The 1973 Dodge Polara sat in the final years of the traditional full-size American Dodge, a big C-body car offered as a sedan and wagon with the long, substantial stance buyers expected in the early 1970s. That character makes tire choice especially important, because this Polara can use several 15-inch sizes depending on sub-model and construction. Bias-ply sizes such as G78-15, J78-15, and L84-15 appear alongside radial fitments such as GR78-15 and LR78-15. Available choices also vary by whitewall treatment, blackwall presentation, and tire series. The key is matching the exact Polara configuration first, then deciding whether appearance, road use, or restoration style matters most.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Dodge Polara
The 1973 Dodge Polara uses five primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and whether the car is fitted in bias-ply or radial form. All of these fitments use a 15-inch rim, so the first step is confirming the specific Polara body style and then matching the tire construction and size that belong on that configuration before comparing sidewall style or product details.
J78-15 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the letter indicates the tire's size class, the 78 identifies its profile family, and the 15 designates a 15-inch wheel. On the 1973 Dodge Polara, this is a primary bias-ply fitment used on the 2 Seat Wagon. Available choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with either a dual-white-stripe or narrow whitewall look. It is the right size to evaluate when preserving a traditional full-size wagon appearance and keeping the original bias-ply sizing format in place.
LR78-15 is an alphanumeric radial size, with the R marking radial construction and the 15 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1973 Dodge Polara, this radial fitment appears on wagon applications and keeps the period alphanumeric sizing language while using radial construction. The available Firestone Wide Oval Radial option carries a narrow whitewall and a bias-profile radial presentation that suits many restoration-minded drivers. This size deserves attention when the car is a wagon and the goal is a radial tire in the correct 15-inch format.
L84-15 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply tire size, with the letter-and-number combination identifying an older sizing convention and the 15 indicating the wheel diameter. On the 1973 Dodge Polara, this size is tied to the 3 Seat Wagon in bias-ply form. Its importance is less about comparing many product variations and more about recognizing that this wagon uses a different primary bias-ply size than the 2 Seat Wagon or Base & Custom models. That makes sub-model identification essential before moving on to sidewall style, construction choice, or radial alternatives.
G78-15 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size where the letter indicates size class, the 78 denotes the profile family, and the 15 specifies a 15-inch rim. On the 1973 Dodge Polara, this is the bias-ply fitment for Base & Custom models. Product choices include Coker Classic bias-ply tires in wide whitewall form as well as an STA Super Traxion blackwall with a more utilitarian look. This size is the one to evaluate when a Base & Custom Polara is being kept in bias-ply form and appearance plays a major role in the final selection.
GR78-15 is an alphanumeric radial size, with the R designating radial construction and the 15 calling for a 15-inch wheel. For the 1973 Dodge Polara, this is the radial counterpart used on Base & Custom models instead of the G78-15 bias-ply size. Its role is straightforward: it helps separate a radial-equipped Base & Custom setup from the bias-ply fitment for the same sub-model grouping. This is the size to confirm when the car is a Base or Custom and the tire decision centers on retaining a radial-format fitment rather than moving back to bias-ply.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1973 Dodge Polara because the wagons and the Base & Custom models do not all share the same primary tire size. Before choosing a tire, identify whether the car is a 2 Seat Wagon, 3 Seat Wagon, or Base & Custom model, then match the correct 15-inch bias-ply or radial fitment for that version.
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1973 Dodge Polara 2 Seat Wagon
The 1973 Dodge Polara 2 Seat Wagon uses J78-15 in bias-ply form or LR78-15 in radial form, both on 15-inch rims. That gives the owner a clear choice between maintaining a traditional bias-ply presentation or evaluating a radial-format tire while staying within the wagon's intended size family.
The 1973 Dodge Polara 3 Seat Wagon uses L84-15 as its bias-ply size, while LR78-15 covers the radial fitment. Tire selection starts with confirming that third-seat wagon configuration, since its bias-ply size differs from the 2 Seat Wagon and the Base & Custom models.
