The 1973 Honda Civic arrived at a moment when small imported cars were gaining real traction in the U.S., and its light weight, compact packaging, and straightforward engineering still make it appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate early Japanese economy cars. Tire choice on this car is more nuanced than it first appears, because the 1973 Honda Civic uses either a 155R12 radial or a 6.00-12 bias-ply tire on a 12-inch rim. That creates a decision between a more modern radial-size presentation and a traditional bias-ply fitment. For many owners, the right choice comes down to restoration priorities, wheel confirmation, and how the car will actually be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Honda Civic
The 1973 Honda Civic uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is construction rather than wheel diameter. Both 155R12 radial and 6.00-12 bias-ply fit a 12-inch rim, so the first step is confirming which type of tire best suits the car's current setup, appearance goals, and intended road use, especially since the 1200 Sedan can be found with either fitment.
A 155R12 uses a metric section width of 155 millimeters, radial construction, and a 12-inch rim diameter. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated in the size itself, and it is commonly treated as a traditional Euro-metric radial sizing convention. On a 1973 Honda Civic, this size suits owners who want to stay with a primary radial fitment while keeping the compact proportions that belong on an early Civic. It is the size to evaluate when the car already has radial-oriented wheel and driving expectations, but wheel condition and overall clearance should still be confirmed.
A 6.00-12 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 6.00 refers to nominal section width in inches and the 12 refers to rim diameter. Bias-ply construction gives this size a distinctly traditional character, making it especially relevant for owners pursuing an earlier period-style presentation on a 1973 Honda Civic. Because it shares the same 12-inch rim diameter as the radial size, the key question is not wheel diameter but whether bias-ply construction matches the car's setup and your restoration or driving priorities. It is a useful choice to consider when traditional appearance matters as much as fitment.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1973 Honda Civic 1200 Sedan can use both primary tire sizes. The main decision is not trim-based variation, but whether the car is being kept with a radial-style setup or a more traditional bias-ply presentation.
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1973 Honda Civic 1200 Sedan
The 1973 Honda Civic 1200 Sedan can use either 155R12 radial or 6.00-12 bias-ply tires on a 12-inch rim. That gives owners room to choose between a more modern radial sizing convention and a traditional period-style bias-ply fitment after confirming the wheels and overall vehicle setup.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners researching 1973 Honda Civic tires usually need to sort out size meaning, 12-inch rim fitment, and the difference between the car's radial and bias-ply primary tire options. The questions below focus on fitment, construction choice, appearance, and basic road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Honda Civic?
A 1973 Honda Civic uses either 155R12 in radial construction or 6.00-12 in bias-ply construction. Both are primary fitments for this model year and both use a 12-inch rim, so the difference is not wheel diameter but tire construction and sizing format.
That means the right choice depends on the actual wheel setup on the car and the type of driving or presentation you want. A Civic that has long been run on one construction type should be checked carefully before changing, especially for wheel width, overall clearance, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components.
What size rim does a 1973 Honda Civic use?
The 1973 Honda Civic uses a 12-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The 155R12 radial and the 6.00-12 bias-ply share the same rim diameter, which keeps wheel diameter simple even though the car has two different tire-sizing conventions.
Rim diameter is only the first checkpoint, though. It still makes sense to confirm the actual wheels on the car, since many older Civics have seen replacement wheels over the years. Wheel width, bead compatibility, and any prior modifications can affect whether a given tire choice is appropriate for the current setup.
Does the 1973 Honda Civic 1200 Sedan use the same tire size?
The 1973 Honda Civic 1200 Sedan can use the same two primary tire sizes as the core model fitment: 155R12 radial and 6.00-12 bias-ply. That means there is no separate tire-size split within the covered 1200 Sedan fitment shown here.
Even with shared fitment, owners still need to choose the construction that matches the car's wheels and intended use. A period-style restoration may lean toward the numeric bias-ply size, while a car already set up around radial use may point you toward 155R12 after confirming wheel suitability and overall tire clearance.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.00-12 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1973 Honda Civic?
On a 1973 Honda Civic, 6.00-12 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system, where the first number reflects nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 12-inch rim diameter.
That matters because bias-ply construction changes both the look and the overall character of the tire compared with a radial. Owners considering 6.00-12 usually do so for a more traditional presentation, but the wheels and current vehicle setup still need to be checked before choosing or changing construction on a car that may have been altered over time.
Is 155R12 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1973 Honda Civic?
For the 1973 Honda Civic, 155R12 is a radial tire size. It follows a Euro-metric radial format, using a 155-millimeter section width and a 12-inch rim diameter, with the radial construction built into the size designation.
