1971 Dodge Colt Tires

The 1971 Dodge Colt arrived at a moment when compact imported cars were becoming a practical part of the American market, and its light, efficient character makes tire selection especially important today. Owners usually are not sorting through multiple factory size combinations on this model. The 1971 Dodge Colt uses a 600-13 bias-ply tire on a 13-inch rim, which keeps the car in its original sizing language and overall period feel. Within that size, the main choice is sidewall presentation, with BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form. That makes the decision less about size and more about appearance, restoration direction, and whether a radial equivalent deserves a closer look.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1971 Dodge Colt

The 1971 Dodge Colt uses one primary tire size: 600-13, a bias-ply fitment for a 13-inch rim. Both covered sub-models share that same size, so the main decision is not identifying between multiple factory fitments, but choosing the right sidewall style, confirming wheel compatibility, and deciding whether to stay with the original bias-ply format or evaluate one of the available radial equivalents.

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600-13Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Base and Base w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 13 in

In a numeric bias-ply size like 600-13, the 600 indicates an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1971 Dodge Colt, this is the primary bias-ply fitment and it suits the car's compact, period-style tire profile. Available choices in this size center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply products, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments rather than major size or construction changes. This size makes sense for owners who want to keep the Colt in its original sizing convention and choose appearance carefully within that traditional format.

Explore 600-13 Tires

1971 Dodge Colt Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1971 Dodge Colt sub-models because both use the same 600-13 bias-ply size on a 13-inch rim. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm the wheel setup before choosing between period-style bias-ply options or considering a radial equivalent.

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1971 Dodge Colt Base

The 1971 Dodge Colt Base uses the same 600-13 bias-ply fitment that defines this model's primary tire setup. That keeps tire selection focused on sidewall appearance, restoration presentation, and whether the car will remain on a traditional bias-ply construction or move toward a radial alternative after wheel checks.

Associated Tire Sizes
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1971 Dodge Colt Base w/aluminum wheels

The 1971 Dodge Colt Base w/aluminum wheels also uses the 600-13 bias-ply size, so the tire-size decision does not change with this sub-model. The more useful comparison is wheel width and overall setup, especially if a radial equivalent is being considered instead of a period-style bias-ply whitewall.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1971 Dodge Colt

For the original 600-13 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 an older Euro-metric radial format to lower-profile P-metric alternatives. A recommended rim width range of 4 to 5 inches applies, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing from the original bias-ply size.

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1971 Dodge Colt Tires for Sale

Available 600-13 products center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, with the main visible difference being sidewall style. Buyers can compare narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions while also checking the 13-inch rim fitment and 4.00 to 4.50-inch rim-width range.

Showing 2 of 2
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.00 Inch Whitewall | 600-13

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT16 lb
MAX LOAD1010@32 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 600-13

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT16 lb
MAX LOAD1010@32 psi
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions for the 1971 Dodge Colt usually center on the 600-13 tire size, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, whitewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a compact collector car back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1971 Dodge Colt?

The 1971 Dodge Colt uses a 600-13 tire size as its primary fitment. This is a numeric bias-ply size for a 13-inch wheel, and it is the same size used on the covered Base and Base w/aluminum wheels sub-models.

That means the first step is usually not sorting between multiple factory sizes, but confirming that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheel setup. If the Colt has been changed with different wheels over the years, check actual rim diameter and width before choosing a replacement tire or considering a radial equivalent.

What size rim does a 1971 Dodge Colt use?

The primary tire fitment for a 1971 Dodge Colt is built around a 13-inch rim. The 600-13 tire size itself confirms that wheel diameter, and the available bias-ply products in this fitment are also intended for 13-inch wheels.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is worth checking wheel width as well before mounting new tires. The available 600-13 bias-ply products use a 4.00 to 4.50-inch rim-width range, which helps guide selection on a car that may have had wheel changes during its life.

Do all 1971 Dodge Colt sub-models use the same tire size?

The covered 1971 Dodge Colt sub-models use the same 600-13 bias-ply tire size. That includes the Base and the Base w/aluminum wheels versions, so there is no split between different primary tire sizes within these configurations.

Because the size stays the same, the decision shifts toward tire style and setup confirmation instead of sub-model-based size changes. Owners can focus on whether they want a traditional bias-ply look, which whitewall treatment suits the car, and whether the existing wheel width and overall vehicle condition support a radial-equivalent conversion.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 600-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1971 Dodge Colt?

For the 1971 Dodge Colt, 600-13 is the primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format that was common on compact cars of the period, and the available products in this fitment are bias-ply tires rather than radial tires.

