The 1970 Toyota Mark II came from an era when Toyota was refining compact and midsize cars for buyers who wanted durability, tidy proportions, and a more upscale road-car feel than a basic economy sedan. That makes tire choice especially important today, because the car can be kept in either its traditional 600-13 bias-ply sizing or a 165R13 radial format, both on 13-inch rims. Available choices also bring a clear appearance decision, with blackwall radial options and whitewall bias-ply styles serving different restoration goals. The right direction depends on whether the car is being preserved for period character, updated for road use, or balanced somewhere between the two.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1970 Toyota Mark II
The 1970 Toyota Mark II uses two primary tire sizes, and the choice is tied mainly to construction rather than rim diameter, since both fit 13-inch wheels. The Sedan & Wagon applications can use either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply sizing, so the real decision is whether to keep a more traditional tire type or move toward a radial setup with a different road and appearance character.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to the tire's nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1970 Toyota Mark II, this size represents the radial direction for a 13-inch wheel setup. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, and SP Sport Aquajet. This size makes sense for owners who want a period-appropriate radial format and who are ready to compare wheel width, tire series, and overall presentation before making a final selection.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, where the 600 designation refers to a nominal section width of about 6.00 inches and 13 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1970 Toyota Mark II, it preserves the traditional bias-ply construction and look associated with many cars of the period. Available BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options include both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is the one to evaluate when maintaining a more vintage tire appearance matters, while still confirming wheel width and overall vehicle setup before installation.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1970 Toyota Mark II sub-models because the same two tire sizes appear within the Sedan & Wagon range. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, since the real choice is between radial and bias-ply construction rather than between different wheel diameters.
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1970 Toyota Mark II Sedan & Wagon
The 1970 Toyota Mark II Sedan & Wagon uses either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply tires on 13-inch rims. That gives owners room to choose between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial format, while keeping close attention on wheel width, intended use, and appearance goals.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1970 Toyota Mark II
For the original 600-13 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 165R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P165/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P175/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to progressively different P-metric profiles. A recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches applies, and any change from 600-13 should still be checked against wheel fit, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 Toyota Mark II Tires for Sale
Available 1970 Toyota Mark II tire choices span Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich, with both radial and bias-ply construction represented. Buyers can compare blackwall radial series in 165R13 against wide whitewall or narrow whitewall 600-13 bias-ply options, along with rim-width specifications and other fitment details.
Common 1970 Toyota Mark II tire questions usually center on the two correct 13-inch sizes, how radial and bias-ply fitments differ, and how to choose between blackwall radial options and whitewall restoration-oriented bias-ply tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1970 Toyota Mark II?
A 1970 Toyota Mark II uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the Sedan & Wagon application and both fit 13-inch wheels, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which tire type matches the car and the owner's goals.
That means the next step is confirming the actual wheel width on the car and deciding whether a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial setup makes more sense. Cars with replacement wheels, suspension changes, or long-ago tire conversions should be checked carefully before ordering by size alone.
What size rim does a 1970 Toyota Mark II use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1970 Toyota Mark II use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 165R13 and 600-13 are built around that same wheel diameter, which keeps the rim-size side of the decision simple compared with vehicles that changed diameters across trims or options.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a 600-13 bias-ply tire with a 165R13 radial or with one of the radial equivalents tied to the 600-13 size. Measuring the wheel already on the car is a smart step before making a construction change.
Does the 1970 Toyota Mark II Sedan & Wagon use the same tire size?
The 1970 Toyota Mark II Sedan & Wagon shares the same covered tire-size choices: 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply. That means the sub-model does not force a different rim diameter or a separate tire family, which simplifies the selection process for owners of those body styles.
The real distinction is choosing the tire construction and appearance that suit the car. A radial selection points you toward blackwall options in a more modern construction style, while 600-13 bias-ply tires keep the older sizing system and offer whitewall treatments that may better suit a restoration-oriented presentation.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 600-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1970 Toyota Mark II?
For the 1970 Toyota Mark II, 600-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system, and the available 600-13 options follow that traditional bias-ply construction rather than a radial design. By contrast, 165R13 is the radial-format primary fitment on the same 13-inch rim diameter.
That difference affects both appearance and setup. A 600-13 choice keeps the vintage bias-ply style and currently appears with whitewall sidewall treatments, while a 165R13 radial points toward blackwall options. Before changing constructions, verify wheel width and make sure the car's steering and suspension clearances are still appropriate.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 600-13?
Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. Those are the usable radial alternatives tied to the original 600-13 sizing, and the recommended rim-width range attached to those equivalents is 4-5 inches.
