The 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon belongs to an era when full-size vans were expected to handle family hauling, commercial-duty service, and heavy passenger use with equal confidence. In Club Wagon form, the E-300 sits firmly in that hardworking Ford tradition, and tire choice matters because the van’s utility character depends on proper load-minded fitment. This model uses an 800-16.5 bias-ply tire on a 16.5-inch rim, a vintage numeric truck size that suits the vehicle’s period setup. Available choices stay within that traditional format, with STA offerings in the Super Transport and Traxion series. The main decision is selecting the right period-style bias-ply tire for the van’s intended use and overall presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon
The 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon uses one primary tire size: 800-16.5, a bias-ply tire built for a 16.5-inch rim. That fitment stays consistent across the covered sub-models, so the real choice is not between sizes but between the available tire series, their intended character, and making sure the van still has the correct wheel setup before replacement.
Fit(s): Equip. Package C (5 Passenger) (GVWR 6500), Equip. Package C (5 Passenger) (GVWR 6800), Equip. Package C (8 Passenger), Extra H.D. Equip. Package E (8 Passenger) Front, Extra H.D. Equip. Package E (8 Passenger) Rear, H.D. Equip. Package D (5 Passenger), and H.D. Equip. Package D (8 Passenger)
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16.5 in
An 800-16.5 size uses the older numeric bias-ply system, where the leading number reflects a nominal section width of about 8.00 inches and the final number identifies the 16.5-inch rim diameter. On the 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon, this is a traditional bias-ply truck and van fitment that matches the vehicle’s period heavy-duty character. Available options include STA tires in the Super Transport and Traxion series, both in Blackwall form and aimed at military and truck use. This size is the correct starting point when preserving the van’s original-style stance and load-oriented tire format.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon sub-models because each one uses the same 800-16.5 bias-ply tire size. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, especially on heavier-duty versions, because owners should confirm the wheel setup and intended use before choosing between available tires.
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1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon Equip. Package C (5 Passenger) (GVWR 6500)
This Equip. Package C 5 Passenger version uses the same 800-16.5 bias-ply fitment as the rest of the covered Club Wagon range. Tire selection centers on choosing the right period-style Blackwall option and confirming that the van still carries the correct 16.5-inch wheels.
1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon Equip. Package C (5 Passenger) (GVWR 6800)
This Equip. Package C 5 Passenger configuration also uses 800-16.5 bias-ply tires. The practical decision is selecting the tire series that matches the van’s work-oriented use while keeping an eye on wheel condition, rim size, and overall road-readiness.
1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon Equip. Package C (8 Passenger)
The Equip. Package C 8 Passenger Club Wagon stays with the same 800-16.5 bias-ply tire size. That keeps fitment simple, leaving the buyer to focus on period-style replacement, tire series differences, and inspection of the van’s existing wheel and suspension setup.
1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon Extra H.D. Equip. Package E (8 Passenger) Front
The front fitment for the Extra H.D. Equip. Package E 8 Passenger model uses 800-16.5 bias-ply tires. Since this is a heavy-duty application, tire choice should stay focused on the correct size and proper wheel compatibility rather than treating any alternative format as automatic interchange.
1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon Extra H.D. Equip. Package E (8 Passenger) Rear
The rear fitment for the Extra H.D. Equip. Package E 8 Passenger version also uses 800-16.5 bias-ply tires. Keeping the correct size front and rear helps maintain the van’s intended stance, and replacement should include a careful look at wheel condition and service use.
1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon H.D. Equip. Package D (5 Passenger)
This H.D. Equip. Package D 5 Passenger Club Wagon uses the same 800-16.5 bias-ply tire size. That makes tire selection more about choosing between the available STA series and verifying that the van’s wheels remain true to the original 16.5-inch fitment.
1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon H.D. Equip. Package D (8 Passenger)
The H.D. Equip. Package D 8 Passenger model continues with 800-16.5 bias-ply tires. Buyers can concentrate on selecting the right Blackwall truck-style tire while confirming the vehicle has not been altered with different wheels or other fitment-changing modifications.
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 Ford E-300 Club Wagon Tires for Sale
Available 800-16.5 choices for the 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon come from STA in the Super Transport and Traxion series. Both are bias-ply Blackwall truck-oriented tires, giving buyers a straightforward comparison within the correct vintage size and 16.5-inch fitment.
Common questions for the 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon usually center on 800-16.5 fitment, 16.5-inch wheels, choosing between the available bias-ply tire series, and checking a heavy-duty van carefully before putting it back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon?
The 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon uses an 800-16.5 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment used across the covered Club Wagon sub-models, including Package C, heavy-duty Package D, and Extra H.D. Package E applications.
