1971 Opel Opel Tires

The 1971 Opel Opel uses two primary 13-inch tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Those two sizes represent different fitment directions, so the question is not just diameter but also whether the car is set up around a radial or traditional bias-ply tire.

Choosing between them starts with confirming the wheel and the setup already on the car. A preserved or restoration-oriented Opel may stay with 560-13, while a car using the radial fitment may call for 165R13. If the wheels have been changed over the years, verify actual rim width and clearance before assuming either size should be used.

Both primary tire sizes used on the 1971 Opel Opel are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 165R13 radial fitment and the 560-13 bias-ply fitment, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing systems and constructions are different.

Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width also matters, especially when comparing a narrow bias-ply setup with a radial tire that may have a different approved wheel-width range. If the car has replacement wheels, inspect the actual wheel dimensions rather than relying on the tire currently mounted to tell the whole fitment story.

560-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 portion represents a nominal 5.60-inch section width with the decimal omitted, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1971 Opel Opel, that size points to the traditional bias-ply fitment rather than the radial 165R13 alternative.

That sizing format matters because it affects how replacement tires are chosen and how radial equivalents are evaluated. A buyer looking at 560-13 should pay attention not only to the size itself, but also to sidewall style, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the goal is to preserve a vintage look or move carefully toward a radial option.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1971 Opel Opel. It uses the older numeric sizing format and is offered here in classic bias-ply constructions, while the radial fitment for this vehicle is the separate 165R13 size.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and fitment planning. Owners keeping a traditional presentation often stay with 560-13, while those considering a radial need to compare equivalent sizes and check wheel width carefully. A 13-inch diameter alone does not make every tire in that diameter the right choice for the same setup.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those represent three different radial sizing approaches: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial. No bias-look radial equivalent is associated with 560-13 here.

These radial equivalents are alternatives to evaluate, not automatic substitutions. The recommended rim-width range tied to the equivalents is 4-5 inches, so wheel width should be checked first. It is also smart to confirm overall compatibility with the car's wheelhouse, steering clearance, and intended use before changing from the original bias-ply sizing format.

Start by confirming which bias-ply size is on the car and which radial equivalent is being considered. For a 560-13 setup, the available radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the associated recommended rim-width range is 4-5 inches.

After that, inspect the actual wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, and steering clearance at full lock. It also helps to look at suspension condition and make sure the car sits evenly, since an older Opel may have changed over time. A radial equivalent can be a useful alternative, but it should be matched to the car's present wheel and chassis setup.

The main decision is whether the car should use the 165R13 radial fitment or the 560-13 bias-ply fitment. That choice affects more than construction alone, because it also changes the sizing format, the range of available products, and the overall look of the car.

Once the correct size path is confirmed, compare wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, brand, and tire series. A buyer focused on traditional presentation may lean toward the bias-ply options, while one preserving a European radial character may prefer 165R13. Matching the tire to the wheel and the intended use is more important than picking by appearance alone.

Sidewall choices for the 1971 Opel Opel vary by tire size and construction. The 165R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. That creates a clear appearance split between the radial and bias-ply offerings.

For many buyers, sidewall style is tied closely to the car's visual character. A blackwall radial can suit a sporty, European-style presentation, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more traditional vintage look. Sidewall treatment should be chosen only after the correct tire size and wheel setup are confirmed, since appearance does not override fitment requirements.

Tires for the 1971 Opel Opel are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial 165R13 fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone supply the 560-13 bias-ply choices in classic-style lines.

Brand choice becomes more useful once size and construction are settled. A buyer comparing radial options may focus on series such as Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, or Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, while a buyer staying with bias-ply can compare BFGoodrich and Firestone sidewall presentations. The strongest comparison points are fitment, appearance, and wheel compatibility, not brand name alone.

For a period-style 1971 Opel Opel, the choice usually starts with whether the car should present as a traditional bias-ply car or as one wearing a European-style radial. The 560-13 bias-ply size supports that older visual character, while 165R13 gives the car a radial format that still suits the era.

Appearance goals should be balanced with the actual wheel setup and how the car will be driven. Buyers pursuing stricter restoration standards should compare their car against marque references, period photos, or other authoritative documentation before selecting brand or sidewall treatment. A visually appropriate tire still needs to match the wheel dimensions and overall fitment of the car.

Tire construction can change the overall presentation of a restored 1971 Opel Opel more than many owners expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives a more traditional vintage look, especially with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling, while a 165R13 radial presents the car with a more later-era European blackwall appearance.

That visual difference is one reason construction should be chosen early in a restoration. A buyer trying to preserve a classic showroom-era feel may prefer the bias-ply route, while a car restored with more road use in mind may be centered around the radial fitment. Either way, the final result should still respect wheel width, tire size, and clearance requirements.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1971 Opel Opel even when the nominal tire size seems correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or body modifications can all change how a 165R13 or 560-13 tire sits within the car's available space.

A modified car should be measured, not assumed. Check wheel diameter and width first, then inspect clearance to fenders, suspension parts, and steering components throughout the full range of motion. That becomes especially important when moving away from the original bias-ply sizing format and considering a radial equivalent, since construction and dimensions can change the fitment picture.

Before driving a 1971 Opel Opel on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware and mounting surfaces are sound, and make sure each tire is seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to check for interference at the fenders and around steering and suspension components.

A collector car often benefits from a broader once-over before road use. Look at brake condition, wheel bearings, alignment feel, and any signs that the car has been sitting with aging suspension parts. A fresh set of tires can only perform as intended if the rest of the rolling chassis is ready for the road and the tires have proper operating clearance.

Tires on a collector 1971 Opel Opel should be checked regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of age-related hardening. That applies whether the car is running 165R13 radials or 560-13 bias-ply tires, since both can deteriorate over time even with limited mileage.

Storage conditions matter just as much as miles driven. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires between outings. It also pays to inspect them before each drive rather than relying on appearance alone, especially on a low-use car that may spend long periods parked on the same set of tires.