The 1971 Nissan L320 comes from a period when compact Japanese pickups were earning a reputation for simple engineering, light-duty utility, and easy ownership. For owners restoring one or keeping a surviving truck on the road, tire choice plays a big part in preserving that honest early-1970s character. This L320 uses bias-ply tire fitments in 560-14 and 6.00-14 on 14-inch rims, so the first decision is confirming which of those two numeric sizes suits the truck’s actual wheel setup. Within 560-14, available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. That makes the page especially useful for balancing period-style appearance with practical fitment checks before regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1971 Nissan L320
The 1971 Nissan L320 uses two primary tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction and both built for 14-inch rims. Because the Base sub-model can use either 560-14 or 6.00-14, the real starting point is confirming the truck’s current wheel width and existing tire setup before choosing between the two numeric sizes.
A 560-14 numeric bias-ply size uses the leading number to indicate an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, with the final number showing a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1971 Nissan L320, it represents a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits a restoration-oriented or period-style presentation. Available 560-14 choices include BFGoodrich options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. This size is worth considering when keeping the truck visually traditional and matching the wheel to the tire’s intended rim-width range matters.
A 6.00-14 numeric bias-ply size follows the same older sizing convention, with the first number indicating an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and the final number identifying the 14-inch rim. For the 1971 Nissan L320, this is another primary bias-ply fitment rather than a modern radial substitute. Its main practical role is giving the owner another correct-format size to evaluate when the truck’s wheel and existing setup point to the wider numeric option. That makes wheel-width confirmation especially important before moving from one listed size to the other.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1971 Nissan L320 Base uses the same two bias-ply size options already associated with the model. Even so, checking the exact wheel and tire currently on the truck still matters before selecting between those two numeric 14-inch sizes.
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1971 Nissan L320 Base
The 1971 Nissan L320 Base uses the same pair of primary bias-ply tire sizes found at the model level, so the fitment question is not about trim differences. Tire selection comes down to confirming which of the two numeric sizes matches the truck’s wheels and then deciding on the period-style presentation you want.
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 1971 Nissan L320 Tires for Sale
Available 560-14 choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. That gives the 1971 Nissan L320 buyer a clear appearance choice within the same traditional bias-ply size and rim-fitment range.
These FAQs for the 1971 Nissan L320 focus on its two primary bias-ply tire sizes, 14-inch rim fitment, sidewall choices, restoration-minded selection, and the wheel, suspension, and tire-condition checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1971 Nissan L320?
The 1971 Nissan L320 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-14 and 6.00-14. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes and both are intended for 14-inch rims. The 1971 Nissan L320 Base can use either of these sizes, so fitment is tied more to the truck’s actual wheel setup than to a separate trim distinction.
The practical next step is to check what is already mounted on the truck and confirm the wheel width before choosing between those two sizes. Because both sizes are correct-format bias-ply options, the decision is usually about matching the tire to the wheel and preserving the truck’s intended stance and appearance rather than choosing between different constructions.
What size rim does a 1971 Nissan L320 use?
The 1971 Nissan L320 uses a 14-inch rim diameter with its primary tire fitments. Both 560-14 and 6.00-14 are 14-inch bias-ply sizes, so the wheel diameter remains the same even though the nominal tire width changes between the two available sizes.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the wheel width should also be confirmed before selecting a tire. On 560-14 products, the rim-width range is 3.50 to 4.00 inches, which is useful when checking an original wheel. If the truck has replacement wheels, measuring both diameter and width helps avoid choosing a size that does not suit the wheel properly.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1971 Nissan L320?
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 portion indicates an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 14 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1971 Nissan L320, that means a traditional bias-ply tire sized for a 14-inch wheel using an older sizing system common on compact trucks of the period.
Understanding that older size code helps when comparing it with 6.00-14, since both are correct-format bias-ply choices but represent different nominal widths. It also explains why modern buyers should not read the number the same way they would a metric radial size. Matching the tire to the truck’s actual wheel width and existing setup remains the key step before installation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-14 tire for a 1971 Nissan L320?
Start with the basics: confirm that 560-14 is the size that matches the truck’s current wheel setup, then compare the available bias-ply options within that size. For the 1971 Nissan L320, 560-14 is offered in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form, so the biggest differences are sidewall presentation and wheel compatibility rather than a change in tire construction.