The 1973 Dodge Polara Base & Custom uses G78-15 in bias-ply form or GR78-15 in radial form, both on 15-inch wheels. That makes construction choice a major part of the buying decision, especially when balancing traditional appearance against a radial-format setup for regular road use.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1973 Dodge Polara
J78-15 has four radial-equivalent choices: 225R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P235/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R15 as a bias-look radial. G78-15 also has four: 205R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial. Both groups reference a 6-8 inch rim-width range. These options provide different sizing formats and profile conventions, so wheel compatibility and vehicle clearance should be checked before changing over.
Modern Radial Equivalents
225R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (J78-15)
P235/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (J78-15)
P235/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (J78-15)
800R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (J78-15)
205R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (G78-15)
P215/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (G78-15)
P225/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (G78-15)
710R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (G78-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (6-8 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:
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 Polara Tires for Sale
Available 1973 Dodge Polara tire choices include BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, and STA products across bias-ply and radial-style constructions. Depending on size, the product grid highlights narrow whitewall, dual-white-stripe, wide whitewall, and blackwall options along with series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Wide Oval Radial, and Super Traxion.
These 1973 Dodge Polara tire FAQs focus on the exact size used by each sub-model, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, available whitewall styles, and the checks worth making before putting a full-size collector Dodge back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Dodge Polara?
A 1973 Dodge Polara can use G78-15, GR78-15, J78-15, LR78-15, or L84-15 depending on the exact sub-model and construction. The 2 Seat Wagon uses J78-15 or LR78-15, the 3 Seat Wagon uses L84-15 or LR78-15, and Base & Custom models use G78-15 or GR78-15.
The practical step is identifying the body style first, because this Polara does not use one universal tire size across every version. After that, confirm whether the car is staying with a bias-ply setup or a radial one, and make sure the tire matches the existing 15-inch wheel and the vehicle's present configuration.
What size rim does a 1973 Dodge Polara use?
The 1973 Dodge Polara uses a 15-inch rim with all of its primary tire sizes. That applies across G78-15, GR78-15, J78-15, LR78-15, and L84-15, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though tire sizing varies by sub-model and construction.
That consistency simplifies one part of the decision, but wheel diameter alone is not enough to choose a tire. It still helps to confirm the wheel width, the exact sub-model, and whether the car has been changed from its original setup, since those factors affect which 15-inch size and construction make sense.
Do all 1973 Dodge Polara sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1973 Dodge Polara uses different tire sizes across its covered sub-models. The 2 Seat Wagon pairs with J78-15 or LR78-15, the 3 Seat Wagon uses L84-15 or LR78-15, and Base & Custom models use G78-15 or GR78-15.
That means tire selection should begin with the exact Polara variant rather than the model name alone. Two cars may both wear 15-inch wheels yet still require different tire sizes, so checking the body style and construction type helps avoid choosing a tire that belongs to another Polara configuration.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1973 Dodge Polara?
A 1973 Dodge Polara can be found with both bias-ply and radial primary fitments, depending on the sub-model and tire size involved. Bias-ply sizes include G78-15, J78-15, and L84-15, while radial primary fitments include GR78-15 and LR78-15.
The choice usually comes down to how the car is being used and how traditional the finished look needs to be. A restoration-oriented owner may want to stay with the original construction style for that setup, while a driver considering a radial should confirm wheel width, overall fit, and clearance before changing construction.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to J78-15 and G78-15 on a 1973 Dodge Polara?
For J78-15, radial equivalents include 225R15, P235/75R15, P235/70R15, and the bias-look radial 800R15. For G78-15, the equivalents are 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and the bias-look radial 710R15.
Those alternatives cover several sizing conventions, from 80-series metric radial to 75-series and 70-series P-metric radial, plus a bias-look radial option for a more traditional visual effect. Both groups reference a 6-8 inch rim-width range, and each option should be checked against the car's wheel setup and available clearance before conversion.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1973 Dodge Polara?
