The 1971 Nissan L520 belongs to the era of compact Japanese pickups that earned a following through simple engineering, light-duty usefulness, and straightforward maintenance. For owners restoring one or keeping a survivor on the road, tire choice has a big influence on both stance and character. The 1971 Nissan L520 uses bias-ply fitments in 560-14 and 6.00-14 on 14-inch rims, so the main decision is confirming which of those period-style sizes suits the truck's current wheel and setup. Available 560-14 choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions in BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. That makes this page especially useful for balancing authentic visual style with practical road-going checks.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1971 Nissan L520
The 1971 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes, 560-14 and 6.00-14, and both are bias-ply fitments for a 14-inch rim. Because the Base sub-model is associated with both sizes, the real first step is confirming which wheel width and existing tire setup are on the truck before choosing a replacement. From there, the decision shifts to period-style appearance, sidewall preference, and staying within the correct bias-ply fitment.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 560-14, the 560 refers to an approximately 5.60-inch nominal section width, while 14 identifies the rim diameter in inches. This is a traditional bias-ply truck fitment that suits the 1971 Nissan L520's vintage character and keeps the sizing convention appropriate to the period. For 560-14, available choices include BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. That gives owners a useful way to match the truck's appearance goals while staying with a correct-format bias-ply size on a 14-inch wheel.
A size written as 6.00-14 is also a numeric bias-ply designation, with 6.00 indicating nominal section width and 14 indicating the wheel diameter. On a 1971 Nissan L520, this size remains part of the original-style bias-ply fitment conversation rather than a modern radial conversion. Its practical role is to give the truck another period-appropriate sizing option within the same 14-inch rim diameter family. Before selecting it, compare the truck's current wheels and overall setup carefully so the chosen size matches the wheel dimensions and intended presentation.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1971 Nissan L520 Base sub-model is associated with the same two primary bias-ply tire sizes. Even so, checking the exact wheel setup still matters, since both sizes share a 14-inch rim diameter but represent different nominal section widths.
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1971 Nissan L520 Base
The 1971 Nissan L520 Base is associated with both 560-14 and 6.00-14 bias-ply tire sizes on 14-inch rims. That means tire selection is less about trim level differences and more about confirming the truck's current wheels, then choosing the size and sidewall style that best suit a period-style replacement.
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 L520 Tires for Sale
For the 1971 Nissan L520, the available 560-14 choices center on BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. Those options let buyers compare visual style along with rim-width compatibility and other product specifications within the same vintage bias-ply size.
These FAQs focus on the 1971 Nissan L520's two bias-ply tire sizes, 14-inch rim fitment, sidewall choices, restoration-minded selection, and the wheel, suspension, and condition checks that matter before putting an older pickup back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1971 Nissan L520?
The 1971 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-14 and 6.00-14. Both are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch rims, and the 1971 Nissan L520 Base is associated with both of them rather than being limited to only one size.
That means the key step is confirming which wheels are actually on the truck before choosing a replacement tire. Since both sizes share the same rim diameter but represent different nominal widths, the right selection depends on the wheel setup, the tire already fitted to the truck, and the kind of period-style appearance you want to preserve.
What size rim does a 1971 Nissan L520 use?
The tire fitments associated with the 1971 Nissan L520 use a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 560-14 and 6.00-14 are built around that same 14-inch wheel size, so rim diameter does not change between the primary tire-size options.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though, especially on an older pickup. Wheel width should still be checked carefully before choosing a tire, because a 560-14 and a 6.00-14 are not the same width even though they mount on the same nominal rim diameter.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1971 Nissan L520?
A 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 indicates an approximately 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 14 identifies the rim diameter in inches, making it a traditional vintage sizing format rather than a modern metric radial designation.
On a 1971 Nissan L520, that matters because the truck's tire choice is tied to period-style bias-ply fitment. If 560-14 is the size being replaced, compare the existing wheel width and the truck's current tire setup before ordering, then choose the sidewall treatment that matches the appearance and use you want.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-14 tire for a 1971 Nissan L520?
Start with the basics: confirm that 560-14 is the size you want to keep on the truck, that the wheel is a 14-inch rim, and that the wheel width matches the tire's intended range. For the 1971 Nissan L520, 560-14 is available as a bias-ply tire in BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.
Once the fitment is confirmed, the main differences are visual and specification-based rather than a change in size format. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices give the truck a very different finished look, so pick the version that suits the restoration style, survivor presentation, or road-use personality you want.
What sidewall styles are available for 1971 Nissan L520 tires?
For the 1971 Nissan L520's available 560-14 options, sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices appear within the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, so the sidewall treatment changes the visual presentation more than the basic size category.
That gives owners some flexibility depending on whether the truck is being restored with a plain working-truck look or a more dressed-up period-style appearance. Before deciding on style alone, make sure the tire size and wheel dimensions are correct first, then choose the sidewall treatment that best matches the truck's overall finish.
How do I choose between the available 560-14 tires for a 1971 Nissan L520?
The available 560-14 tires for a 1971 Nissan L520 are all bias-ply BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options, so the biggest distinctions are sidewall style and related product specifications. Blackwall offers the most understated look, while narrow whitewall and wide whitewall create progressively more decorative period-style presentations.
Beyond appearance, compare rim-width compatibility and load information to make sure the tire suits the wheel and intended use of the truck. That approach is especially important on older pickups, where wheels may have been changed over the years even when the basic 14-inch diameter remained the same.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1971 Nissan L520?
A period-style starting point for a 1971 Nissan L520 is one of its original-format bias-ply sizes, either 560-14 or 6.00-14, depending on the truck's current wheel setup. Staying with a numeric bias-ply tire preserves the vintage sizing language and visual character more closely than switching to a modern-format substitute.
Once the size is confirmed, appearance becomes the next decision. A blackwall usually gives the truck a simpler working look, while whitewall versions add more visual presence, but exact restoration goals should still be checked against vehicle-specific photos, marque knowledge, or other historical references when originality matters closely.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1971 Nissan L520 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1971 Nissan L520 restoration because the tire's size format, construction, and sidewall style all affect the truck's stance and overall presentation. Using one of the proper numeric bias-ply sizes keeps the tire choice aligned with the vehicle's era and avoids making the truck look visually out of place.
Fitment also matters mechanically, not just cosmetically. Even with a restoration-oriented build, the wheel diameter and width still need to match the tire, and any past wheel or suspension changes should be verified carefully so the finished truck looks right and has the clearance needed for actual road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1971 Nissan L520?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1971 Nissan L520 even when the truck still appears to have period-style wheels. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body modifications can influence which of the two primary sizes makes sense and how much clearance the truck has.
That is why an older pickup should be checked as it sits today rather than judged only by year and model. Measure the wheel diameter and width, look at steering and fender clearance, and compare the tire currently on the truck before choosing between 560-14 and 6.00-14.
What should I inspect before driving a 1971 Nissan L520 on new tires?
Before driving a 1971 Nissan L520 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the selected tire size matches the wheel dimensions. It also helps to check steering clearance, suspension condition, and whether the tires seat and inflate evenly once mounted.
An older truck deserves a broader walk-around before road use. Look for rubbing at full steering lock, verify tire pressure, and inspect the rest of the braking and suspension system so the new tires are not masking another problem. A short, careful test drive is the best final check.
How should 560-14 tires on a collector 1971 Nissan L520 be maintained?
560-14 tires on a collector 1971 Nissan L520 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Because collector trucks often sit for long periods, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss deserve more attention than tread wear alone.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as miles driven. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires' condition, and periodic inspections before each outing are a smart habit since low annual mileage does not prevent rubber from aging.