This makes 155R12 the size to examine when the car is being kept with a primary radial fitment rather than a bias-ply setup. Before making that choice, confirm the wheels actually on the car and compare the tire's expected dimensions and clearance to the Civic's current stance, steering travel, and suspension condition.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1973 Honda Civic?
A 1973 Honda Civic can be equipped with either 6.00-12 bias-ply tires or 155R12 radial tires, so the correct direction depends on the car's setup and your priorities. Bias-ply keeps a more traditional presentation, while the radial option follows the car's alternate primary fitment in a modern sizing convention.
The practical decision usually comes down to whether the Civic is being restored with an appearance-first mindset or prepared for regular road use with a radial-style setup already in place. Any change in construction should be checked against wheel compatibility, tire clearance, and the condition of suspension and steering parts before the car goes back into service.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R12 or 6.00-12 tire for a 1973 Honda Civic?
Start with the correct primary size and construction for the way the car is set up now. The 1973 Honda Civic uses either 155R12 in radial form or 6.00-12 in bias-ply form, so the choice is about more than numbers alone; it also affects the look and character of the tire.
After size and construction, focus on the car's real-world condition. Confirm the 12-inch wheels, inspect for prior wheel changes, and consider whether the Civic is being preserved as a period-style car or driven more regularly. A careful check of clearance, steering travel, and suspension condition helps narrow the choice without assuming the two constructions behave the same.
How do I choose between the available 12-inch tire types for a 1973 Honda Civic?
The key is deciding whether the Civic should stay with a radial primary fitment or a bias-ply primary fitment. A 155R12 radial uses a Euro-metric size format, while a 6.00-12 bias-ply follows the older numeric system, even though both mount on a 12-inch rim.
That distinction affects the overall presentation of the car and can influence what owners expect from road use. A restoration-oriented Civic may call for the traditional look of a bias-ply tire, while another car may already be set up around radial use. Verifying the wheels and checking for suspension or stance changes keeps the decision grounded in fitment rather than assumption.
How do I choose between the available 155R12 and 6.00-12 tires for a 1973 Honda Civic?
Choosing between 155R12 and 6.00-12 starts with recognizing that both are primary tire sizes for the 1973 Honda Civic, but they represent different construction types. The 155R12 is radial, while the 6.00-12 is bias-ply, so the decision is tied to the car's current wheel setup and intended character.
A useful next step is to look at how the Civic will be used and how authentic-looking you want the tire presentation to be. Then confirm the actual wheels on the car, inspect for prior modifications, and make sure the selected tire works with available space around the fenders and steering components before committing to one construction style.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Honda Civic?
For a period-style 1973 Honda Civic, the 6.00-12 bias-ply tire is the more traditional-looking starting point because it uses the vintage numeric sizing system and bias-ply construction. The car can also use 155R12 radial tires, but that size presents the fitment in a more modern radial convention.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how the Civic will be driven and how the wheels are set up today. A careful restoration may favor the visual character of the bias-ply size, while a driver-focused car may lean radial. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare against marque-specific historical references before finalizing the tire choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 Honda Civic?
Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1973 Honda Civic as much as the size designation does. A 6.00-12 bias-ply brings a more traditional small-car look, while a 155R12 radial presents the car in a later, more modernized style even though both belong on a 12-inch rim.
That difference can matter on a compact early Civic where tire proportion is very noticeable. Owners who want a restoration-oriented presentation often focus on keeping the tire's era-appropriate character, while others prefer the radial fitment that also belongs to this model year. Wheel condition and overall stance should still be checked before settling on either approach.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Honda Civic?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Honda Civic even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, brake conversions, or bodywork can all change the space available for a 155R12 radial or 6.00-12 bias-ply tire.
An older Civic often passes through several owners, so it is worth checking the car rather than assuming it still matches stock dimensions. Measure the wheel diameter, inspect wheel width and offset, and turn the steering through its full range to check clearance. Those steps are especially important before changing from one tire construction type to the other.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Honda Civic on new tires?
Before driving a 1973 Honda Civic on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and lug hardware, and make sure the tires match the intended 12-inch wheel setup. It also helps to check basic clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering components once the tires are mounted.
A low-use collector car can hide problems that are not obvious at first glance, so look beyond the tires themselves. Wheel condition, alignment-related wear, play in steering parts, and weak suspension components can affect how the car behaves on the road. A short, careful test drive and a recheck of pressure and clearance afterward is a sensible final step.
How should 155R12 or 6.00-12 tires on a collector 1973 Honda Civic be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1973 Honda Civic should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 155R12 radial tires or 6.00-12 bias-ply tires, low annual mileage does not prevent aging, so sidewall condition and any signs of cracking, cuts, or bulges deserve close attention.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as driving miles. Keeping the Civic away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires over time. It is also smart to inspect tread wear patterns and air retention before longer drives, since an older car that sits often can develop issues between outings.
