The 1973 International Pickup 1210 came from an era when International built pickups with a distinctly work-focused character, bridging light-duty utility and heavier truck hardware in a way that still appeals to collectors and vintage truck owners. Tire choice on this model centers on 16.5-inch bias-ply fitments, with 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 all used on the 1210. That makes the real decision less about modern-style sizing and more about matching the truck’s wheel setup, load expectations, and intended look. Available options stay true to the truck category, with blackwall STA tires offered in series such as Traxion, Super Transport, and Transport Highway.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 International Pickup 1210
The 1973 International Pickup 1210 uses three primary tire sizes: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. All three are bias-ply sizes built for 16.5-inch wheels, and they appear across the covered 1210 sub-models. Since the sub-models share the same size range, the first step is confirming which 16.5-inch wheel setup is actually on the truck, then choosing the size and tread style that best matches its working role, stance, and wheel specifications.
An 800-16.5 tire uses an older numeric bias-ply sizing system, where the leading number reflects a nominal section width of about 8.00 inches and the final number is the 16.5-inch rim diameter. On a 1973 International Pickup 1210, this size keeps the truck in its original bias-ply fitment family and suits buyers staying with a traditional truck-tire construction. Available STA choices include the Super Transport and Traxion series, both in blackwall form. It is a useful size to consider when matching the truck to a narrower 16.5-inch wheel setup and a period-style working-truck appearance.
The 875-16.5 size follows the same vintage numeric bias-ply convention, with 8.75 indicating nominal section width and 16.5 indicating rim diameter. This keeps the 1973 International Pickup 1210 in a heavy-duty bias-ply truck format that looks and behaves in keeping with the vehicle’s era. STA offers this size in blackwall Traxion and Transport Highway versions, giving a choice between different tire series within the same fitment. It is worth evaluating when the truck already wears 16.5-inch wheels and needs a size that sits between the narrower 800 and wider 950 options.
A 950-16.5 tire is another vintage numeric bias-ply size, using 9.50 as the nominal section width and 16.5 as the wheel diameter. For the 1973 International Pickup 1210, it represents the widest of the three primary fitments and remains firmly in the truck-oriented bias-ply category. STA offers this size in blackwall Traxion and Super Transport series, with both carrying a 2780-pound maximum load rating at 60 psi. This size deserves a closer wheel check before selection, especially on trucks that may have had wheel changes or that need the proper rim-width match for a wider tire.
Fitment stays fairly consistent across the covered 1973 International Pickup 1210 sub-models, since each one uses the same three 16.5-inch bias-ply tire sizes. Checking the exact stud and GVWR configuration still matters, because the truck’s actual wheel setup should be confirmed before choosing among 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5.
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1973 International Pickup 1210 (1/2-20 studs)
The 1973 International Pickup 1210 (1/2-20 studs) uses the same 16.5-inch bias-ply size range found elsewhere in the 1210 lineup. That means the decision comes down to confirming the installed wheel dimensions and selecting the tire size and STA series that best suit the truck’s intended use and overall presentation.
1973 International Pickup 1210 (5/8-18 studs) (GVWR 6300 & 7200)
The 1973 International Pickup 1210 (5/8-18 studs) (GVWR 6300 & 7200) also shares the full 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 bias-ply range. Tire selection is therefore more about wheel compatibility, load-minded sizing, and choosing between available truck tire series than about finding a unique sub-model-only fitment.
1973 International Pickup 1210 (5/8-18 studs) (GVWR 7500 & 8200)
The 1973 International Pickup 1210 (5/8-18 studs) (GVWR 7500 & 8200) uses the same primary 16.5-inch bias-ply sizes as the other covered versions. Buyers should focus on matching the tire to the truck’s actual wheel width, expected hauling demands, and whether a more traction-oriented or highway-oriented STA series makes the most sense.
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 International Pickup 1210 Tires for Sale
Available 1973 International Pickup 1210 tires stay focused on traditional truck fitment, with STA bias-ply options in the Traxion, Super Transport, and Transport Highway series. Across 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5, the main comparison points are size, series character, blackwall styling, load-minded specifications, and rim-width suitability where stated.
These FAQs focus on the 1973 International Pickup 1210’s 16.5-inch bias-ply tire sizes, shared sub-model fitment, available STA truck-tire choices, and the wheel, maintenance, and road-use checks that matter before putting a vintage International back into service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 International Pickup 1210?
The 1973 International Pickup 1210 uses three primary bias-ply tire sizes: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. All three are built for 16.5-inch rims and appear across the covered 1210 sub-models, including the 1/2-20 stud version and the 5/8-18 stud versions tied to different GVWR ranges.
That means the right choice is not determined by model year alone. The truck’s actual wheel width, current wheel type, and intended use should be checked before choosing among the three sizes, especially if the pickup has been changed over the years or is being returned to a more restoration-oriented setup.
What size rim does a 1973 International Pickup 1210 use?
