubbing, pulling, vibration, or other setup issues before the car is driven farther. On a low-use collector car, this inspection should also include brakes, suspension wear, and any sign of fluid leakage that could affect safe road use. New tires perform best when the surrounding hardware is equally ready.

Collector-car tires on a 1970 Simca 1204 should be checked regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Age and storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a vintage vehicle, whether it is running blackwall radials or whitewall bias-ply tires.

Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. Periodic movement also helps reduce long stationary loading on one part of the tire. A visual inspection before each drive is a sensible habit, particularly on older cars that may spend long stretches parked between outings.