1973 Dodge Colt Tires

The 1973 Dodge Colt arrived during a period when compact imported cars were becoming a much bigger part of the American market, and its small footprint, light weight, and straightforward mechanical character still make it an appealing survivor today. Tire choice on this car is centered on one primary fitment: a 600-13 bias-ply tire on a 13-inch rim. Within that size, the main visual distinction comes from whitewall presentation, with both wide and narrow whitewall options in the same Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That makes the real decision less about size and more about whether the goal is a traditional restoration look or a carefully considered move toward a radial equivalent.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Dodge Colt

The 1973 Dodge Colt uses one primary tire size: 600-13, a bias-ply fitment for a 13-inch rim. That same size carries across the covered sub-models here, so the main decision is choosing the tire style you want within 600-13 or deciding whether to evaluate one of the available radial equivalents before changing construction.

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600-13Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Base and Base w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 13 in

In a numeric bias-ply size like 600-13, the 600 refers to an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width, while 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment, which suits the Colt's original-era tire presentation and keeps the sizing conversation simple because the car uses a single primary size. Available choices in 600-13 include BFGoodrich options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with either a wide whitewall or a narrow whitewall. That makes this size a practical starting point for owners who want period-style proportions and a restoration-oriented appearance.

Explore 600-13 Tires

1973 Dodge Colt Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1973 Dodge Colt sub-models because both use the same 600-13 bias-ply size. Checking the exact sub-model still matters because wheel material or previous changes to the car can affect how closely a replacement matches the current setup.

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1973 Dodge Colt Base

The 1973 Dodge Colt Base uses the 600-13 bias-ply fitment on a 13-inch rim. For most owners, the decision comes down to choosing the preferred whitewall treatment in that size or comparing a radial equivalent before changing construction.

Associated Tire Sizes
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1973 Dodge Colt Base w/aluminum wheels

The 1973 Dodge Colt Base w/aluminum wheels also uses the 600-13 bias-ply size. That keeps sizing consistent, but it is still worth confirming wheel width and overall condition before selecting between a traditional bias-ply tire and a radial alternative.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1973 Dodge Colt

The original 600-13 tire size has three radial-equivalent options to consider. Those include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. The choices move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to lower-profile P-metric alternatives with different sizing conventions. A 4- to 5-inch rim width range is associated with these equivalents, and any change should still be checked for wheel compatibility, overall dimensions, and clearance on the car.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 165R13

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)

  • P165/75R13

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)

  • P175/70R13

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1973 Dodge Colt Tires for Sale

Available 600-13 products focus on traditional bias-ply presentation from BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. The main comparison points are whitewall style, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options built for 13-inch applications.

Showing 2 of 2
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.00 Inch Whitewall | 600-13

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT16 lb
MAX LOAD1010@32 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 600-13

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT16 lb
MAX LOAD1010@32 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs for the 1973 Dodge Colt focus on the 600-13 tire size, 13-inch rim fitment, radial equivalents, whitewall choices, and the basic checks that matter before driving a lightly used collector-era compact.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1973 Dodge Colt?

The 1973 Dodge Colt uses a 600-13 tire size as its primary fitment. That is a numeric bias-ply size, and it applies across both covered sub-models here, including the Base and the Base w/aluminum wheels.

For most owners, the sizing question is simple because there is one primary size rather than several competing factory-era fitments. The next step is confirming that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheel setup and then deciding whether to stay with a bias-ply tire in 600-13 or evaluate one of the radial-equivalent sizes carefully.

What size rim does a 1973 Dodge Colt use?

The 1973 Dodge Colt uses a 13-inch rim with its primary 600-13 tire fitment. Product options in this size are built for 13-inch applications, and the available 600-13 bias-ply tires here are suited to 4.00- to 4.50-inch rim widths.

Rim diameter is the first thing to verify before ordering tires, especially on older compact cars that may have been changed over the years. A 13-inch wheel is required for the primary fitment, but wheel width also matters, particularly if the car now has replacement wheels or if a radial equivalent is being considered instead of the original-style bias-ply size.

Do all 1973 Dodge Colt sub-models use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1973 Dodge Colt sub-models here both use the same primary tire size, 600-13 in a bias-ply construction. That includes the standard Base model and the Base w/aluminum wheels.

Shared sizing makes the selection process easier, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the actual wheels on the car. Older vehicles are often updated with aftermarket wheels, and even when the diameter remains 13 inches, wheel width or condition can influence whether a traditional 600-13 bias-ply tire or a radial-equivalent size makes the most sense.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 600-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1973 Dodge Colt?

For the 1973 Dodge Colt, 600-13 is the primary bias-ply tire size. In this numeric format, the size itself reflects an older bias-ply sizing system rather than a modern metric radial designation.

That matters because staying with 600-13 keeps the car in its original-style construction category and preserves a traditional look. Owners thinking about a radial alternative should treat that as a separate fitment decision, then compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance instead of assuming that any radial carrying a similar overall intent will behave the same on the car.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 600-13?

Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. Those correspond to an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving the Dodge Colt several modern-format alternatives to compare.

Each of those sizes should be viewed as an equivalent option rather than an automatic replacement. A 4- to 5-inch rim width range is associated with the radial equivalents, so the actual wheel setup should be checked first, along with overall tire dimensions and available clearance at the fenders and steering components before changing from the original bias-ply format.

What should I check before converting my 1973 Dodge Colt from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming that the Colt still has 13-inch wheels in a width appropriate for the radial size being considered. For the available equivalents to 600-13, 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 should be checked against the wheel, the car's clearances, and the intended use of the vehicle.

A conversion is more than a size-name comparison. The smart approach is to inspect the wheel width, verify that the tires will clear the fenders and steering range, and look closely at the suspension and alignment condition so the car is ready for a different construction type rather than simply wearing a new set of tires.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 600-13 tire for a 1973 Dodge Colt?

The main factors are staying with the correct 600-13 size, confirming the 13-inch wheel setup, and deciding whether a traditional bias-ply construction matches the car's goals. In this case, the available 600-13 choices are both BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

Once size and construction are settled, the choice becomes more about presentation and wheel compatibility than about broad fitment differences. Compare the whitewall style you prefer, verify that the wheel width falls within the tire's intended range, and think about whether the car is being kept close to a period-style appearance or updated toward a radial alternative.

What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Dodge Colt tires?

For the 1973 Dodge Colt's 600-13 bias-ply fitment, available sidewall styles include a wide whitewall and a narrow whitewall. Both appear in the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the sidewall treatment is the main visual distinction between the two primary product choices.

That makes appearance the key selection factor once the correct size is confirmed. A wider whitewall can create a stronger vintage statement, while a narrower whitewall offers a subtler period-style look, and either choice should still be matched to the car's existing wheel setup, overall restoration direction, and the way the vehicle will actually be used.

What brands offer tires for the 1973 Dodge Colt?

The available primary 600-13 tire options for the 1973 Dodge Colt are offered by BFGoodrich. Those choices remain within one tire family, the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, rather than splitting across several brands or multiple construction types in the same primary size.

With a single brand represented in the primary fitment, the comparison shifts away from brand shopping and toward specification details that affect the finished look. Whitewall width, rim-width compatibility, and the decision to retain a bias-ply tire or move into one of the radial-equivalent sizes are the more useful checkpoints for choosing the right setup.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Dodge Colt?

A 600-13 bias-ply tire is the natural period-style starting point for a 1973 Dodge Colt because it matches the car's primary fitment format and keeps the compact's original-era tire character intact. Within that size, BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options provide the main restoration-oriented choices.

The best selection depends on how closely the finished car should reflect its era and how much importance is placed on road manners versus original-style presentation. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare tire appearance with marque references and surviving examples, while those wanting a traditional look can focus on the correct size and the preferred whitewall treatment.

Which sidewall style suits a period-style 1973 Dodge Colt?

A period-style 1973 Dodge Colt can be finished with either a wide whitewall or a narrow whitewall in the available 600-13 bias-ply options. Both treatments deliver a vintage presentation, but they create noticeably different visual emphasis once mounted on the car.

The better choice depends on the look being pursued rather than on a broad fitment difference. A wide whitewall stands out more strongly and can lean toward a more dressed appearance, while a narrow whitewall is more restrained, so owners should compare the tire style against the car's trim, wheel appearance, and overall restoration direction before deciding.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Dodge Colt?

Yes. Even though the 1973 Dodge Colt's primary fitment is 600-13 on a 13-inch rim, modifications can change what actually works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body modifications can all affect tire choice and available clearance.

That is especially important on small cars where space is limited and changes are more noticeable. Before selecting a bias-ply replacement or a radial-equivalent size, inspect the current wheels, measure the width, and look for any signs that the car sits differently than stock so the new tire is being matched to the vehicle as it exists now.

What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Dodge Colt on new tires?

Before putting a 1973 Dodge Colt back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the tire size matches the wheel setup. It is also smart to check brakes, steering components, and visible suspension wear on a lightly used older car.

Once the tires are mounted, verify inflation, turn the steering from lock to lock, and look for any rubbing at the fenders or chassis. A short test drive should be followed by another quick inspection for air loss, uneven seating, or contact marks, since older collector cars often reveal fitment issues only after they start moving again.

How should 600-13 tires on a collector 1973 Dodge Colt be maintained?

Collector-car tires in 600-13 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, even if the 1973 Dodge Colt is driven only occasionally. Tires on low-mileage classics can age out long before the tread is worn, so condition matters as much as mileage.

Proper storage also helps preserve the tires between drives. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources, maintain the recommended pressure for the tire in use, and check the tires again before longer outings so an older compact that sits often is not relying on neglected rubber once it returns to the road.