The 1972 Subaru DL came from an era when Subaru was still establishing its identity in the U.S. market with compact, efficient cars that emphasized simplicity and practicality. For owners restoring or maintaining one today, tire choice plays a big role in preserving that light, nimble character. The 1972 Subaru DL uses two primary 13-inch fitments: a 155R13 radial and a 6.15-13 bias-ply. That creates a meaningful choice between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial setup offered in blackwall form through Michelin and Dunlop series. The right selection depends on whether the goal is period-style appearance, road manners, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 Subaru DL
The 1972 Subaru DL uses two primary tire sizes, and both fit on 13-inch wheels. The key distinction is construction rather than rim diameter, since 155R13 is a radial fitment while 6.15-13 is a bias-ply fitment. Both covered DL sedan sub-models use these same sizes, so the real decision is whether to keep a traditional bias-ply look or choose a radial in the correct overall size family.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1972 Subaru DL, this size represents the radial fitment path for owners who want a period-appropriate small-car radial format on a 13-inch rim. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires in established series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is worth considering when maintaining the car for regular road use while staying within the proper 13-inch fitment family.
6.15-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.15 indicating nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. That sizing style is closely associated with the traditional tire construction found on many compact cars of the period, giving the 1972 Subaru DL a more vintage visual character. Its practical relevance centers on preserving an earlier bias-ply presentation rather than moving to a modernized radial interpretation. This size deserves attention when the goal is a restoration-oriented appearance and the existing wheel setup is being kept true to the car's original-size format.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1972 Subaru DL sub-models because both sedan versions use the same two 13-inch tire sizes. Checking the exact body style still matters, but the main selection point remains whether the car will stay with bias-ply construction or use the radial option.
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1972 Subaru DL 2 Dr. Sedan
The 1972 Subaru DL 2 Dr. Sedan uses the same pair of 13-inch tire fitments found across this DL application: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply form. That gives the owner room to choose between a more traditional appearance and a radial-based driving setup without leaving the correct size family.
The 1972 Subaru DL 4 Dr. Sedan (Stage 1) follows the same fitment pattern, using either a 155R13 radial or a 6.15-13 bias-ply on a 13-inch rim. Tire selection therefore comes down to construction choice, wheel compatibility, and whether the car is being kept in a restoration-minded style or prepared for broader road use.
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 Subaru DL Tires for Sale
Current product choices center on the 155R13 radial fitment, with blackwall options from Michelin and Dunlop. The available tires differ by series, rim-width specification, and related radial design details, giving buyers a useful comparison within the correct 13-inch size family.
Common questions for the 1972 Subaru DL usually center on its two 13-inch tire sizes, the difference between radial and bias-ply fitment, and how to choose the right tire for restoration, maintenance, and real road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1972 Subaru DL?
The 1972 Subaru DL uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are tied to 13-inch wheels, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but tire construction and sizing format.
That means the first choice is whether the car should remain with a traditional bias-ply presentation or use the radial fitment. It also helps to confirm the actual wheels on the car, since many older imports have seen replacements over the years. A car wearing aftermarket wheels or a mixed set of older tires should be checked carefully before selecting a new set.
What size rim does a 1972 Subaru DL use?
The 1972 Subaru DL uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 155R13 radial size and the 6.15-13 bias-ply size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire constructions differ.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a compact vintage car. The actual wheel width should also be checked before mounting tires, particularly when choosing a radial. If the car has replacement wheels, confirming both diameter and width will help avoid problems with sidewall shape, steering feel, or clearance inside the wheel opening.
Do all 1972 Subaru DL sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. Both the 1972 Subaru DL 2 Dr. Sedan and the 1972 Subaru DL 4 Dr. Sedan (Stage 1) use the same two primary tire sizes: 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply. Fitment stays consistent across these covered sub-models.
That consistency simplifies the search, because the decision does not hinge on sedan sub-model differences. Instead, it comes down to the tire type the car is being set up to use. A Subaru DL kept in a more restoration-oriented style may lean toward the bias-ply size, while a car intended for regular road use may be evaluated around the radial option and the wheel setup currently on the car.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.15-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1972 Subaru DL?
6.15-13 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1972 Subaru DL. Its numeric sizing format is typical of vintage bias-ply fitments, and it gives the car a more traditional small-car appearance than the radial alternative.
Choosing that size usually reflects a preference for period-style construction and presentation rather than a switch to modern radial behavior. Since the DL also uses a 13-inch radial option, it is important to decide which construction better matches the car's purpose. Wheel condition, intended driving use, and the overall restoration direction should all be considered before mixing visual goals with road-use expectations.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1972 Subaru DL?
The 1972 Subaru DL can be set up with either a 6.15-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial, both on 13-inch wheels. The better choice depends less on sub-model fitment and more on how the car is being preserved, presented, and driven.