That makes the first step fairly simple: start with 800-16.5 rather than trying to cross-shop modern-looking sizes as though they were primary fitments. The more important check is whether the van still has its correct 16.5-inch wheels and whether any past wheel, suspension, or axle changes altered the original setup.
What size rim does a 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon is built around a 16.5-inch rim. The available 800-16.5 products match that wheel diameter, and one listed option also calls for a 6.00 to 6.50-inch rim-width range.
Rim diameter is especially important on vintage vans because a 16.5-inch tire should only be matched with a 16.5-inch wheel. It is worth confirming the wheel stamping or measuring the mounted setup before replacement, especially if the Club Wagon has spent years in service or has been changed from its original wheels.
Do all 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon sub-models all use the same 800-16.5 bias-ply tire size, including the 5-passenger and 8-passenger versions as well as the heavy-duty package variations.
Even with shared tire size, it still helps to confirm the exact sub-model and current vehicle condition before choosing a replacement. A heavy-duty passenger van may have seen commercial use, wheel replacement, or long storage, so the smartest approach is to verify wheel diameter, inspect the rims, and match the replacement tire to how the van is actually used today.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 800-16.5 tire for a 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon?
Start with the correct 800-16.5 size and the bias-ply construction that belongs to this Club Wagon fitment. From there, compare details that matter for a van or truck application, including tire series, sidewall style, rim compatibility, weight, and load-minded product characteristics.
The available choices are both Blackwall STA tires, but they serve slightly different selection preferences within the same vintage size. One Super Transport option includes a stated maximum load of 2045 at 60 psi and a 6.00 to 6.50-inch rim-width specification, so details like those are worth comparing against the van’s wheels and intended duty.
What brands offer tires for the 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon?
The available 800-16.5 tires for the 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon come from STA. Within that brand, the current choices include the Super Transport and Traxion series, both built as bias-ply Blackwall tires in the correct vintage size.
Since the brand selection is narrow, the buying decision is really about comparing the tire series rather than jumping between multiple manufacturers. A Club Wagon owner should look closely at size consistency, wheel compatibility, load-related specs where stated, and whether the van is being preserved for period-style appearance, light use, or more regular road service.
What tire series are available for the 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon?
Two tire series are available in the correct 800-16.5 size for the 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon: STA Super Transport and STA Traxion. Both are bias-ply Blackwall tires with a truck-oriented character that suits the van’s heavy-duty format.
Choosing between them comes down to comparing the product details that affect your use of the van rather than assuming one series is universally right. Owners should review rim compatibility, tire weight, any stated load information, and the type of appearance they want, especially if the Club Wagon is being kept close to a traditional work-van presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon?
A period-style 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon should begin with the correct 800-16.5 bias-ply size on a 16.5-inch rim. That keeps the tire format aligned with the van’s original-era heavy-duty character and avoids changing the visual impression with an unrelated modern size.
From there, the choice is between available bias-ply series rather than between different primary sizes. For a restoration-oriented van, details such as Blackwall presentation, overall stance, and vintage truck tire appearance usually matter as much as fitment, though exact originality questions are best settled with vehicle-specific historical references and marque expertise.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon?
Tire construction shapes both the look and character of a restored 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon. Its primary fitment is a bias-ply 800-16.5, and keeping that construction preserves the type of vintage truck-and-van presentation associated with this era of full-size Ford van.
Appearance changes can be noticeable when construction changes, even when overall size seems close, because the tire profile and visual impression may differ. On a restoration-oriented Club Wagon, staying with the proper size and a traditional Blackwall bias-ply tire helps maintain a more authentic period-style look while still requiring normal checks for wheel compatibility and condition.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon even when the correct original tire size is 800-16.5. Changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, or axle setup can alter the space available and the wheel dimensions needed for proper mounting.
That matters because an older full-size van may have been used hard and changed over time. It is smart to confirm the actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension before replacing tires, especially if the Club Wagon no longer appears to be on its original-style steel wheel setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon on new tires?
Before driving a 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the surrounding brake and suspension components. The tire itself should be checked for proper mounting, inflation, and any early signs of rubbing once the van is back on the ground.
A short test drive should include attention to steering feel, vibration, and clearance during turns and over bumps. Vintage vans also deserve a careful look at wheel condition and front-end wear, because loose steering parts, weak suspension components, or damaged rims can make a fresh set of 800-16.5 tires feel worse than the tires actually are.
How should 800-16.5 tires on a collector 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon be maintained?
Collector-use 800-16.5 tires on a 1973 Ford E-300 Club Wagon should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of harsh storage conditions. Sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss deserve attention even when the van is driven only occasionally.
Storage habits matter on a full-size vintage van because long stationary periods can hide tire aging and wheel issues. Keeping the Club Wagon away from prolonged heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, while periodic movement and routine pressure checks make it easier to catch problems before a longer road outing.
