The 1972 Ford Maverick came from an era when compact American cars were expected to be simple, usable, and inexpensive to keep on the road. Its straightforward packaging makes tire selection seem easy at first, but this exact Maverick has several 14-inch bias-ply fitments depending on body style and setup. That matters because the 2 Dr. Sedan and 4 Dr. Sedan do not share the same tire-size pattern, and available product choices appear only within part of that range. For an owner balancing period-style appearance, proper wheel compatibility, and real road use, the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and tire size before comparing sidewall treatments or considering a radial alternative.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 Ford Maverick
The 1972 Ford Maverick uses four primary tire sizes, all in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. The key decision is identifying the exact body style first, because the 2 Dr. Sedan and 4 Dr. Sedan use different size groupings. Once the correct size is confirmed, the next step is comparing the available tire style choices within that fitment and deciding whether to stay with the original bias-ply format or evaluate a radial equivalent where one exists.
The 6.45-14 designation is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 6.45 refers to the nominal section width in inches and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the Maverick's original-era sizing system and wheel format. Buyers familiar only with later metric sizing should recognize that this code does not translate directly by appearance alone to a modern radial label. It is best evaluated by confirming the exact sub-model, wheel size, and desired restoration character before choosing a replacement.
B78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, with the letter indicating the general tire size class, the 78 identifying its profile family, and the 14 marking the rim diameter. On a 1972 Ford Maverick, this size keeps the vehicle in a period-style bias-ply fitment while also offering a known path to modern radial equivalents. Those radial alternatives span Euro-metric and P-metric formats, so this size creates more decision points than appearance alone might suggest. It is the Maverick fitment to study most closely if road manners and vintage presentation both matter.
D70-14 is another vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, using the letter to designate the tire's size class, the 70 for its profile family, and the 14 for wheel diameter. This fitment is especially relevant because actual product choices are available in Firestone's Wide Oval series. Sidewall treatments in this size include raised white letter, redline, and pin white stripe, which makes appearance a meaningful part of the buying decision. It deserves careful consideration on a 4 Dr. Sedan where the owner wants the correct primary size along with a specific period-style look.
The D78-14 code follows the same vintage alphanumeric bias-ply system, with the letter marking the size class, the 78 identifying the profile family, and the 14 showing rim diameter. As a primary 14-inch bias-ply Maverick fitment, it belongs to the same general era of replacement thinking as the other original-style sizes on this vehicle. Buyers should not assume it is interchangeable with other 14-inch Maverick sizes simply because the wheel diameter matches. This size should be selected only after confirming the exact 4 Dr. Sedan application and comparing overall fitment goals.
Sub-model fitment on the 1972 Ford Maverick is not uniform, so tire selection starts with confirming whether the car is a 2 Dr. Sedan or a 4 Dr. Sedan. Both use 14-inch bias-ply tires, but the applicable size range changes with the body style.
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1972 Ford Maverick 2 Dr. Sedan
The 1972 Ford Maverick 2 Dr. Sedan uses 14-inch bias-ply sizing in the 6.45-14 and B78-14 range. That makes the main choice one of exact size confirmation first, then deciding whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or examine the radial-equivalent path tied to B78-14.
The 1972 Ford Maverick 4 Dr. Sedan uses D70-14 and D78-14 bias-ply sizes on 14-inch wheels. Tire selection here centers on confirming which of those two primary sizes belongs on the car, then comparing the available style differences that exist within D70-14.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1972 Ford Maverick
B78-14 has three radial-equivalent options for a 1972 Ford Maverick. They are 155R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R14 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P185/70R14 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These choices move from a Euro-metric radial format to progressively lower-profile P-metric alternatives. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies to this equivalent grouping, and final selection should still be checked against wheel dimensions and vehicle clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
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)
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 Ford Maverick Tires for Sale
Available product choices center on D70-14, where Firestone offers the Wide Oval series in several period-style sidewall treatments. Buyers comparing these options can focus on appearance differences such as raised white letter, redline, or pin white stripe while staying within a 14-inch bias-ply fitment.
Common 1972 Ford Maverick tire questions usually come down to exact size by sub-model, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, and how sidewall styling affects the finished look of the car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1972 Ford Maverick?
A 1972 Ford Maverick uses one of four primary tire sizes: 6.45-14, B78-14, D70-14, or D78-14. All four are bias-ply sizes built for 14-inch rims, but they do not apply across every Maverick body style in the same way.
The practical step is confirming whether the car is a 2 Dr. Sedan or a 4 Dr. Sedan before choosing a tire. The 2 Dr. Sedan uses 6.45-14 or B78-14, while the 4 Dr. Sedan uses D70-14 or D78-14, so matching the size to the exact car matters more than simply picking any 14-inch tire.
What size rim does a 1972 Ford Maverick use?
The 1972 Ford Maverick uses 14-inch rims with its primary tire fitments. That rim diameter remains consistent across 6.45-14, B78-14, D70-14, and D78-14, even though the tire sizing systems differ between numeric and alphanumeric bias-ply formats.
Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the tire should still be matched to the correct Maverick sub-model and size designation. A 14-inch wheel does not make every 14-inch bias-ply size interchangeable, and any changed wheels should be checked for width and clearance before a new tire is selected.
Do all 1972 Ford Maverick sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1972 Ford Maverick 2 Dr. Sedan uses 6.45-14 and B78-14, while the 4 Dr. Sedan uses D70-14 and D78-14. All are 14-inch bias-ply fitments, but the actual tire size grouping changes with the sub-model.