Each equivalent uses the same 13-inch rim diameter, but that does not make every option automatic for every car. Wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance at the fender and steering points should still be checked, especially on a Mark II that may have been altered over time or no longer carries its original wheel setup.
What should I check before converting my 1970 Toyota Mark II from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size with the tire currently on the car. For a 600-13 Toyota Mark II, the radial alternatives include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, so the conversion question is really about matching the wheel and the car's available space to the chosen equivalent.
Road-use plans matter too. A car built for preservation may favor staying with bias-ply styling, while a driver may lean toward radial construction. It is also wise to inspect suspension condition, steering travel, and fender clearance before changing sizes or constructions, particularly if the car has aftermarket wheels or altered ride height.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1970 Toyota Mark II tire?
The first choice is selecting the correct size and construction for the way the car will be used. A 1970 Toyota Mark II can be kept in 600-13 bias-ply form or fitted with 165R13 radial tires, so the decision usually comes down to vintage presentation versus radial-format road use, while staying on a 13-inch rim.
After that, compare wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, brand, and tire series. A whitewall bias-ply tire creates a very different appearance from a blackwall radial, and the car's actual wheels should be measured before making the final pick. Intended use, storage habits, and how original the vehicle remains also deserve consideration.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Toyota Mark II tires?
Sidewall style depends on the size and construction you choose for the 1970 Toyota Mark II. The 165R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 600-13 bias-ply choices are available with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall treatments. That gives the car very different visual directions even while staying within the proper fitment family.
A blackwall radial generally suits an owner focused on a cleaner radial presentation, while whitewall bias-ply tires move the car toward a more traditional period-style look. Sidewall appearance should be chosen alongside wheel width and overall tire construction, not as a separate cosmetic decision disconnected from fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1970 Toyota Mark II?
Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich all have applicable tire choices for the 1970 Toyota Mark II. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side with blackwall options, while BFGoodrich covers the 600-13 bias-ply side through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with whitewall variations.
Brand should be considered together with size, construction, and appearance rather than in isolation. The useful comparison is whether you want a radial or bias-ply tire first, then which sidewall style and tire series fit the car's look and intended use. Wheel-width compatibility is still one of the most important checks before deciding.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1970 Toyota Mark II?
For a period-style 1970 Toyota Mark II, the 600-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it keeps the older numeric sizing format and traditional construction style. Available choices in that size include whitewall variations, which can help create a more restoration-oriented appearance than a modern-looking blackwall radial.
Appearance goals still need to be balanced with how the car will actually be driven. Some owners prioritize vintage character, while others want a radial-format alternative for regular road use. When exact originality matters, period photos, marque references, and vehicle-specific historical sources are worth reviewing before settling on a sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1970 Toyota Mark II?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1970 Toyota Mark II more than many owners expect. A 600-13 bias-ply tire keeps the older size format and is available with whitewall styling, while the 165R13 radial choices are blackwall tires with a more modern construction presentation even though they share the same 13-inch rim diameter.
That makes construction an appearance decision as well as a fitment decision. Bias-ply tires usually support a more traditional profile and restoration-minded look, while radial tires can shift the car toward a later-service replacement feel. Matching the tire to the car's wheels, trim level of finish, and use pattern produces a more coherent result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1970 Toyota Mark II?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1970 Toyota Mark II even when the car stays within the correct 13-inch rim diameter. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, or body modifications can alter how a 165R13, 600-13, or radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening and turns through its steering range.
That is why an older car should never be fitted by catalog size alone if it has been changed over time. Checking wheel width, clearance at full steering lock, and space around the fender and suspension helps prevent surprises. A Mark II with non-original wheels deserves especially careful measurement before any construction or equivalent-size change.
What should I inspect before driving a 1970 Toyota Mark II on new tires?
Before driving a 1970 Toyota Mark II on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm proper tire pressure, and make sure there is no rubbing during steering or suspension movement. It is also wise to look over the suspension, alignment condition, and valve stems so the new tires are not being asked to work around an existing problem.
A short initial road test is a smart follow-up. Listen for rubbing, feel for unusual pull or vibration, and recheck inflation after the first drives. Collector cars that have sat for long periods should also have brakes, wheel bearings, and steering components inspected so the tire change is part of a safer return to road use.
How should 1970 Toyota Mark II tires be maintained on a collector car?
Collector-car tires on a 1970 Toyota Mark II should be checked regularly for pressure loss, cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of age even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not prevent tire aging, so visual inspection matters just as much as tread depth on a vehicle that spends much of its life parked.
Storage conditions also play a major role. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Rolling the car occasionally, maintaining inflation, and inspecting the spare and road tires before longer outings will help an infrequently used Mark II stay more road-ready.