The 1970 Subaru FF-1 came from a period when small imported cars were carving out a place in the U.S. market with compact dimensions, light weight, and front-wheel-drive packaging that still felt unusual for the time. That makes tire choice on this car more specific than it first appears. The 1970 Subaru FF-1 uses either a 155R13 radial or a 6.15-13 bias-ply tire on a 13-inch rim, so construction is a central part of the decision. Radial options are available in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop, while the bias-ply size preserves a more traditional period-style route. The right choice depends on whether the goal is original-style appearance, road manners, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1970 Subaru FF-1
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1970 Subaru FF-1, and both use a 13-inch rim. The choice is less about wheel diameter and more about construction, since the car was fitted with either a 155R13 radial or a 6.15-13 bias-ply depending on the setup. Both the Sedan and Wagon use these same sizes, so the key step is deciding whether to retain a traditional bias-ply presentation or move toward a period-style radial fitment.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1970 Subaru FF-1, this size represents the radial side of the vehicle's fitment story and suits owners who want a period-appropriate radial format on the original 13-inch rim. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is worth considering when the car is driven regularly and the owner wants to stay with a compact imported-car radial look.
6.15-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.15 representing the nominal section width in inches and 13 indicating the wheel diameter. For the 1970 Subaru FF-1, it reflects the more traditional construction choice and gives the car a distinctly vintage tire character compared with the radial alternative. Bias-ply construction changes both the look and the overall presentation of the car, which matters on a small early-1970s import where tire proportions are visually noticeable. This size is the one to evaluate when preserving a more traditional restoration-oriented appearance is more important than following a radial path.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1970 Subaru FF-1 sub-models, because both the Sedan and Wagon use the same two primary size options. That means the real decision is not trim-related fitment, but whether the car is staying with 6.15-13 bias-ply tires or moving to 155R13 radials on the same 13-inch rim diameter.
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1970 Subaru FF-1 Sedan
The 1970 Subaru FF-1 Sedan uses the same 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply fitment choices found across the model line. Tire selection comes down to construction, appearance, and intended driving use rather than searching for a unique Sedan-only size.
The 1970 Subaru FF-1 Wagon shares the same 13-inch tire fitment pattern, with both 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply options in play. That lets Wagon owners focus on traditional look versus radial construction, while still confirming the actual wheel setup on the vehicle before choosing.
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 Subaru FF-1 Tires for Sale
Available 155R13 choices focus on blackwall radial tires from Michelin and Dunlop. The product grid is where to compare series character, construction details, and rim-width compatibility for a 13-inch FF-1 setup.
Owners of a 1970 Subaru FF-1 usually need to sort out two things first: whether the car should stay with 6.15-13 bias-ply tires or use 155R13 radials, and how that choice affects appearance, wheel fitment, and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1970 Subaru FF-1?
The 1970 Subaru FF-1 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the FF-1 on a 13-inch rim, so the vehicle can legitimately be encountered with either construction style rather than one universal modern replacement size.
That makes construction the main fitment decision. A 155R13 keeps the car in a compact Euro-metric radial format, while 6.15-13 preserves a traditional numeric bias-ply setup. Before choosing, confirm the wheel diameter on the car and consider whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, regular road use, or maintaining the setup already on the vehicle.
What size rim does a 1970 Subaru FF-1 use?
Both primary tire sizes used on the 1970 Subaru FF-1 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 155R13 radial size and the 6.15-13 bias-ply size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizing systems and construction types differ.
Rim diameter is only the first check. The car may still need wheel-width confirmation, especially if the wheels have been changed over the years or if a radial tire is being installed in place of a bias-ply. Verifying the actual wheel on the vehicle helps avoid selecting the right diameter in the wrong overall wheel configuration.
Do all 1970 Subaru FF-1 sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1970 Subaru FF-1 Sedan and 1970 Subaru FF-1 Wagon both use the same two tire-size options: 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply. There is no separate tire-size split between these covered sub-models, so fitment is consistent across the FF-1 body styles shown here.
Since the sub-models share the same sizing pattern, buyers do not need to chase a Sedan-only or Wagon-only tire size. The better question is which construction belongs on the individual car today. Checking the wheel setup, the vehicle's current stance, and the owner's appearance goals will usually matter more than the body style itself.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.15-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1970 Subaru FF-1?
On the 1970 Subaru FF-1, 6.15-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing format, where the number represents nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter rather than a modern metric radial layout.
That matters because bias-ply and radial tires differ in both presentation and setup expectations. A buyer choosing 6.15-13 is usually preserving a more traditional look and construction type, while a buyer considering 155R13 is moving to the radial side of the FF-1 fitment picture. Wheel condition, wheel width, and the car's intended use should all be checked before changing construction.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1970 Subaru FF-1?
A 1970 Subaru FF-1 can be fitted with either 6.15-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radial tires, so the right choice depends on how the car is being used and how closely the owner wants to follow a traditional presentation. Both constructions belong to the FF-1 fitment story.
