1972 Nissan PL510 Tires

A 1972 Nissan PL510 uses either 165R13 in radial construction or 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are legitimate primary fitments for this model and both use a 13-inch rim, so the decision is not about wheel diameter first as much as identifying which construction and wheel setup the car currently has.

That distinction matters because a 165R13 radial and a 560-13 bias-ply do not represent the same style of tire choice, even though they share the same rim diameter. Checking the wheels already on the car, the intended appearance, and whether the PL510 has been kept stock or modified will help narrow the correct path before selecting a specific tire.

The 1972 Nissan PL510 uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 165R13 and 560-13. That common rim diameter simplifies basic wheel matching, but the two sizes still differ in construction type and in the wheel-width ranges associated with the available tire choices.

A 13-inch diameter alone is not enough to choose a tire confidently. Wheel width should also be checked before purchase, especially when comparing radial and bias-ply options, because available 165R13 and 560-13 products are built around different width ranges. On a collector car, confirming the actual wheels on the vehicle is especially important after decades of possible changes.

The 1972 Nissan PL510 Sedan uses the same two primary fitment paths found on this model: 165R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply. Rather than assigning a separate Sedan-only size, the fitment question centers on which of those two tire constructions the car is equipped to use.

That means a Sedan owner should focus less on searching for a unique sub-model tire and more on confirming the current wheel and tire setup. A car preserved with vintage-style wheels may point naturally toward 560-13 bias-ply, while a radial-equipped setup may align with 165R13. The practical choice depends on appearance goals, wheel width, and the car's present configuration.

On the 1972 Nissan PL510, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses an older numeric sizing system and represents the more traditional construction choice for this model, in contrast to the 165R13 radial fitment that also appears on the PL510.

That difference affects both look and selection. The 560-13 offerings lean toward vintage presentation, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, while the radial path moves toward a blackwall import-style appearance. Before changing from one construction to the other, it helps to confirm wheel width and make sure the tire choice matches the car's intended use and overall stance.

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

Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with the equivalent sizing path, so the wheel itself needs to be checked first. After that, overall tire dimensions and clearance at the fenders and suspension should be reviewed before making the switch.

Start by confirming the original bias-ply size and then matching it to the intended radial equivalent, such as 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13 for a 560-13 application. Wheel width matters as well, since the equivalent range is tied to a 4 to 5 inch rim-width recommendation.

Construction changes can also alter the overall character of the car, so the decision should reflect how the PL510 is driven and how original-looking it needs to remain. A careful check of wheel condition, tire clearance, ride height, and any suspension or wheel changes will help prevent choosing a radial that is dimensionally acceptable on paper but unsuitable on the car.

The first decision is whether the car should use the 165R13 radial fitment or the 560-13 bias-ply fitment. From there, the right tire depends on wheel width, intended appearance, and whether the PL510 is being kept close to a traditional period style or set up with a more modern radial-oriented approach.

Once the correct size path is settled, compare the available products by construction, sidewall style, tire series, and any useful load or rim-width details attached to that tire. A collector car that sees occasional road use may prioritize appearance and authenticity of presentation, while a regularly driven car may call for a different balance within the correct fitment family.

Sidewall choice depends on the tire size selected. In 165R13 radial form, the available products are blackwall tires. In 560-13 bias-ply form, the available styles include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options, giving the PL510 a more visibly vintage presentation.

That makes sidewall style a meaningful part of the decision, especially on a restoration-oriented car. Blackwall radial tires suit a cleaner import performance look, while whitewall bias-ply tires lean more traditional. The right choice comes down to the era-specific appearance being pursued and whether that visual goal outweighs the desire to stay with one construction type or the other.

The 1972 Nissan PL510 has tire options from Michelin and Dunlop in 165R13 radial fitment, along with BFGoodrich and Firestone in 560-13 bias-ply fitment. Those brands cover distinct tire families rather than duplicating the exact same look across both size and construction paths.

Brand should be considered alongside the size and style of tire, not ahead of them. Michelin and Dunlop choices support the radial side of the PL510's fitment story, while BFGoodrich and Firestone products shape the classic bias-ply and whitewall presentation. It makes sense to compare brand only after confirming the correct size, wheel-width compatibility, and the car's intended appearance.

A period-style 1972 Nissan PL510 can be approached in two different ways: 560-13 bias-ply for a more traditional vintage presentation, or 165R13 radial for a classic import radial look. Both are authentic to the era in a broad sense, but they create noticeably different visual and driving impressions.

The better choice depends on the kind of restoration or preservation goal the car has. Bias-ply tires with whitewall styling emphasize an older, more formal appearance, while blackwall radials feel more in step with later compact-sedan road use. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and period photos are useful before settling on a sidewall treatment or construction.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1972 Nissan PL510 as much as the sidewall itself. A 560-13 bias-ply creates a more vintage profile and opens the door to narrow or wide whitewall styling, while a 165R13 radial keeps the car in a blackwall radial presentation associated with later compact-car fitments.

That difference can influence the whole stance of the car, especially on a small sedan where the tire is visually prominent. Owners trying to keep a restoration era-consistent should decide early whether the goal is a distinctly traditional look or a radial-era appearance. Matching that decision to the proper wheel width helps keep the finished setup visually coherent as well.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 Nissan PL510 even when the tire size itself appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lowering, spring replacement, or body alterations can all influence how a 165R13 or 560-13 tire sits and clears the surrounding components.

That is especially important on older cars that may have changed hands several times. A tire that matches the intended size still needs enough room at the fenders, steering components, and suspension through full travel. Checking the actual wheel dimensions and the car's current ride height before ordering helps avoid choosing a tire purely by size code.

Before driving a 1972 Nissan PL510 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, verify proper inflation, and make sure the tires are seated correctly. It also helps to confirm that the chosen size matches the car's actual wheel setup, whether that is a 165R13 radial arrangement or a 560-13 bias-ply arrangement.

A short clearance check is wise before regular road use. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for any contact points around the inner fenders or suspension, and recheck air pressure after the first few miles. On a collector car that has sat for long periods, wheel hardware and suspension bushings also deserve a quick look before longer drives.

Tires on a collector 1972 Nissan PL510 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and proper storage habits. Even low-mileage tires can age from time, temperature shifts, sunlight, and long periods of inactivity, so tread depth alone does not tell the full story on a vintage car.

Good maintenance includes watching for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss. The car should be stored away from prolonged heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and the tires should be inspected before each driving season or extended trip. That routine is just as important for a rarely driven show car as it is for a weekend driver.