1972 Dodge Colt Tires

The 1972 Dodge Colt arrived at a moment when compact imported cars were becoming an important part of the American market, and its light, economical character makes tire choice more about proper fitment and period-appropriate proportions than sheer size. For this exact model year, the primary fitment is a 600-13 bias-ply tire on a 13-inch rim. That keeps the decision focused on maintaining the original-style bias-ply construction or considering one of the curated radial equivalents separately. Within the correct primary size, the available choices center on whitewall treatment rather than changing dimensions, which matters for owners balancing restoration appearance, wheel compatibility, and practical road use.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 Dodge Colt

The 1972 Dodge Colt uses one primary tire size: 600-13 in bias-ply construction on a 13-inch rim. That same size is shared by the covered sub-models, so the main decision is less about which primary size fits and more about choosing the right sidewall style, staying with bias-ply construction, or evaluating a radial equivalent with the proper wheel and clearance checks.

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600-13Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Base and Base w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 13 in

A 600-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 600 indicates an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1972 Dodge Colt, this is the primary bias-ply fitment and it suits owners who want to keep the car in a traditional size and construction format. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with either a wide whitewall or a narrow whitewall. It is the right starting point for a restoration-oriented replacement and for anyone confirming original-style wheel fitment before exploring radial alternatives.

Explore 600-13 Tires

1972 Dodge Colt Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1972 Dodge Colt sub-models because both use the same 600-13 bias-ply size on a 13-inch rim. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the wheel setup on the car matches the intended period-style tire choice.

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1972 Dodge Colt Base

The 1972 Dodge Colt Base uses the 600-13 bias-ply tire size, keeping selection centered on the standard primary fitment for this model year. That makes the next decision one of sidewall appearance and whether to stay with the original-style construction or separately compare a radial equivalent.

Associated Tire Sizes
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1972 Dodge Colt Base w/aluminum wheels

The 1972 Dodge Colt Base w/aluminum wheels also uses the 600-13 bias-ply tire size, so the tire dimensions remain consistent with the other covered version. Wheel material does not change the need to confirm the actual 13-inch wheel setup before choosing between available whitewall styles or considering a radial alternative.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1972 Dodge Colt

The original 600-13 size has three radial-equivalent options. 165R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P165/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P175/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial option. These choices move from older Euro-metric sizing to more modern P-metric formats with different profile conventions. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before changing construction.

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)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 Dodge Colt Tires for Sale

Available 600-13 products focus on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with two whitewall presentations: a 2.00-inch wide whitewall and a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall. That keeps the choice centered on period-style appearance while staying in the correct primary size and bias-ply construction.

Showing 2 of 2
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.00 Inch Whitewall | 600-13

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT16 lb
MAX LOAD1010@32 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 600-13

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT16 lb
MAX LOAD1010@32 psi
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Common 1972 Dodge Colt tire questions usually come down to the 600-13 fitment, 13-inch rim compatibility, radial equivalents, whitewall selection, and the checks worth making before putting a collector-era compact back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1972 Dodge Colt?

The 1972 Dodge Colt uses a 600-13 tire as its primary fitment. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used across the covered sub-models, including the Base and the Base w/aluminum wheels, and it mounts on a 13-inch rim.

That means the first step is usually confirming that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheel setup before choosing a tire. Once that is established, the decision becomes whether to stay with the traditional 600-13 bias-ply format or compare one of the radial equivalent sizes separately while checking wheel width and vehicle clearance.

What size rim does a 1972 Dodge Colt use?

The primary 1972 Dodge Colt tire size, 600-13, uses a 13-inch rim diameter. That rim diameter is consistent across the covered fitments for this model year, so the main wheel-diameter question is straightforward.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on older cars that may have had wheels changed over the years. It helps to verify the actual wheel on the car, including width, before selecting either a bias-ply replacement or a radial equivalent, since a matching diameter alone does not automatically settle overall compatibility.

Do all 1972 Dodge Colt sub-models use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1972 Dodge Colt sub-models share the same primary tire size, 600-13 in bias-ply construction. That includes both the Base and the Base w/aluminum wheels, so there is no split in primary tire size between those listings.

Shared sizing makes the selection process simpler because the buyer does not need to sort through multiple original tire dimensions first. It is still smart to inspect the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been modified or restored before, and then choose between the available whitewall styles or a radial equivalent that suits the intended use.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 600-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1972 Dodge Colt?

For the 1972 Dodge Colt, 600-13 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available primary products in this size are bias-ply tires, which keeps the original-style fitment rooted in vintage construction rather than a modern radial format.

That matters because construction affects both appearance and how the car is set up. Owners keeping a restoration-oriented presentation often stay with the 600-13 bias-ply size, while those looking at radial alternatives should treat them as separate equivalent options and confirm wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance before making the change.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 600-13?

Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 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. There is no bias-look radial equivalent in this fitment group.

Each of those sizes represents a different sizing convention and profile family, so the choice is not simply a matter of matching the rim diameter. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, and the final decision should also account for vehicle clearance, wheel condition, and the look you want from the finished setup.

What should I check before converting my 1972 Dodge Colt from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial equivalent against the 600-13 primary fitment. For the 1972 Dodge Colt, the radial-equivalent choices include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.

A careful conversion check should also include fender and steering clearance, suspension condition, and the way the car is used on the road. Older compact cars are often modified over time, so even a recognized equivalent needs to be evaluated against the actual wheel and chassis setup rather than treated as an automatic interchange.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 600-13 tire for a 1972 Dodge Colt?

Begin with the correct primary size and construction: 600-13 in bias-ply form on a 13-inch rim. From there, the main selection factors are sidewall appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being kept in a more restoration-oriented configuration or compared against a separate radial-equivalent path.

The available 600-13 products share the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series and the same published load figure of 1010@32 psi, so the visible difference is the whitewall treatment. That makes your intended presentation especially important, while still keeping an eye on actual wheel condition and confirming that the car has not been changed from its original-style wheel setup.

What sidewall styles are available for 1972 Dodge Colt tires?

In the primary 600-13 size, the 1972 Dodge Colt has two whitewall presentations available: a wide whitewall and a narrow whitewall. Both are bias-ply BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, so the sidewall treatment is the main visual distinction within the primary fitment.

That gives the buyer a straightforward appearance choice without changing the basic tire size or construction. A wide whitewall can create a stronger vintage visual statement, while a narrow whitewall delivers a subtler period-style look, and either choice should still be matched to the actual wheel and the overall restoration direction of the car.

How do I choose between the available 600-13 tires for a 1972 Dodge Colt?

The available 600-13 choices for a 1972 Dodge Colt are closely related, since both are BFGoodrich bias-ply tires from the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. The practical difference is the sidewall style: one uses a 2.00-inch wide whitewall and the other uses a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall.

That means the decision comes down largely to visual character rather than a major change in basic fitment. It helps to look at the car’s trim, wheel presentation, and restoration goals, then confirm that the wheel falls within the published 4.00 to 4.50-inch rim-width range for the primary 600-13 products.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 Dodge Colt?

A period-style starting point for a 1972 Dodge Colt is the primary 600-13 bias-ply size. Staying with that size keeps the car in the original-style format used for this model year and preserves the vintage proportions that many restoration-minded owners want.

Within that fitment, the main appearance decision is the whitewall treatment rather than the tire size itself. Exact originality can vary by vehicle history and presentation goals, so buyers chasing a highly specific restoration standard should compare sidewall style against marque references, old photography, or other period documentation before making the final choice.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 Dodge Colt?

Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1972 Dodge Colt even when the wheel diameter remains the same. A 600-13 bias-ply tire keeps the car in a traditional vintage format, while radial equivalents such as 165R13, P165/75R13, or P175/70R13 introduce a more modern sizing convention.

That distinction matters because many restorations are judged as much by overall stance and tire presentation as by paint or trim. Owners who want a more traditional look often stay with the bias-ply primary fitment, while those considering radials usually balance appearance against driving preferences and should confirm the wheel setup before making the switch.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 Dodge Colt?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 Dodge Colt even when the intended size is still 600-13 or one of its radial equivalents. Changes to wheels, ride height, suspension parts, or body clearance can alter how much room the tire has and whether the wheel width remains appropriate.

That is why an older compact car should be checked as it actually sits, not simply by year and model alone. A car with aftermarket wheels or altered suspension may need closer attention to rim width, steering travel, and fender clearance before a bias-ply replacement or radial-equivalent conversion is chosen.

What should I inspect before driving a 1972 Dodge Colt on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, verify that the tires are mounted in the intended size, and make sure there are no clearance issues at the fenders or steering components. It also helps to confirm proper inflation, secure valve stems, and even tread seating after installation.

A 1972 Dodge Colt is old enough that surrounding chassis condition matters just as much as the tires themselves. Steering wear, tired suspension parts, or poor alignment can affect how the car behaves, so a careful once-over before regular driving helps the new tires deliver the fitment and road manners you expect.

How should 600-13 tires on a collector 1972 Dodge Colt be maintained?

Collector-car maintenance starts with regular pressure checks and routine visual inspection of the 600-13 tires for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or signs of air loss. On a lightly used 1972 Dodge Colt, those checks matter because age and storage conditions can become as important as mileage.

Storage habits also play a major role in preserving vintage tires and the way the car sits over time. Keeping the Colt away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, while occasional inspections of wheel condition and tread wear make it easier to catch problems before the next drive.