A bias-ply tire supports a more traditional period-style look, while the radial option keeps the car in a size format that many owners prefer for regular road use. The decision should be made after checking wheel width, confirming there is no mismatch in the existing set, and making sure the suspension and steering are in sound condition for the construction being chosen.
What should I check before converting my 1972 Subaru DL from bias-ply to radial tires?
A 1972 Subaru DL owner considering a move from 6.15-13 bias-ply tires to 155R13 radial tires should first confirm that the car still has proper 13-inch wheels and that the wheel width suits the radial being considered. The Michelin 155R13 options, for example, call for a defined rim-width range.
Clearance should then be checked at the fenders, suspension, and steering stops, especially if the car has had wheel, ride-height, or brake changes over time. It also helps to inspect the condition of tie-rod ends, bushings, shocks, and alignment settings. A construction change on an older compact car is best approached as a full fitment review rather than simply a same-diameter tire swap.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 tire for a 1972 Subaru DL?
The main considerations for a 155R13 tire on a 1972 Subaru DL are correct 13-inch wheel fitment, radial construction, and the character of the available tire series. In this size, the current choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials, each aimed at a vintage small-car application.
Selection should focus on how the car will be used and how closely the owner wants to stay with a period-style presentation. It is also worth comparing rim-width compatibility and basic specification differences such as load capacity where stated. A Subaru DL used gently on the road may justify a different choice than one being restored with an emphasis on era-appropriate visual restraint.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 Subaru DL tires?
Among the currently available radial products for the 1972 Subaru DL, the sidewall style offered in 155R13 is blackwall. That gives the car a clean, understated look that suits many early import restorations and driver-quality presentations without adding a stripe or decorative sidewall treatment.
Sidewall style matters because it changes the car's visual tone even when size and construction stay correct. A simple blackwall often works well on compact sedans from this period, especially when the goal is a tidy, authentic-looking stance. Even so, appearance should come after confirming the correct tire size, wheel dimensions, and the construction type the car is intended to use.
What brands offer tires for the 1972 Subaru DL?
Michelin and Dunlop both offer radial tires for the 1972 Subaru DL in the 155R13 size family. The available series include Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, giving owners more than one brand path within the proper 13-inch radial fitment.
Brand choice should be viewed as part of the overall selection process rather than the entire decision. It still makes sense to compare tire series, sidewall appearance, wheel-width suitability, and how the car will actually be driven. On a vintage Subaru, the right tire is the one that matches the vehicle's size requirements and the owner's intended balance of road use and presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 Subaru DL?
A period-style 1972 Subaru DL can be approached in two different ways. The 6.15-13 bias-ply size leans more strongly toward a traditional early-1970s appearance, while the 155R13 radial keeps the car within an era-appropriate small imported-car sizing format with currently available blackwall choices.
The right answer depends on how strictly the car is being restored and how it will be used once finished. Owners pursuing exact historical detail should compare the tire decision against marque literature, original photos, or club guidance. For a road-going restoration, construction choice often becomes a balance between visual authenticity, wheel compatibility, and the way the car is expected to be driven.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 Subaru DL?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1972 Subaru DL even when both choices fit a 13-inch wheel. A 6.15-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R13 radial creates a look associated with later small-car radial fitments and a slightly more modern overall impression.
That visual difference matters on a compact sedan because the tires are a noticeable part of the car's stance. Owners restoring for shows, historical accuracy, or a particular period feel should treat construction as an appearance decision as much as a functional one. A driver-focused restoration may accept that tradeoff differently than one centered on preserving an earlier, more original-looking tire profile.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 Subaru DL?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 Subaru DL even when the intended tire size is correct on paper. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, brake conversions, or suspension repairs using non-original parts can influence clearance, wheel width, and the way a tire sits on the car.
That is especially important when moving between the DL's bias-ply and radial fitments, since construction choice can change how closely the tire needs to match the wheel. Any car with replacement wheels should have diameter and width checked before new tires are selected. Steering clearance at full lock and room at the fender edges are also worth confirming on an older compact sedan.
What should I inspect before driving a 1972 Subaru DL on new tires?
Before driving a 1972 Subaru DL on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the mounted tire size matches the intended setup, and make sure valve stems, lug hardware, and inflation are all in order. It is also smart to look over the steering and suspension for looseness or worn components.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for old alignment problems, weak shocks, or worn front-end parts. On a collector-era compact car, even a small issue can affect straight-line tracking and tire wear. After installation, a short test drive followed by a recheck of pressure and visual clearance can help catch rubbing, imbalance, or seating concerns before longer use.
How should 155R13 or 6.15-13 tires on a collector 1972 Subaru DL be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1972 Subaru DL should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and periodic review of how the car has been stored. Both 155R13 radials and 6.15-13 bias-ply tires benefit from being kept clean and protected from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and moisture.
Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for inspection, because age and storage conditions matter as much as tread depth on an older vehicle. It also helps to move the car occasionally so it is not sitting in one position for extended periods. Before any highway trip, check pressure, tread condition, and overall tire age rather than relying on appearance alone.
