The 1972 American Motors Gremlin came from a moment when compact American cars were getting more personality, and AMC answered with a short-wheelbase hatchback that still stands apart in today’s collector scene. Whether kept as a simple six-cylinder runabout or preserved in sportier X trim, the Gremlin’s tire choice is closely tied to its exact configuration. Primary fitments for the 1972 American Motors Gremlin span several bias-ply sizes, including both numeric and alphanumeric formats on 13-inch and 14-inch rims. That creates real choice around period-style appearance, sidewall treatment, and, for some sizes, modern radial equivalents. The right decision starts with the exact sub-model and wheel size already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 American Motors Gremlin
The 1972 American Motors Gremlin uses six primary tire sizes, and they do not apply across every version of the car. Fitment varies by sub-model, and the Gremlin also uses both 13-inch and 14-inch rims, so the first step is confirming the exact trim and wheel diameter before comparing tires. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the right bias-ply size and, where available, deciding whether to stay with a traditional construction or consider a modern radial equivalent.
A 6.45-14 size uses an older numeric bias-ply format in which 6.45 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches and 14 identifies the rim diameter. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits a Gremlin owner looking to keep the car in a period-style tire construction. Because product choice is the real next step with this size, wheel condition and exact sub-model confirmation matter before moving forward. It is especially important to verify the car’s existing 14-inch wheel setup rather than assuming interchangeability with the Gremlin’s other listed sizes.
The 600-13 designation is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.00 indicating nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the rim diameter. On a 1972 American Motors Gremlin, this size keeps a compact, traditional bias-ply presentation and is one of the fitments that also has modern radial equivalents available for comparison. Product options in 600-13 include BFGoodrich offerings in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments. That makes this size a practical choice when appearance is just as important as matching the correct wheel diameter.
B78-14 uses a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply system where the letter marks the size class, the series number identifies the profile family, and 14 is the rim diameter. This is still a bias-ply Gremlin fitment, but the format looks less familiar to many modern buyers than a straight numeric size. Radial equivalents are available for B78-14, which gives owners a useful way to compare traditional construction with modern sizing alternatives. It is a size worth evaluating carefully if the goal is to preserve a 14-inch setup while also considering how the car will actually be driven.
The 695-14 code is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.95 representing nominal section width in inches and 14 indicating the wheel diameter. For the 1972 American Motors Gremlin, this size opens up one of the broadest product assortments, with BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear choices across Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion lines. Sidewall treatments include blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, raised white letter, and raised white letter with blue stripe. That variety makes 695-14 especially important for owners balancing period flavor, brand preference, and a specific visual style.
C78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, using the letter to identify the tire’s size class, the series number for profile family, and 14 for rim diameter. On the Gremlin, it serves as another 14-inch bias-ply fitment and is one of the sizes with documented modern radial equivalents. The practical appeal here is less about sidewall variety in current product selection and more about understanding the original-style sizing language before choosing a tire path. Owners comparing options should first confirm that the car’s wheel diameter and sub-model align with this C78-14 fitment.
D70-14 follows the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply format, where the letter indicates the size class, the 70 marks the profile family, and 14 identifies the rim diameter. This Gremlin fitment remains firmly in the muscle-era bias-ply tradition and is offered in Firestone’s Wide Oval series. Available sidewall styles include raised white letter, redline, and pin white stripe, giving this size a distinctly appearance-driven set of choices. It is the size to focus on when the exact sub-model calls for it and the buyer wants to match the tire’s look closely to the car’s visual character.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1972 Gremlin because tire size is not shared evenly across the full lineup. Some versions have two acceptable bias-ply sizes, while the Gremlin X uses its own single fitment, so confirming the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing brands, sidewalls, or radial-equivalent options.
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1972 American Motors Gremlin 6 Cyl. Non-Air
The 1972 American Motors Gremlin 6 Cyl. Non-Air uses either a 6.45-14 or 600-13 bias-ply tire, which means wheel diameter is a critical part of the fitment decision. Tire selection here starts with confirming whether the car is set up with 13-inch or 14-inch wheels, then choosing between a traditional bias-ply presentation or, for 600-13, evaluating available radial equivalents.
The 1972 American Motors Gremlin 6 Cyl. w/Air uses either 6.45-14 or B78-14, both in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. That makes the main decision less about wheel diameter and more about confirming which of the two period sizing systems matches the car, then deciding whether to stay with bias-ply construction or consider radial equivalents where available.
The 1972 American Motors Gremlin 8 Cyl. uses either 695-14 or C78-14, both traditional 14-inch bias-ply fitments. Buyers in this group should first verify which size the car is set up for, then decide whether the priority is a period-style bias-ply look with broader sidewall and brand choice in 695-14 or a radial-equivalent path tied to C78-14.