The covered tire fitments for a 1973 International Pickup 1210 are all built around a 16.5-inch rim diameter. That applies to 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5, so the common wheel diameter across these primary tire sizes is 16.5 inches.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Width still matters, particularly on the wider 950-16.5 size where stated rim-width ranges come into play, so a buyer should confirm both the wheel diameter and the actual wheel width before selecting a tire for road use or restoration work.
Do all 1973 International Pickup 1210 sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1973 International Pickup 1210 sub-models share the same three primary tire sizes: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. That includes the 1/2-20 stud version and both 5/8-18 stud configurations tied to different GVWR ranges, all within the same 16.5-inch bias-ply fitment family.
Shared size coverage does not mean every truck should automatically move to any one of those sizes without checking the hardware on the vehicle. A careful selection still depends on the wheels currently installed, the truck’s working role, and whether the goal is a narrower, mid-range, or wider period-style truck tire setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 16.5-inch tire for a 1973 International Pickup 1210?
Start by confirming which of the three primary sizes belongs on the truck’s present wheel setup: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5. All are bias-ply truck tires for 16.5-inch rims, so the decision is mostly about proper size, wheel compatibility, intended use, and how closely the truck should retain a traditional vintage-truck tire appearance.
Series choice matters too. Traxion, Super Transport, and Transport Highway give the buyer different truck-oriented options within the correct fitment family, while the stated rim-width ranges on some sizes help narrow the field. Checking the wheel width before purchase is especially important on wider sizes where compatibility becomes more specific.
What brands offer tires for the 1973 International Pickup 1210?
The available tires for the 1973 International Pickup 1210 come from STA. Across the truck’s three bias-ply sizes, STA covers the fitment with several series, including Traxion, Super Transport, and Transport Highway, all aimed at vintage truck use rather than modern passenger-car styling.
Since the brand choice is narrow, the real comparison shifts to size, series, and wheel suitability. A buyer should look at whether the truck needs a narrower or wider casing, whether a stated load rating is relevant to the intended job, and whether the tire’s overall look matches the truck’s working or restoration-oriented character.
What tire series are available for the 1973 International Pickup 1210?
Three STA series are available within the 1973 International Pickup 1210 fitment range: Traxion, Super Transport, and Transport Highway. Availability depends on size, with Traxion appearing across all three primary sizes, Super Transport offered in 800-16.5 and 950-16.5, and Transport Highway offered in 875-16.5.
That variety gives the buyer something meaningful to compare beyond size alone. Once the correct tire size is established, the series can help shape the truck’s final presentation and use case, whether the priority is a more traditional work-truck look or a highway-focused period-style replacement within the proper 16.5-inch bias-ply family.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 International Pickup 1210?
A period-style approach for a 1973 International Pickup 1210 starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5. Because this truck uses vintage numeric truck sizing on 16.5-inch rims, staying within that bias-ply fitment family preserves the visual character that suits a 1970s International pickup.
The best choice depends on the truck’s existing wheels and the look being pursued. A narrower or wider stance can change the truck’s appearance noticeably, and tread series also plays a role. For exact restoration goals, it helps to compare the truck against period photos, original paperwork, or marque-specific references before settling on one size.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 International Pickup 1210?
On a restored 1973 International Pickup 1210, bias-ply construction contributes strongly to the truck’s overall visual character because the primary fitments are all bias-ply truck tires in vintage numeric sizes. That construction tends to look more in step with the truck’s era than a modern radial profile would, especially on 16.5-inch working-truck wheels.
Appearance is only one part of the decision, but it matters on a collector-era pickup. Buyers trying to keep a traditional presentation usually start by choosing the correct size family first, then selecting the tire series that best matches the truck’s intended use, stance, and level of restoration detail.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 International Pickup 1210?
Yes. A 1973 International Pickup 1210 may have had wheel, suspension, brake, or ride-height changes over the years, and any of those can affect whether 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5 remains the most appropriate choice. Even though the original fitment family stays on 16.5-inch rims, the truck’s present configuration still matters.
Wheel width is one of the first things to verify, especially on the wider 950-16.5 size. Clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension should also be checked before mounting new tires, particularly if the pickup has aftermarket wheels or sits differently than it did when it left regular service.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 International Pickup 1210 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is appropriate for the truck, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the wheel setup. On a 1973 International Pickup 1210, it also makes sense to look over steering, suspension, and brake components since tire behavior can reveal problems already present elsewhere.
Air pressure should be set properly for the selected tire, and the tires themselves should be checked for even seating, sidewall condition, and any early air loss after installation. A short initial drive followed by another inspection is a sensible step on an older truck, especially one returning to use after storage.
How should 16.5-inch tires on a collector 1973 International Pickup 1210 be maintained?
Collector-use tires on a 1973 International Pickup 1210 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss. Because these are vintage-style 16.5-inch truck tires on a vehicle that may see seasonal or occasional use, periods of sitting can be as important to monitor as miles driven.
Proper inflation, clean storage conditions, and protection from prolonged sun exposure all help preserve tire condition. It also helps to move the truck periodically so the tires are not resting in one position for extended periods, and any sign of age-related deterioration should be taken seriously before planning longer road use.
