1972 Plymouth Cricket Tires

The 1972 Plymouth Cricket uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, and the Cricket Base can use either size depending on whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply presentation or fitted with a radial-size option.

That means the first step is not choosing wheel diameter, but deciding which construction suits the car and its intended use. A preserved or restoration-oriented Cricket may lean toward 560-13, while a driver-focused setup may point toward 155R13 or a radial equivalent for the bias-ply size. Wheel width and clearance still deserve a careful check before changing tire type.

The 1972 Plymouth Cricket uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 155R13 and the bias-ply 560-13 are both built around the same 13-inch wheel diameter, so the diameter itself remains consistent even though the tire sizing systems are different.

That shared rim diameter simplifies the basic fitment question, but wheel width still matters when selecting a specific tire. Some 155R13 radial products are intended for wider 13-inch wheels than some 560-13 bias-ply products. Before changing construction, confirm the actual wheel width on the car, especially if the Cricket has replacement wheels or an unknown service history.

560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 refers to a nominal section-width class of about 5.60 inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1972 Plymouth Cricket, that size represents the bias-ply side of the car's original-era fitment style rather than a modern metric radial format.

Understanding that code helps separate appearance from construction choice. A 560-13 tire typically appeals to owners who want the Cricket to retain a more traditional compact-car stance and period-style whitewall look. If a radial alternative is being considered instead, compare wheel width, dimensions, and clearance carefully rather than treating a modern equivalent as an automatic substitute.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1972 Plymouth Cricket. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing system rather than a metric radial format, and it is one of the Cricket's two primary 13-inch fitments alongside the radial 155R13 size.

That distinction matters because changing from 560-13 to a radial is more than a cosmetic decision. Bias-ply and radial tires differ in construction, available wheel-width ranges, and overall presentation on the car. Owners moving away from 560-13 should confirm the actual wheel width and check the car for clearance and suspension condition before choosing a radial alternative.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial. These sizes give the 1972 Plymouth Cricket several radial-format alternatives without changing away from a 13-inch wheel diameter.

Each of those equivalents should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic interchange. The recommended rim-width range associated with the 560-13 equivalency is 4 to 5 inches, which is a useful checkpoint before conversion. It is also smart to compare the vehicle's wheel setup and available clearance, especially on a compact car where space can be tighter.

Start by confirming the car's actual wheel width, since the 560-13 bias-ply size and its radial equivalents do not all share the same wheel-width needs. For a 560-13 conversion path, 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13 are the relevant radial equivalents, all staying on a 13-inch rim diameter.

Construction changes also deserve a broader fitment review. Check steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the overall stance of the car before making the switch. A Cricket that has been modified, lowered, or fitted with replacement wheels may react differently than a stock-height car, so a careful physical inspection is just as important as choosing the equivalent size itself.

Begin with the correct size and construction. The 1972 Plymouth Cricket uses either a 155R13 radial or a 560-13 bias-ply, so the first decision is whether the car should keep a traditional bias-ply presentation or move toward radial construction while staying within the proper 13-inch fitment family.

After that, compare the details that affect how the car looks and how the tire matches the wheel. Sidewall style, tire series, brand, and rim-width compatibility all matter. A Cricket aimed at period-style appearance may point toward a whitewall bias-ply, while a driver-oriented car may lean toward a blackwall radial, provided the wheel and vehicle setup support the choice.

Sidewall choices for 1972 Plymouth Cricket tires include blackwall in the 155R13 radial size, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in the 560-13 bias-ply size. That gives the Cricket a meaningful visual split between a cleaner radial look and a more traditional whitewall presentation.

The best choice depends on the car's intended character rather than on size alone. Blackwall radial tires suit owners who want a restrained driver-style appearance, while narrow or wide whitewalls push the car toward a more restoration-oriented look. It is worth matching the sidewall style to the overall finish of the car so the tires support, rather than distract from, the Cricket's compact early-1970s personality.

Tires for the 1972 Plymouth Cricket are available from Michelin and Dunlop in the 155R13 radial size, and from BFGoodrich and Firestone in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those brands cover both of the Cricket's primary 13-inch fitment paths and give buyers options across different construction styles and appearances.

Brand selection should be considered alongside tire type, series, and sidewall treatment rather than as a stand-alone decision. Michelin and Dunlop serve the blackwall radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the classic bias-ply whitewall presentation. Once the correct size and construction are settled, compare wheel-width requirements and the visual style that best suits the car.

A period-style 1972 Plymouth Cricket usually starts with the 560-13 bias-ply size. That size preserves the older numeric format and the vintage tire profile associated with compact cars of the era, and it is available with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall sidewall treatments that shape the car's visual presentation.

The final choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and how it will be used. Owners seeking an appearance-led result often stay with bias-ply construction, while those balancing style with regular road use may still review the radial alternatives carefully. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque-specific historical references for the individual car.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1972 Plymouth Cricket as much as the size code itself. A 560-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional small-car stance and opens the door to whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial brings a more modernized blackwall appearance within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That visual difference is important on a compact car because the tires are a noticeable part of its overall proportions. A restoration-minded owner should think about sidewall treatment, tread-era character, and how the tire fills the wheel opening before deciding. Construction does not only affect driving feel; it also sets the tone for whether the Cricket reads as preserved, restored, or updated.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 Plymouth Cricket even when the tire size itself is within the correct 13-inch family. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension work, or ride-height changes can all influence how a 155R13, 560-13, or a radial equivalent sits in the car's wheel openings.

That is especially important on a compact vehicle, where clearance margins may be tighter than on larger cars. A Cricket with replacement wheels or suspension changes should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before the final tire choice is made. A careful physical inspection is more reliable than assuming the size alone settles the fitment question.

Before putting a 1972 Plymouth Cricket back into regular road use on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware fit, and make sure the tires clear the fenders and steering components. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering for looseness that could affect how the new tires behave.

The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure seating on the rims, and any signs of interference after a short test drive. On a collector-era compact, even fresh tires cannot compensate for worn shocks, tired bushings, or bent wheels. A few careful miles followed by a recheck of pressure and clearance helps catch issues early.

Maintain 560-13 and 155R13 tires on a collector 1972 Plymouth Cricket by keeping inflation consistent, checking for air loss, and inspecting the tread and sidewalls regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, or flat spotting. Cars that sit for long periods deserve extra attention because age and storage conditions can affect tire health even when mileage stays low.

Storage habits matter almost as much as driving habits on a lightly used Cricket. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires over time. Regular visual inspections, occasional movement of the car, and pressure checks before each drive go a long way toward preserving both safety and appearance.