The 1972 American Motors Gremlin X uses D70-14 as its primary bias-ply fitment. That simplifies size selection, so the focus shifts to choosing among the available Firestone Wide Oval sidewall styles and making sure the existing 14-inch wheel setup still matches the car if it has been changed over the years.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1972 American Motors Gremlin
Several 1972 American Motors Gremlin bias-ply sizes have radial equivalents. For 600-13, the available options are 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, with a 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range. B78-14 maps to 155R14, P175/75R14, and P185/70R14, while both 695-14 and C78-14 map to 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14; each of those 14-inch equivalents carries a 4-6 inch recommended rim-width range. The choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile, and each one should be checked against wheel compatibility and vehicle clearance before conversion.
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)
155R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (B78-14)
P175/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (B78-14)
P185/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (B78-14)
175R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (695-14)
P185/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (695-14)
P195/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (695-14)
175R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (C78-14)
P185/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (C78-14)
P195/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (C78-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 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:
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 1972 American Motors Gremlin Tires for Sale
Available Gremlin tire choices vary by size, brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment. Depending on fitment, selections include BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, and Firestone bias-ply tires with blackwall, whitewall, redline, pin white stripe, and raised white letter styling.
These Gremlin tire FAQs focus on the details that matter most on a configuration-specific page: correct size by sub-model, 13-inch versus 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial-equivalent choices, appearance options, and the checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1972 American Motors Gremlin?
The 1972 American Motors Gremlin uses several bias-ply tire sizes depending on the exact sub-model. The sizes used across the lineup are 6.45-14, 600-13, B78-14, 695-14, C78-14, and D70-14. A 6 Cyl. Non-Air Gremlin uses 6.45-14 or 600-13, a 6 Cyl. w/Air uses 6.45-14 or B78-14, an 8 Cyl. uses 695-14 or C78-14, and the Gremlin X uses D70-14.
The practical point is that a Gremlin owner should not choose a tire by year and model alone. The exact sub-model matters, and on some versions the wheel diameter matters just as much because both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments appear in the same model year. Matching the tire size to the car’s current wheel setup is the first check, especially if the wheels may have been changed during past restoration or maintenance work.
What size rim does a 1972 American Motors Gremlin use?
A 1972 American Motors Gremlin can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the tire size and sub-model. The 600-13 fitment uses a 13-inch rim, while 6.45-14, B78-14, 695-14, C78-14, and D70-14 all use 14-inch rims. That means rim diameter is not the same across every Gremlin in this model year.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before a tire is chosen, particularly on a 6 Cyl. Non-Air Gremlin where both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments appear. A 14-inch tire cannot simply be substituted onto a 13-inch wheel, and the reverse is equally true. If the car has aftermarket wheels or a long service history, reading the wheel itself and comparing it to the intended tire size helps prevent ordering the right-looking tire for the wrong rim.
Why does the 1972 American Motors Gremlin have more than one tire size?
The 1972 American Motors Gremlin has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and, in some cases, by wheel diameter. Six-cylinder non-air, six-cylinder with air, eight-cylinder, and Gremlin X configurations do not all share the same tire specification. Some versions also use two acceptable bias-ply sizes within the same sub-model grouping.
That means the first job is identifying the exact version of the car rather than jumping straight to brand or sidewall style. Once the sub-model is clear, the next step is confirming what wheels are actually on the vehicle today. Older collector cars often pick up replacement wheels over time, so using the current wheel diameter and the correct sub-model together gives a much more reliable starting point for tire selection.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 600-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1972 American Motors Gremlin?
On the 1972 American Motors Gremlin, 600-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It appears on the 6 Cyl. Non-Air Gremlin and uses a 13-inch rim. Radial alternatives exist for buyers comparing driving use and appearance, but the original primary fitment itself is a bias-ply construction in vintage numeric sizing.
Keeping a 600-13 bias-ply tire maintains the original-style sizing format and traditional construction. Switching to a radial equivalent can be considered, but it should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic replacement. The owner should confirm 13-inch wheel compatibility, compare the intended radial size carefully, and check clearance at the fenders and steering before changing construction on a car that may no longer be on its original wheels.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 600-13, B78-14, 695-14, and C78-14 on a 1972 American Motors Gremlin?
The 1972 American Motors Gremlin has several radial-equivalent mappings for its bias-ply sizes. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. For B78-14, they are 155R14, P175/75R14, and P185/70R14. For both 695-14 and C78-14, the equivalents are 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14.
Those options give a buyer a range of radial sizing formats, from 80-series metric to 75-series and 70-series P-metric choices. Even when the rim diameter matches, the conversion still deserves a proper fitment check. Wheel width, vehicle clearance, and the way the Gremlin is set up today all matter, especially on an older car that may have replacement wheels, suspension changes, or uneven wear in the steering and suspension system.
What should I check before converting my 1972 American Motors Gremlin from bias-ply to radial tires?
Before converting a 1972 American Motors Gremlin from bias-ply to radial tires, confirm the exact original tire size, the current wheel diameter, and the radial equivalent tied to that specific size. On this Gremlin, some fitments use 13-inch wheels and others use 14-inch wheels, so the right radial alternative depends on the sub-model and the wheel already on the car.