Yes, a bias-look radial can be considered where an equivalent is available. J78-15 has 800R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent, and G78-15 has 710R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent, giving the 1973 Dodge Polara a radial-format alternative that preserves a more traditional tire presentation.
That option can appeal to owners who want radial construction without moving too far from a vintage visual style. Even so, a bias-look radial is still an equivalent rather than a guaranteed interchange, so the wheel, rim width, and the car's actual clearances should be confirmed before making the switch.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1973 Dodge Polara?
Start with the exact sub-model, then match the correct primary size and construction. A 2 Seat Wagon, 3 Seat Wagon, and Base & Custom Polara do not all use the same size, and the available choices also split between bias-ply and radial-type fitments on 15-inch wheels.
After the fitment is narrowed down, compare the features that affect how the car will look and be used. Sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width specification, load figure where shown, and whether the goal is a traditional restoration-style presentation or regular road use all shape the final decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Dodge Polara tires?
The 1973 Dodge Polara has several sidewall styles available depending on tire size. Current options include dual-white-stripe, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and blackwall, so the visual character can vary quite a bit even when staying within the correct 15-inch fitment family.
That makes appearance an important part of the selection process, especially on a large early-1970s Dodge where the tire sidewall is easy to see. The right choice depends on the exact size being used and the kind of look the owner wants, whether that is formal, understated, utilitarian, or more restoration-oriented.
What brands offer tires for the 1973 Dodge Polara?
Available 1973 Dodge Polara tires come from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, and STA, depending on the size. Those brands are spread across different fitments, with BFGoodrich covering J78-15, Firestone covering LR78-15, and Coker Classic and STA appearing in G78-15.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the actual tire size, series, and sidewall style rather than as a separate decision. Since each brand does not appear in every Polara fitment, the first job is matching the correct size and construction, then comparing the visual and specification differences within that size.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Dodge Polara?
A period-style 1973 Dodge Polara usually starts with the primary size that matches the exact sub-model, then stays within the era-appropriate sizing format. That may mean J78-15, L84-15, or G78-15 in bias-ply form, or one of the Polara's alphanumeric radial fitments if the car is being kept in a radial-style setup.
Once the fitment is correct, appearance details such as narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, dual-white-stripe, or blackwall become the next decision. Exact originality can vary by vehicle history and trim, so owners seeking a highly exact restoration should compare the tire choice against marque references and period documentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 Dodge Polara?
Tire construction changes both the visual impression and the character of a restored 1973 Dodge Polara. Bias-ply tires preserve the older sizing language and a traditional presentation, while the Polara's radial-format options keep the 15-inch fitment but shift the car toward a later, more radial-oriented look.
That difference matters because sidewall shape, profile style, and available whitewall treatments influence how authentic or era-appropriate the car appears. Owners balancing road use and vintage styling may also look at bias-look radial options where equivalents exist, but the final choice should still be checked against the wheel and vehicle setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Dodge Polara?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Dodge Polara even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or body and brake conversions can all influence how a 15-inch tire sits and clears.
That is especially important on a large car that may have been updated over the years. Before installing new tires, check the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, and any signs that the vehicle's current setup differs from its original configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Dodge Polara on new tires?
Before driving a 1973 Dodge Polara on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that lug hardware seats properly, and make sure the tires have adequate clearance at the fenders and steering components. It also helps to verify inflation, valve condition, and overall installation quality before road use.
A collector car should also be checked beyond the tires themselves. Look at suspension wear, wheel bearings, alignment condition, and brake function, since an old full-size Dodge may have sat for long periods and other issues can show up as soon as fresh tires are fitted and the car returns to regular driving.
How should 1973 Dodge Polara tires be maintained for collector use?
Tires on a collector 1973 Dodge Polara should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Pressure should be checked before use, and the car should not sit for long periods on neglected or visibly aged tires.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the Polara away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, while periodic inspection of tread and sidewalls makes it easier to catch age-related deterioration before a longer drive.