Bias-ply tires tend to appeal to restoration-oriented owners who want an earlier look, while 155R13 radials suit buyers who want a period-style radial format on a 13-inch wheel. The decision should be made after confirming wheel dimensions, overall vehicle condition, and whether the suspension and clearances remain consistent with the setup being considered.
What should I check before converting my 1970 Subaru FF-1 from bias-ply to radial tires?
The first step is confirming that the car is set up for the radial size being considered, which for the 1970 Subaru FF-1 is 155R13 on a 13-inch rim. A conversion from 6.15-13 bias-ply to radial should also include a close look at wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and the condition of the wheels themselves.
Clearance around suspension components, steering travel, and fender openings should be reviewed before making the change, especially on an older compact car that may have seen repairs or modifications. It also helps to inspect alignment and suspension wear, since a radial conversion can highlight issues that were less noticeable with an older bias-ply setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 tire for a 1970 Subaru FF-1?
Start by confirming that the car is being fitted with the radial side of FF-1 fitment, since 155R13 is the radial primary size for this model. Then compare the available 13-inch options by construction details, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and how closely the tire's overall character matches the way the car will be used.
Michelin and Dunlop both offer blackwall 155R13 choices, but the selection process should go beyond brand name alone. A restoration-minded owner may care most about period-style appearance, while a driver-focused owner may prioritize staying within the wheel's compatible range and selecting a tire series that suits regular road use on a light vintage import.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Subaru FF-1 tires?
The available 155R13 radial products for the 1970 Subaru FF-1 are offered in blackwall form. That gives the car a clean, understated imported-car appearance that fits naturally with a compact early-1970s Subaru, especially for owners staying with a radial presentation on the original 13-inch rim diameter.
Sidewall style affects the visual balance of a small vintage car more than many buyers expect. On an FF-1, a blackwall keeps the look restrained and functional rather than decorative. If appearance is a major priority, sidewall treatment should be considered alongside construction type, because the broader visual difference may come from radial versus bias-ply more than from branding alone.
What brands offer tires for the 1970 Subaru FF-1?
For the 155R13 radial size used on the 1970 Subaru FF-1, available brands include Michelin and Dunlop. Those options appear in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet, giving buyers more than one period-oriented radial path within the same general size category.
Brand should be one part of the decision, not the only one. It helps to compare the tire series, blackwall presentation, and wheel-compatibility details against the actual car. Owners who are deciding between retaining a traditional bias-ply setup and moving to a radial should settle the construction question first, then compare brands within the chosen format.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1970 Subaru FF-1?
A period-style 1970 Subaru FF-1 can be approached in two different ways: 6.15-13 bias-ply for a more traditional early-era look, or 155R13 radial for a compact imported-car radial presentation that still suits the car's time period. Both sizes belong to the FF-1 fitment picture, so the choice is largely visual and use-based.
Owners focused on restoration appearance often begin by deciding how strictly they want the tire construction to reflect the car's original-era character. Bias-ply tires generally lean more vintage in profile and stance, while blackwall radials keep a tidy road-going look. If exact originality matters, comparing the car against period photos or marque-specific reference material is worthwhile.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1970 Subaru FF-1?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1970 Subaru FF-1 more than the size codes alone suggest. A 6.15-13 bias-ply gives the car a distinctly traditional visual character, while a 155R13 radial creates a more modernized period appearance even though both sizes use the same 13-inch rim diameter.
That visual difference shows up in the way the tire fills the wheel opening and complements the car's overall stance. On a compact vintage Subaru, small changes in tire shape are easy to notice. Choosing between bias-ply and radial should therefore be treated as both a fitment decision and an appearance decision, especially during a careful restoration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1970 Subaru FF-1?
Yes. A 1970 Subaru FF-1 may have the correct nominal tire size on paper and still need extra fitment checks if the car has aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, brake changes, or body repairs that affect clearance. That applies whether the car is using 155R13 radials or 6.15-13 bias-ply tires.
A modified wheel or suspension setup can change how the tire sits during steering and suspension travel, even with the correct 13-inch rim diameter. Owners should verify wheel width, inspect for rubbing marks, and check front and rear clearance at full steering lock and under load before assuming the original fitment pattern still applies.
What should I inspect before driving a 1970 Subaru FF-1 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the surrounding suspension and steering components on the 1970 Subaru FF-1. Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the chosen tires, and the tires themselves should be checked for proper seating, even tread contact, and any immediate signs of interference.
A short test drive should be followed by another look at clearances and air retention, especially on a vintage car that may not be driven often. It also helps to pay attention to vibration, pull, or unusual steering feel. Those symptoms can point to alignment issues, wheel problems, or a mismatch between the tire choice and the car's current setup.
How should 155R13 or 6.15-13 tires on a collector 1970 Subaru FF-1 be maintained?
Collector-car tire care starts with regular visual inspection, even when the 1970 Subaru FF-1 is driven sparingly. Whether the car uses 155R13 radials or 6.15-13 bias-ply tires, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and gradual air loss that can go unnoticed on a low-mileage vehicle.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older car. Keeping the FF-1 away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect tire condition over time. It is also smart to check pressures before every outing and to inspect the spare and road wheels periodically rather than waiting until a longer drive is planned.