A sound conversion check also includes wheel width, steering clearance, fender clearance, and the overall condition of the suspension and alignment-sensitive parts. Radial equivalents are useful alternatives, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutes. Gremlins that have been modified, lowered, or fitted with aftermarket wheels deserve extra attention, since those changes can alter the usable space around the tire even when the basic rim diameter appears correct.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1972 American Motors Gremlin tire?
Start with the exact Gremlin sub-model and correct tire size, because the 1972 lineup uses more than one bias-ply fitment and not every version shares the same rim diameter. Some cars use 13-inch wheels, while others use 14-inch wheels. Once size is confirmed, the next considerations are construction style, available brands, sidewall appearance, and whether a radial equivalent exists for that fitment.
A careful choice balances the way the car is used with the presentation you want. A period-style restoration may point toward a traditional bias-ply look, while a regular driver may justify comparing radial alternatives where they are available. It also helps to compare tire series, rim-width specifications, and load figures within the size you need rather than assuming every tire in the same size will serve the same visual or practical purpose.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 American Motors Gremlin tires?
Sidewall choices for 1972 American Motors Gremlin tires vary by size, but the available styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, redline, pin white stripe, raised white letter, and raised white letter with blue stripe. Those options are not spread evenly across every Gremlin tire size, so the exact fitment determines how much appearance choice is available.
That matters because sidewall style often shapes the whole look of a collector car as much as the wheel itself. A simple six-cylinder Gremlin on whitewalls has a different visual character than a Gremlin X on raised white letters or redlines. The best approach is to confirm the correct size first, then compare sidewall treatments within that size so the appearance stays aligned with both the car’s trim level and your restoration goals.
What brands offer tires for the 1972 American Motors Gremlin?
Depending on the Gremlin tire size, available brands include BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, and Firestone. The 600-13 size is represented by BFGoodrich, 695-14 includes BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear, and D70-14 is available from Firestone. Brand choice is therefore tied closely to the specific size used on the car.
Brand matters most after fitment is settled, because each size does not carry the same product mix. Some Gremlin sizes emphasize whitewall and blackwall choices, while others lean into performance-era styling such as redlines or raised white letters. Rather than trying to pick a brand first, it is smarter to identify the correct tire size and then compare the brands available in that size by sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 American Motors Gremlin?
A period-style 1972 American Motors Gremlin should begin with the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model. That keeps the car in the proper sizing family and preserves the vintage visual proportion associated with its original-era fitment. After size is confirmed, the real decision becomes choosing a tire series and sidewall treatment that suit the way the car is being restored or presented.
Whitewalls, blackwalls, redlines, and raised white letters can all change the car’s character, but the right look depends on the specific Gremlin version and the owner’s restoration goal. If exact originality is important, the safest next step is to compare the intended tire against marque-club guidance, period photography, or other vehicle-specific references. That helps separate a broadly period-style choice from one meant to mirror a more exact historical presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 American Motors Gremlin?
Tire construction affects the look of a restored 1972 American Motors Gremlin because the car’s primary fitments are bias-ply sizes in vintage numeric and alphanumeric formats. A bias-ply tire usually preserves the traditional visual language of the era more closely, especially when paired with sidewall treatments such as whitewalls, redlines, or raised white letters that fit the car’s overall theme.
A radial equivalent can still be a sensible choice for some owners, but it changes the selection path from original-style construction to modern alternative sizing. For a restoration-oriented build, the question is not only whether the tire fits the wheel, but whether it supports the car’s intended stance and presentation. That is why many Gremlin owners choose the size first, then compare construction based on appearance priorities rather than convenience alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 American Motors Gremlin?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 American Motors Gremlin even when the tire size appears close to an original specification. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, and body or fender work can all change the usable space around the tire. That matters even more on a Gremlin because both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments appear in the same model year.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel itself rather than judged only by the year and model. Tire diameter is only part of the picture; wheel width and clearance at full steering lock matter too. A Gremlin that has been lowered or fitted with replacement wheels may need more careful verification before a bias-ply size or radial equivalent is chosen, especially if the car no longer reflects its original factory-era setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1972 American Motors Gremlin on new tires?
Before driving a 1972 American Motors Gremlin on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and general condition, then check that the tires seat properly and clear the car through steering movement and suspension travel. It is also smart to look over the valve stems, confirm inflation pressure, and make sure there are no signs of rubbing once the car is back on the ground.
Collector cars often sit for long periods, so the rest of the running gear deserves attention too. Steering components, shocks, bushings, and alignment-related wear can affect how a newly mounted tire behaves on the road. A short local drive followed by another visual inspection is a sensible final step, especially on a Gremlin with older wheels or any history of wheel changes, suspension work, or prior tire-clearance issues.
How should tires on a collector 1972 American Motors Gremlin be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1972 American Motors Gremlin should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even if tread wear is low, age and inactivity can still affect a collector tire. Sidewall cracking, flat spotting after long storage, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss are all worth watching for on a car that may spend more time parked than driven.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the Gremlin away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the car periodically and inspect each tire before longer drives rather than assuming a low-mile collector tire is automatically road ready. Older vehicles benefit from routine checks because time can change tire condition even when use is limited.
