1971 Plymouth Cricket Tires

The 1971 Plymouth Cricket is associated with two tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both fitments use a 13-inch rim diameter, so the main distinction is not wheel diameter but the tire sizing system and construction type used on the car.

Choosing between them starts with the actual wheel and tire setup currently on the vehicle. A Cricket kept in a more traditional period-style configuration may stay with 560-13, while a car already set up for radial tires may use 155R13. Checking wheel width and the car's existing clearance is important before changing from one fitment style to the other.

The 1971 Plymouth Cricket uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its associated tire sizes. That means either 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials are matched to a 13-inch wheel rather than to different rim diameters.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a compact car with more than one construction type in play. Wheel width matters as well, because the available bias-ply and radial products do not all share the same rim-width range. Measuring the wheels already on the car is the safest next step before selecting a replacement tire.

The 1971 Plymouth Cricket Base is associated with both 560-13 and 155R13, rather than being limited to one size only. In practical terms, that means the Base model can appear with either a bias-ply setup or a radial setup on 13-inch wheels.

That shared fitment pattern makes the wheel-and-tire combination on the car more important than the trim name alone. Looking at the existing sidewall size marking and confirming wheel width will help narrow the decision quickly. From there, the choice becomes whether to preserve a more traditional look or continue with a radial-style replacement.

560-13 is the bias-ply tire size associated with the 1971 Plymouth Cricket. It uses the older numeric sizing format and is offered in traditional bias-ply construction, with whitewall options that suit a more vintage visual style.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and setup choices. If the goal is to retain the car's period-style look, 560-13 keeps the original sizing convention in place. Before switching away from it, compare wheel width, overall fitment needs, and the car's present condition rather than assuming any radial alternative will behave the same way.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as the 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as the 70-series P-metric radial. These are alternative radial sizing formats associated with the same general fitment family for the 1971 Plymouth Cricket.

Each option should be treated as a fitment to evaluate rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range tied to these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, so wheel width is a key checkpoint. It is also wise to confirm body, steering, and suspension clearance before moving from the primary bias-ply size to a radial equivalent.

The right choice depends on how the 1971 Plymouth Cricket is being used and how closely its current setup follows a traditional presentation. Bias-ply 560-13 suits buyers who want the vintage sizing system and whitewall appearance, while 155R13 provides a radial fitment path on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

The decision is usually less about one construction being universally better and more about matching the tire to the car's purpose. A restoration-oriented Cricket may lean toward bias-ply, while a road-driven example may stay with radial construction if the wheels support it. Checking wheel width and overall compatibility first keeps that choice grounded in fitment.

A 560-13 choice for a 1971 Plymouth Cricket starts with confirming that the car is still using the bias-ply size and the proper 13-inch wheel setup. From there, the main selection factors are brand, tire series, whitewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility among the available bias-ply options.

BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer 560-13 tires, but the sidewall look can change noticeably between narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. Rim-width specifications also differ by product, so the wheel should be measured before deciding. That approach helps preserve the intended appearance while keeping the tire choice aligned with the actual wheel on the car.

The 1971 Plymouth Cricket has both blackwall and whitewall-style tire choices depending on size and construction. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That makes sidewall appearance one of the biggest visual differences between available Cricket tires. A blackwall radial creates a simpler, more understated look, while whitewall bias-ply tires push the car toward a more period-style presentation. Sidewall choice should be matched to the overall character of the car rather than selected as an isolated detail.

Tires for the 1971 Plymouth Cricket are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 bias-ply fitment.

Those brand differences are tied directly to construction style and visual presentation, not just to name preference. Buyers comparing options should look at the size first, then the tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility within that size. That keeps the decision focused on the Cricket's actual setup rather than on brand alone.

For a period-style 1971 Plymouth Cricket, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural place to start. It preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and is available with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall treatments that suit a more traditional small-car presentation.

That does not automatically make one whitewall width or one brand historically exact for every Cricket. Owners pursuing a highly specific restoration should compare the car against period photography, marque references, and other model-specific sources. For many drivers, though, 560-13 remains the clearest fitment path when the goal is vintage appearance rather than radial conversion.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1971 Plymouth Cricket more than many owners expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire maintains the older sizing language and can be paired with whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial presents a more modern blackwall look.

That difference can shape how authentic or updated the finished car feels at a glance. A restoration built around traditional trim and presentation may look more cohesive on bias-ply tires, while a driver-focused car may accept the radial appearance more easily. The wheel setup should still be confirmed before choosing strictly for looks.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1971 Plymouth Cricket even though both associated sizes use 13-inch rims. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can all change how well a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial setup works on the car.

A Cricket with non-original wheels should be measured rather than matched by size marking alone. Wheel width is especially important here because the available bias-ply and radial tires do not share identical rim-width ranges. Checking steering clearance and fender space before installation helps prevent surprises on a compact vehicle with limited room around the tires.

Before driving a 1971 Plymouth Cricket on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tire size matches the intended setup, and verify that the tires seat properly and hold air. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components on a low-mileage or long-stored car.

A careful visual check should include sidewall condition, valve stems, tread seating, and clearance at full steering lock. On an older compact car, small fitment differences can show up quickly near the fenders or inner wheelhouse. A short, low-speed road test after installation is a sensible way to confirm the setup before regular use.

Collector-car tires on a 1971 Plymouth Cricket should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to aging even if the car is driven infrequently. Both 560-13 bias-ply tires and 155R13 radials benefit from being kept clean, properly inflated, and protected from long periods of harsh storage conditions.

Storage habits matter because a lightly used car can develop tire issues before the tread is worn out. Keeping the Cricket away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic movement can reduce flat spotting during long layups. Any cracking, bulges, cuts, or persistent air loss should be addressed before road use.