Staying with a bias-ply tire preserves the original sizing format and traditional appearance of the car. Owners who are considering a change should separate the original fitment from radial equivalents, then verify wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance instead of assuming any radial alternative will match the Colt's existing setup automatically.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 600-13?

Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric 75-series radial, and a P-metric 70-series radial, giving the 1971 Dodge Colt several different radial sizing formats to compare.

Each option should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. A recommended rim width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalents, so the practical next step is checking wheel width, tire-to-body clearance, and the car's actual wheel setup before moving away from the original 600-13 bias-ply fitment.

What should I check before converting my 1971 Dodge Colt from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming that the Colt still has 13-inch wheels and that the wheel width falls within the radial equivalent's recommended range. For the 600-13 fitment, the radial alternatives include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, with a recommended rim width range of 4 to 5 inches.

A conversion also deserves a careful look at clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering at full lock. On a small car like the Colt, wheel changes, alignment issues, or aging suspension parts can matter just as much as size selection, so the whole setup should be inspected before switching constructions.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 600-13 tire for a 1971 Dodge Colt?

The main considerations are keeping the correct 600-13 size, confirming 13-inch wheel compatibility, and deciding whether a traditional bias-ply tire matches the car's intended use and appearance. For this fitment, the available products are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires rather than a mix of different primary constructions.

After size is confirmed, the choice becomes more about details such as sidewall style and wheel-width compatibility. The available 600-13 products fit 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims, and both carry the same 1010@32 psi maximum load figure, so appearance and proper wheel match become the main points of comparison.

What sidewall styles are available for 1971 Dodge Colt tires?

The available 600-13 bias-ply tires for a 1971 Dodge Colt come in two sidewall styles: wide whitewall and narrow whitewall. Both are offered in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the basic construction and sizing stay the same while the visual presentation changes.

That makes sidewall choice an appearance decision more than a fitment decision, as long as the wheel setup is correct. A wide whitewall gives the Colt a stronger vintage visual statement, while a narrow whitewall keeps a cleaner, more restrained look that may suit owners aiming for a subtler period-style finish.

What brands offer tires for the 1971 Dodge Colt?

The available 600-13 products for the 1971 Dodge Colt are offered under the BFGoodrich brand. In this fitment, the selection centers on the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series rather than a broad spread of brands with different construction types or tread families.

Since brand comparison is limited here, the more useful buying decision is comparing the individual tire presentation within that series. Owners can focus on whether a narrow whitewall or wide whitewall better suits the car, while also confirming the 13-inch rim and the 4.00 to 4.50-inch wheel-width range.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1971 Dodge Colt?

A period-style approach starts with the original 600-13 sizing format and a bias-ply construction, since that preserves the car's traditional tire profile and presentation. For the 1971 Dodge Colt, the available bias-ply choices are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in whitewall variations.

The final selection depends on how closely the car is being restored and what visual character is desired. Owners seeking strict historical accuracy should compare surviving photographs, marque references, or other vehicle-specific documentation before choosing between narrow and wide whitewall presentations for a restoration-focused result.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1971 Dodge Colt?

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1971 Dodge Colt as much as the sidewall treatment does. A 600-13 bias-ply keeps the car in its original sizing language, while a radial equivalent can change the visual impression even when it remains within a comparable overall fitment range.

That matters because compact cars rely heavily on tire proportion to complete the finished stance. Owners building a restoration-oriented Colt often keep bias-ply construction for the most traditional appearance, while drivers prioritizing modern radial availability should compare how the substitute size looks on the wheel before committing.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1971 Dodge Colt?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1971 Dodge Colt even when the correct original tire size is known. Different wheels, changed wheel widths, suspension alterations, or body work can all influence how a 600-13 bias-ply tire or a radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening.

That is why the actual car should be checked before ordering replacements, especially if its history is unclear. A quick inspection of wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender space helps confirm whether the Colt still matches the original setup or needs a more careful fitment review.

What should I inspect before driving a 1971 Dodge Colt on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tire size matches the rim, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for the intended setup. It is also smart to check for suspension looseness, steering play, and any signs that the tires could contact body or chassis parts.

A 1971 Dodge Colt is a light collector-era compact, so overall condition matters as much as the new tire itself. Look over the brakes, wheel bearings, and alignment condition, then recheck tire pressure and lug torque after the first miles to catch any installation or mechanical issues early.

How should 600-13 tires on a collector 1971 Dodge Colt be maintained?

Collector-car tires should be checked regularly for air loss, uneven wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and other age-related deterioration. On a 1971 Dodge Colt using 600-13 tires, regular pressure checks are especially important because low-use cars can sit for long periods without obvious warning signs.

Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the Colt away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excessive heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional movement can reduce flat spotting during long storage periods. Any tire that shows visible damage or significant aging deserves closer inspection before highway use.