1973 Ford F-100 Tires

The 1973 Ford F-100 uses several primary bias-ply tire sizes: G78-15, H78-15, L78-15, 700-15, and 650-16. There is not one universal size for every truck, because fitment changes across different 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, GVWR groupings, wheelbases, and certain engine-based applications.

That makes identification more important than simply choosing a tire by appearance. Start by confirming the exact sub-model and the wheel diameter already on the truck, since this F-100 can use either 15-inch or 16-inch rims. Once the correct primary size is established, the decision shifts to sidewall style, truck-oriented tread type, and whether a radial equivalent exists for that specific size.

A 1973 Ford F-100 can use either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on the exact configuration. G78-15, H78-15, L78-15, and 700-15 are all 15-inch fitments, while 650-16 is the covered 16-inch fitment used on a specific engine-based 4x2 application.

The tire size stamped on the current tire can help point you in the right direction, but an older truck may have had wheels changed over time. Measuring the wheel and confirming the full sub-model matters before ordering, especially because a 15-inch tire and a 16-inch tire are not interchangeable. Once rim diameter is verified, compare tire size, rim-width requirements, and clearance with the truck’s present setup.

The 1973 Ford F-100 covers a wide range of configurations, including 4x2 and 4x4 models, different GVWR ratings, multiple wheelbases, and certain engine-specific applications. Because of that variation, the truck appears with several primary bias-ply sizes rather than one single fitment across the entire model line.

In practical terms, the truck should be treated as a configuration-specific fitment rather than a one-size pickup. Some versions stay within the 15-inch alphanumeric group, some add the numeric 700-15 size, and one covered setup uses 650-16. That is why confirming the exact sub-model and actual wheel diameter comes first, before comparing whitewall, blackwall, or radial-equivalent options.

G78-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size for certain 1973 Ford F-100 configurations. It uses the vintage alphanumeric sizing system, and the available primary products in this size are bias-ply tires rather than radial tires.

That matters because a truck set up around a bias-ply fitment may have a different visual character and tire selection path than one using a modern radial alternative. G78-15 does have radial-equivalent options, but those should be considered as alternatives rather than assumed substitutes. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance around steering and suspension should all be checked before changing construction.

Radial equivalents for G78-15 include 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. Those are the radial-format alternatives associated with that primary 15-inch bias-ply size.

Each of those options keeps the 15-inch rim diameter but uses a different sizing convention or profile approach. The 710R15 is the one to consider when retaining a more traditional visual presentation matters, while the metric and P-metric sizes provide more modern radial formats. A recommended 6-8 inch rim-width range applies to this equivalent family, and final selection should still be checked against the truck’s wheel and clearance setup.

Start with the exact primary size on the truck, because radial equivalents are only tied to certain 15-inch alphanumeric fitments such as G78-15, H78-15, and L78-15. The equivalent radial should match the correct wheel diameter first, and the wheel itself should be appropriate for the size being considered.

A conversion is also a good time to inspect the full setup rather than only the tire. Look at rim width, steering and fender clearance, suspension condition, and the truck’s intended use, especially if it has aftermarket wheels or altered ride height. Radial equivalents can be useful alternatives, but they should be evaluated as part of the entire wheel-and-tire package, not chosen by size code alone.

Begin with the exact fitment: the 1973 Ford F-100 can use G78-15, H78-15, L78-15, 700-15, or 650-16 depending on configuration. After the correct size is confirmed, the next choices are construction, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the truck is being equipped for a classic passenger-style look or a more truck-oriented role.

The best comparison points are wheel diameter, applicable rim-width range, visible sidewall treatment, and the tire’s overall character. Some sizes lean heavily toward blackwall truck tires, while others offer wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, or dual-white-stripe styles. A restored cruiser, a shop truck, and a utility-minded F-100 may all use the right size but call for very different tire presentations.

Sidewall styles for 1973 Ford F-100 tires include blackwall, wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and dual-white-stripe, depending on the size. The broadest variety appears in certain 15-inch fitments such as L78-15, while other sizes are offered mainly as blackwall truck tires or wide whitewall classic-style tires.

That sidewall choice changes the truck’s appearance more than many buyers expect. A blackwall usually suits a more work-focused or understated look, while whitewall and stripe treatments push the truck toward a more restoration-oriented or custom vintage presentation. Once the correct tire size is pinned down, sidewall style becomes one of the clearest ways to match the tire to the truck’s intended visual character.

Brands available for 1973 Ford F-100 tire sizes include Coker Classic, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, STA, Garfield, Lester, Tornel, and Excelsior. The brand spread changes by size, so a 15-inch alphanumeric fitment and a 16-inch numeric fitment do not necessarily present the same mix of choices.

Brand is only one part of the decision, though. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specifications, and whether the product is aimed more at classic-car presentation or truck-duty use. In a truck with several possible primary sizes, choosing the correct fitment first is far more important than starting with a preferred brand name.

A period-style 1973 Ford F-100 starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the truck’s exact configuration, then narrows to the visual character you want. Depending on size, that may mean a classic whitewall bias-ply tire, a blackwall bias-ply tire, or a more truck-oriented series that keeps a vintage overall look.

The safest restoration-minded approach is to identify the proper size and wheel diameter first, then compare sidewall treatments that fit the truck’s finished style. Whitewalls can create a more dressed-up vintage presentation, while blackwalls often suit a plainer pickup look. When exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque references and vehicle-specific historical documentation remain the best final check.

On a restored 1973 Ford F-100, bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing language and traditional tire shape associated with the truck’s original-era fitment. That is why buyers focused on a restoration-oriented appearance often begin with the correct bias-ply size before looking at brand, sidewall style, or tread character.

A radial alternative can change the visual impression even when it serves the same general role and rim diameter. Bias-look radial options help bridge that gap for some 15-inch alphanumeric sizes, but they are still a separate construction choice. If appearance is the priority, compare the tire’s sidewall treatment and overall presentation just as carefully as the size itself.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Ford F-100 even when the tire size is otherwise correct for the truck’s original configuration. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or brake and steering modifications can all change how much room the tire has.

That is especially important on a model year that already uses multiple tire sizes and both 15-inch and 16-inch wheel diameters. A truck that has been changed from stock should have its wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance checked before replacing tires. Looking at the full setup helps avoid choosing a size that is right on paper but mismatched to the truck as it sits today.

Before driving a 1973 Ford F-100 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the surrounding suspension and steering components. The tires themselves should be checked for proper seating, correct inflation, and adequate clearance at full steering lock if the truck uses a front-wheel turning setup that could expose rubbing issues.

An older pickup also benefits from a quick road-use check beyond the tires alone. Look for uneven ride height, loose steering feel, brake pull, and signs that an old wheel or suspension problem may have been hidden by the previous tires. A short, careful initial drive can reveal issues early before the truck is put back into regular collector or utility service.

Tires on a collector 1973 Ford F-100 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of disuse in harsh storage conditions. Even a truck that sees only occasional miles can develop problems from age, underinflation, sunlight, ozone exposure, or simply sitting in one position for extended periods.

Routine checks should include tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any sign of air loss. It also helps to inspect the spare if the truck still carries one in matching vintage form. A collector pickup that is driven infrequently should have its tires examined before each meaningful outing, especially before a highway trip or a longer event drive.