1973 American Motors Gremlin Tires

A 1973 American Motors Gremlin does not use one universal tire size across every configuration. Primary 14-inch fitments include 6.45-14, C78-14, 695-14, D70-14, and DR70-14, with the correct choice tied to the exact sub-model. The 6 Cyl. uses 6.45-14 and C78-14, the 8 Cyl. uses 695-14 and C78-14, and the Gremlin X uses D70-14 and DR70-14.

That means the first step is identifying the car as a 6 Cyl., 8 Cyl., or X before choosing a tire. On a collector car, it is also smart to confirm what is actually on the vehicle now, since wheel changes or prior replacements may not match the original fitment pattern for that Gremlin configuration.

Every primary tire size used on the 1973 American Motors Gremlin is built around a 14-inch rim diameter. That remains true whether the car uses the numeric bias-ply sizes 6.45-14 or 695-14, the alphanumeric bias-ply sizes C78-14 or D70-14, or the radial DR70-14 fitment found on the Gremlin X.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so a 14-inch wheel should still be checked for width before changing tire type or size family. That becomes especially important when moving from a vintage bias-ply size to a radial equivalent, or when the car may have aftermarket wheels that differ from the original setup.

No. The 1973 American Motors Gremlin uses different tire sizes depending on sub-model. The 6 Cyl. uses 6.45-14 and C78-14, the 8 Cyl. uses 695-14 and C78-14, and the Gremlin X uses D70-14 and DR70-14. Even though all of them fit 14-inch rims, the size families and construction types are not the same across the lineup.

This difference matters because a tire that suits one Gremlin may not match another car's intended fitment or appearance. Buyers should confirm the sub-model first, then compare the exact size on the car, especially if the goal is to keep a period-style look or preserve a Gremlin X setup that may have been equipped around radial construction.

C78-14 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1973 American Motors Gremlin. It uses the older alphanumeric bias-ply sizing system rather than a radial designation, and it appears as one of the primary fitments on both the 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. Gremlin sub-models.

That makes C78-14 a traditional choice for owners who want to retain a vintage tire format on the car. Radial equivalents do exist for this size, but changing construction should involve more than matching rim diameter alone, since wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should all be reviewed before moving away from the original bias-ply format.

Radial equivalents for C78-14 include 175R14 as the 80-series metric radial, P185/75R14 as the P-metric 75-series radial, and P195/70R14 as the P-metric 70-series radial. These give the 1973 American Motors Gremlin owner three different radial sizing conventions to compare against the original alphanumeric bias-ply fitment.

Each option should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies to these equivalents, and the final choice should be checked against the Gremlin's actual wheel width, vehicle stance, and available steering and fender clearance before any conversion is made.

That depends on the sub-model and the result you want from the car. The 1973 American Motors Gremlin uses both bias-ply and radial-era primary fitments across its lineup, with most sizes in bias-ply form and DR70-14 appearing as a radial fitment on the Gremlin X. Construction choice can therefore be part of staying close to the car's existing setup.

Bias-ply tires usually appeal to owners preserving a more traditional look and feel, while radial alternatives may be considered where equivalent sizes are available. The best approach is to start with the Gremlin's exact sub-model and current wheel dimensions, then decide whether appearance, restoration goals, or present-day road use is driving the tire choice.

A 695-14 tire for a 1973 American Motors Gremlin should first be matched to the correct sub-model, since this size applies to the 8 Cyl. configuration. Within that size, available choices vary by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specification. BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear all appear in 695-14, with selections spread across Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion lines.

The practical decision usually comes down to how the car is meant to look and be used. A blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, or raised white letter presentation can change the Gremlin's appearance noticeably, so wheel width and the desired period style should be considered alongside load figures and any existing suspension or wheel changes.

Sidewall choices for 1973 American Motors Gremlin tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, redline, pin white stripe, raised white letter, and raised white letter with blue stripe. The exact styles depend on the tire size, so the available appearance options are broader in some fitments than others, especially in 695-14 and D70-14.

That variety matters because sidewall treatment can shift the car's visual character from restrained to more performance-oriented without changing the basic size. Choosing among them starts with getting the right tire size for the sub-model, then narrowing the field by the look that best complements the Gremlin's trim, stance, and restoration direction.

Available Gremlin tire offerings include BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, and Firestone. Brand availability depends on the size, with BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear appearing in 695-14, while Firestone options are offered in D70-14 through the Wide Oval series.

Brand should be considered alongside the rest of the fitment and appearance package rather than by itself. Once the correct Gremlin size is confirmed, compare each available tire by sidewall style, tire series, load specification, and compatible rim width so the final choice matches both the vehicle setup and the look the owner wants.

A period-style 1973 American Motors Gremlin usually starts with the correct primary size and construction for the exact sub-model. That can mean numeric bias-ply sizes such as 6.45-14 or 695-14, an alphanumeric bias-ply size such as C78-14 or D70-14, or the DR70-14 radial fitment used on the Gremlin X.

After size and construction are sorted out, the appearance choice becomes more specific. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, redline, pin white stripe, or raised white letter sidewalls can all change the car's presentation, so buyers concerned with exact originality should compare their Gremlin against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation before making the final call.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling character on a restored 1973 American Motors Gremlin; it also affects the visual impression of the car. Bias-ply tires carry the older sizing language and period presentation associated with many compact American cars of the era, while a radial fitment such as DR70-14 gives the Gremlin X a different visual and functional direction.

For restoration-minded owners, that means the right construction depends on what version of the car is being preserved and how closely the finished car should follow a traditional 1973 appearance. Sidewall style then refines the result further, so the best-looking tire is usually the one that supports both the correct fitment family and the intended era-specific presentation.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 American Motors Gremlin even when the replacement tire still uses a 14-inch rim diameter. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowering, or body and fender work can all change how much room the tire has, especially when switching between vintage bias-ply sizing and radial alternatives.

A modified Gremlin should be measured as it sits rather than judged only by original fitment charts. The safest approach is to confirm actual wheel width, inspect steering and fender clearance at full lock and full suspension movement, and make sure the selected tire still suits the car's present stance and intended use.

Before driving a 1973 American Motors Gremlin on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm the tires are mounted in the right size for the car's sub-model. It is also wise to look over valve stems, check inflation pressure, and make sure there is no contact with suspension parts, inner fenders, or steering components.

Collector cars often sit for long periods, so the rest of the running gear deserves attention too. Brake function, wheel-bearing condition, alignment, and general suspension health can all influence how the new tires behave, and a short low-speed test drive is a sensible way to catch rubbing, pull, or vibration before regular road use.

Tires on a collector-grade 1973 American Motors Gremlin should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Maintaining proper inflation matters on both bias-ply and radial fitments, and the car should not be left sitting for long periods on underinflated tires.

Storage conditions also make a real difference over time. A Gremlin kept away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources such as electric motors or compressors will usually preserve its tires better than one stored in harsher conditions. Occasional movement and periodic pressure checks help prevent collector-car tires from aging unnoticed between drives.