Appearance matters on an early pickup like the L320, so blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices can noticeably change the truck’s look. The wheel should also be checked against the 3.50 to 4.00 inch rim-width range used on available 560-14 products. Once those points are settled, the selection becomes much clearer.
What sidewall styles are available for 1971 Nissan L320 tires?
In 560-14, the 1971 Nissan L320 has blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices. Those options keep the same basic bias-ply construction while changing the visual character of the truck. A blackwall gives a plain utility look, while whitewall variations create a more styled, restoration-oriented presentation.
Choosing among those sidewall styles depends on how the truck is being finished and used. A whitewall can suit a more polished period-style build, while a blackwall often feels more understated on a working pickup. Since sidewall treatment changes the appearance without changing the underlying size, it is one of the easiest ways to tailor the truck’s final look.
What brands offer tires for the 1971 Nissan L320?
BFGoodrich is available for the 1971 Nissan L320 in 560-14. Those tires are offered in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, giving the truck a traditional bias-ply product line rather than a modern radial-style presentation. The current assortment in that size focuses on sidewall treatment and period look within the same brand family.
That means brand comparison is less important here than confirming the correct size and comparing the available sidewall styles. For many L320 owners, the real choice is whether the truck should wear a plain blackwall or a whitewall treatment that better suits the restoration direction. Wheel width and overall vehicle presentation should guide the final pick.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1971 Nissan L320?
A period-style 1971 Nissan L320 usually starts with one of its original-format bias-ply sizes, either 560-14 or 6.00-14, depending on the truck’s wheel setup. Staying with a numeric bias-ply tire preserves the early-1970s visual character much better than jumping straight to a modern metric look. That makes size confirmation the first step in a restoration-minded tire decision.
Once the size is settled, appearance comes from the sidewall treatment as much as the size itself. In 560-14, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options create noticeably different results. For owners chasing exact originality, marque-specific references and historical vehicle documentation are still worth checking before deciding which sidewall style best matches the truck.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1971 Nissan L320?
Tire construction changes the visual tone of a restored 1971 Nissan L320 because a bias-ply tire carries the older profile and presentation associated with trucks of that era. Since the L320’s primary fitments are bias-ply sizes, keeping that construction helps maintain an authentic period-style look rather than introducing a more modern tire appearance.
Construction also influences how the sidewall and tread visually relate to the truck’s narrow wheels and simple body lines. On a restoration-focused L320, that can be just as important as the size itself. Even with the correct construction, sidewall choice still shapes the final result, so blackwall versus whitewall should be chosen with the truck’s overall finish in mind.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1971 Nissan L320?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1971 Nissan L320 even when the tire size itself is one of the correct listed options. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension lowering, or body modifications can all change how a 560-14 or 6.00-14 tire sits in the wheel opening and how it clears suspension and steering components.
That is why a modified truck should be checked as it sits, not assumed to match stock fitment. Wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and fender clearance all deserve a close look before mounting tires. A truck with original-style wheels is usually more straightforward, while a custom setup benefits from careful measuring before committing to a size.
What should I inspect before driving a 1971 Nissan L320 on new tires?
Before driving a 1971 Nissan L320 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, suspension wear points, and steering components along with the tire installation itself. The tires should be seated correctly, inflated appropriately for the application, and free of obvious damage. It also makes sense to confirm that the chosen size clears the truck through normal steering movement.
Older compact trucks often spend long periods parked, so a broader once-over is worthwhile before returning one to regular road use. Brake condition, wheel-bearing play, and any signs of rubbing from previous tires deserve attention. A short, careful test drive followed by a second inspection can reveal clearance or mounting issues before they become larger problems.
How should 560-14 tires on a collector 1971 Nissan L320 be maintained?
560-14 tires on a collector 1971 Nissan L320 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age-related deterioration. Even a truck that is driven only occasionally can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or weathering over time. Bias-ply tires especially benefit from being watched closely when the vehicle sees infrequent use.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a collector pickup. Keeping the L320 away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition between drives. It is also smart to inspect tread, sidewalls, and wheel condition before each outing, especially if the truck has been parked for an extended period.