That distinction matters because the buying path is different for each body style. B78-14 has radial-equivalent choices, while D70-14 has visible product variety in sidewall treatment, so the correct sub-model should be confirmed before comparing tires by appearance, construction, or modern alternative sizing.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is B78-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1972 Ford Maverick?
B78-14 is a bias-ply primary tire size for the 1972 Ford Maverick. It uses a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply format rather than a modern metric radial format, which makes it part of the car's original-era sizing approach.
That does not prevent a radial alternative from being considered, but it does mean the starting point is a bias-ply fitment. Anyone comparing constructions should look at wheel width, overall dimensions of the alternative size, and the car's actual clearance before deciding whether to keep the traditional bias-ply setup or move to a radial option.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to B78-14?
Radial equivalents for B78-14 include 155R14, P175/75R14, and P185/70R14. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric 75-series radial, and a P-metric 70-series radial, giving the 1972 Ford Maverick several modern-format alternatives tied to that original bias-ply size.
Each option follows a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about construction but also about profile and wheel compatibility. A 4 to 6 inch recommended rim-width range applies to this equivalent group, and the final selection should be checked against the Maverick's wheel setup and available clearance rather than assumed from size labels alone.
What should I check before converting my 1972 Ford Maverick from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the Maverick actually uses the B78-14 fitment if the conversion is being based on the known radial equivalents. Then compare the candidate radial size with the car's wheel width, 14-inch rim diameter, and the space available around the fenders and steering components.
Construction changes can also shift the way the car looks and feels, so the decision should match the car's intended use. A restoration-oriented Maverick may favor the traditional bias-ply presentation, while a driver-focused car may lead the owner to consider one of the available radial equivalent sizes after fitment is verified.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1972 Ford Maverick tire?
The first consideration is the exact primary size for the car, because a 1972 Ford Maverick can use 6.45-14, B78-14, D70-14, or D78-14 depending on sub-model. Every primary fitment here is a 14-inch bias-ply tire, so the decision starts with correct size and construction before anything else.
After that, focus on how the car will be used and how you want it to look. Some fitments offer modern radial-equivalent paths, while D70-14 offers multiple sidewall treatments within the same bias-ply series, so appearance, wheel compatibility, and the car's restoration goals should all be weighed together.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 Ford Maverick tires?
Within the available D70-14 product choices for the 1972 Ford Maverick, sidewall styles include raised white letter, redline, and pin white stripe. Those choices all stay within a 14-inch bias-ply fitment but create noticeably different visual presentations on the car.
That makes sidewall treatment an appearance decision as much as a tire decision. A raised white letter look leans more performance-oriented, while redline and pin white stripe options offer different period-style cues, so the right choice depends on whether the Maverick is being finished as a driver, a restoration-style car, or something in between.
What tire series are available for the 1972 Ford Maverick?
The available product series for the 1972 Ford Maverick is Firestone Wide Oval in D70-14. That series appears with several sidewall treatments, so the distinction is less about changing series and more about choosing the version that best suits the car's intended appearance.
A buyer comparing D70-14 options should still look beyond the series name alone. Sidewall styling, rim-width suitability, and the overall goal for the car matter just as much, especially when the Maverick is being kept close to a period-style look rather than updated with a radial-equivalent approach.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 Ford Maverick?
A period-style 1972 Ford Maverick starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 6.45-14 or B78-14 on the 2 Dr. Sedan, and D70-14 or D78-14 on the 4 Dr. Sedan. Staying within those original-style sizing formats preserves the car's vintage tire presentation more closely than jumping immediately to a modern metric radial.
From there, the right choice depends on whether the goal is visual authenticity, regular driving, or a balance of both. If exact originality matters, marque references and vehicle-specific historical documentation are worth checking, because a tire that looks period-appropriate is not automatically the same as a factory-delivered brand or sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 Ford Maverick?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1972 Ford Maverick because bias-ply sizes use older numeric or alphanumeric formats and typically present the car in a more traditional way. On this Maverick, the primary fitments are all bias-ply, so that construction forms the baseline for a restoration-oriented look.
A radial alternative can still be considered where an equivalent exists, but it may shift the overall impression of the car even when rim diameter remains the same. That is why many owners decide on construction only after settling the restoration goal first, then selecting size and sidewall style to support that direction.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 Ford Maverick?
Yes. A 1972 Ford Maverick may use one of several 14-inch tire sizes in stock form, and modifications can complicate that further. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can all affect whether the selected tire size has adequate clearance.
That is why the current setup should be checked rather than relying only on the original vehicle application. A Maverick with non-stock wheels may still have a 14-inch rim diameter but require closer attention to width, steering travel, and fender space before a bias-ply replacement or radial-equivalent option is put into service.
What should I inspect before driving a 1972 Ford Maverick on new tires?
Begin with the basics: verify wheel diameter, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure the tires are mounted on suitable rims. It also helps to inspect the wheels themselves for damage and to check that the suspension and steering components are in sound condition.
A short road test should follow only after confirming pressure, visual clearance, and proper seating of the tires on the wheels. On an older Maverick, it is especially wise to watch for rubbing during turns, uneven stance, or any sign that a previous owner changed the wheel or suspension setup from stock.
How should 14-inch tires on a collector 1972 Ford Maverick be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1972 Ford Maverick should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car sees limited mileage. Long periods of storage can age tires in ways that are easy to miss when tread still looks usable.
Proper inflation and clean, dry storage matter just as much as miles driven. Keeping the Maverick away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve tire condition, and any car that has sat for extended periods deserves a careful visual inspection before being returned to regular road use.
