1970 Sunbeam Arrow Tires

The 1970 Sunbeam Arrow uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both fitment paths use a 13-inch rim, but they belong to different sizing systems and can place the car on a different visual and driving setup depending on which one is installed.

The practical decision is determining which setup the car is actually using before choosing a tire. A restored car may be kept in 600-13 for a traditional bias-ply look, while another Arrow may already be configured around 165R13 radials. Checking the current wheel width, tire construction, and the car's intended use helps narrow the choice.

The 1970 Sunbeam Arrow uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That shared rim diameter applies whether the car is running the 165R13 radial fitment or the 600-13 bias-ply fitment, so the diameter itself does not separate the two tire choices.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, because wheel width still matters when moving between these tire types. The available 165R13 radial products suit wider wheel widths than the 600-13 bias-ply offerings, so measuring the actual wheel on the car is a smart next step before selecting a tire.

The 1970 Sunbeam Arrow Base can use the same two fitments found for the model overall: 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply. There is no separate Base-only tire size here, so the main distinction comes from the construction and size format rather than from a sub-model change.

That means the owner should focus on the car's present wheel and tire setup instead of assuming the Base badge settles the choice. Looking at the tires already on the car, confirming wheel width, and deciding whether the goal is traditional appearance or radial road use will point to the more suitable fitment.

For the 1970 Sunbeam Arrow, 600-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is a vintage numeric format, and on this car it represents the traditional fitment path rather than a modern radial specification like 165R13.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and wheel-width requirements. A 600-13 Arrow setup also opens whitewall choices within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, so buyers chasing a more period-style look may stay with bias-ply while still checking the car's actual wheel dimensions.

Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P165/75R13 as the 75-series P-metric radial option, and P175/70R13 as the 70-series P-metric radial option. These are equivalent-size alternatives for comparing a vintage bias-ply fitment to more modern radial sizing formats.

A recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches applies to the equivalent range, which makes wheel measurement especially important before changing construction. Equivalent sizing is a useful guide, but the final choice still needs to be checked against the Arrow's wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance around the suspension and body.

Start by confirming the current tire size, the actual wheel width, and which radial equivalent is being considered for the 600-13 fitment. On the 1970 Sunbeam Arrow, radial alternatives include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, but each should be treated as a size comparison rather than an automatic interchange.

The next checks are physical and practical: inspect steering and fender clearance, compare the car's present stance, and make sure the wheel is appropriate for the tire's width range. A sound suspension and properly matched set of four tires also matter, since a vintage car may respond differently after changing from bias-ply to radial construction.

The first choice is whether the 1970 Sunbeam Arrow will stay with 600-13 bias-ply tires or use the 165R13 radial fitment. That decision affects the car's appearance, the style of products available, and the wheel-width range that should be confirmed before settling on a specific tire.

After the size and construction are sorted out, compare the available series, sidewall treatment, and any useful product differences such as load figures or rim-width compatibility. A restoration-minded owner may lean toward the bias-ply whitewall route, while a driver-oriented owner may prefer the classic blackwall radial choices already available in 165R13.

The available sidewall styles for the 1970 Sunbeam Arrow depend on which tire size you choose. The 165R13 radial options are offered as blackwall tires, while the 600-13 bias-ply options are available with either a 2.00-inch wide whitewall or a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall.

That makes sidewall style part of the overall construction choice, not just a cosmetic detail. Blackwall radials suit a restrained European look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more traditional collector-car presentation. Matching the sidewall treatment to the Arrow's restoration direction and existing wheel setup usually produces the most satisfying result.

Tires for the 1970 Sunbeam Arrow are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich provides the 600-13 bias-ply options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and the style of tire each brand is actually offering for the Arrow. In practice, the bigger distinction is not simply brand name but whether the car is staying with a vintage bias-ply whitewall presentation or moving through the classic blackwall radial selections.

For a period-style 1970 Sunbeam Arrow, the most traditional-looking path is usually the 600-13 bias-ply fitment. That size keeps the car in a vintage numeric tire format and is available in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form with whitewall treatments that suit a restoration-oriented presentation.

A period-style result does not always mean the same thing for every Arrow, especially if the car has long been on radial tires or has different wheels than it originally carried. Owners pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare the tire choice against marque references, photos, and restoration documentation before settling on sidewall style and construction.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1970 Sunbeam Arrow as much as the size itself. A 600-13 bias-ply gives the car a more vintage presentation, especially with narrow or wide whitewall styling, while a 165R13 radial creates a later, more European road-going look in blackwall form.

That appearance difference becomes especially noticeable on a compact British sedan where sidewall shape and trim proportions are easy to see. Buyers restoring for shows, period flavor, or personal preference should consider the full picture of wheel width, stance, and sidewall style rather than selecting a tire by size code alone.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1970 Sunbeam Arrow even when the nominal tire size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, suspension work, or body alterations can all influence whether a 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply setup still suits the car properly.

The important checks are wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and clearance at steering lock and suspension travel. A modified Arrow may also sit differently than stock, which can change how a tire relates to the fender opening. Measuring the current setup before purchase helps avoid choosing by size code alone.

Before driving a 1970 Sunbeam Arrow on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition, verify proper tire pressure, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size and construction for the car's setup. It is also wise to check balance, valve condition, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension.

A short initial drive should be followed by another visual inspection for rubbing, uneven seating, or air loss. On a collector car that may have sat for long periods, also look over steering and suspension components before regular road use. New tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is equally ready.

Collector-car tires on a 1970 Sunbeam Arrow should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition even when tread wear is low. That applies to both 600-13 bias-ply tires and 165R13 radials, since limited-use vintage cars often age tires long before they wear them out.

Cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and slow air loss deserve attention before any meaningful drive. Storage also matters, so keeping the Arrow away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition. Rotating use, moving the car periodically, and inspecting the spare are sensible habits for long-term care.