The 1973 Nissan Pickup comes from an era when compact Japanese trucks were earning a reputation for simple engineering, light-duty utility, and everyday dependability. Today, that same straightforward character makes these pickups appealing to owners who want a usable vintage truck without losing its original feel. Tire choice matters because this Nissan Pickup can be found with either a 185R14 radial or a 6.00-14 bias-ply tire, both on 14-inch rims. That opens the door to decisions about traditional bias-ply appearance versus radial road manners, along with blackwall or whitewall presentation in available radial offerings. The right choice starts with the truck’s actual setup and the kind of restoration or driving use planned.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Nissan Pickup
The 1973 Nissan Pickup uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is confirming which construction your truck is set up around. Both sizes fit 14-inch rims, but one is a radial 185R14 and the other is a 6.00-14 bias-ply. Once that is established, the decision shifts toward appearance, driving character, and whether the truck is being kept in a more traditional period-style configuration or updated with a radial tire.
185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 14 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1973 Nissan Pickup, this size represents the radial fitment choice and suits owners looking for a more modern tire format while staying with the correct 14-inch rim diameter. Available options include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein products, with blackwall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. This size is worth considering when the truck already uses radial-compatible wheels and the goal is road use with a vintage-appropriate overall look.
6.00-14 is a numeric bias-ply size where 6.00 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 14 identifies the rim diameter. That format reflects the traditional sizing language many vintage truck owners expect to see on an early compact pickup. On the 1973 Nissan Pickup, it serves buyers who want to retain bias-ply construction and the more period-style presentation that goes with it. This size should be evaluated carefully against the truck’s actual wheel setup, especially if it has been converted to radial tires or fitted with replacement wheels over the years.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1973 Nissan Pickup sub-model shares the same two primary tire-size paths. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, since the real choice is whether the truck is using the radial 185R14 setup or the 6.00-14 bias-ply setup on its 14-inch wheels.
1
1973 Nissan Pickup Stretch & King Cab
The 1973 Nissan Pickup Stretch & King Cab uses the same two fitment directions as the model core: 185R14 in radial construction or 6.00-14 in bias-ply form. That means selection comes down to confirming the truck’s present wheel and tire setup, then choosing between a traditional bias-ply presentation or one of the available radial styles.
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 Nissan Pickup Tires for Sale
Available 185R14 choices for the 1973 Nissan Pickup include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein options in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles. The product grid is most useful for comparing sidewall appearance, radial tire series, rim-width compatibility, and other specification differences within the correct 14-inch fitment.
Owners of a 1973 Nissan Pickup usually need to sort out size, rim fitment, and the difference between the 185R14 radial and 6.00-14 bias-ply setup. These FAQs also cover sidewall choices, product selection, maintenance, and checks to make before putting a vintage truck back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Nissan Pickup?
A 1973 Nissan Pickup uses either a 185R14 radial tire or a 6.00-14 bias-ply tire. Both are 14-inch fitments, but they represent two different sizing systems and two different tire constructions. The 185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size, while 6.00-14 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size.
The right choice depends on the truck’s actual wheel and tire setup rather than the model name alone. Many vintage pickups have been changed over time, so it helps to confirm the current wheel size, check the existing tire markings, and decide whether the goal is to keep a period-style bias-ply configuration or stay with a radial setup for regular road use.
What size rim does a 1973 Nissan Pickup use?
The 1973 Nissan Pickup uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the truck is wearing a 185R14 radial or a 6.00-14 bias-ply tire. The shared rim diameter makes wheel verification simpler, even though the two tire sizes differ in construction and sizing format.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width should also be checked before choosing a replacement tire. That matters most on a truck that has changed hands several times or may have aftermarket wheels. Matching the correct 14-inch diameter first prevents obvious mistakes, then width and overall clearance can be reviewed before final tire selection.
Does the 1973 Nissan Pickup Stretch & King Cab use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1973 Nissan Pickup Stretch & King Cab follows the same tire-fitment pattern, using either 185R14 in radial construction or 6.00-14 in bias-ply form. That means the sub-model itself does not force a different rim diameter or a separate size family within this covered fitment range.
Even with shared sub-model fitment, the practical choice still comes down to what is actually on the truck today. A Stretch & King Cab that has already been converted to radial tires may call for a different buying decision than one being restored with a more traditional bias-ply look. Checking the wheel setup and intended use keeps the selection process on solid ground.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.00-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1973 Nissan Pickup?
On the 1973 Nissan Pickup, 6.00-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to many vintage vehicles, with the first number indicating nominal section width and the second number indicating rim diameter. It is different in both construction and sizing language from the truck’s 185R14 radial option.
That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire is not simply another way of writing the radial size. Buyers should confirm whether the truck is being kept in a traditional bias-ply configuration or has already been set up around radial tires. Wheel width, handling expectations, and appearance goals all become part of the decision before replacing one construction with the other.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1973 Nissan Pickup?
A 1973 Nissan Pickup can be approached either way, since both a 6.00-14 bias-ply fitment and a 185R14 radial fitment are used on this model. Bias-ply tires tend to appeal to owners preserving a more traditional period-style presentation, while radial tires usually appeal to those prioritizing a more modern tire format for regular road use.
The better choice depends on how the truck is being used and what setup it already has. A restoration-minded owner may want the older construction style, while a driver-focused owner may lean toward a radial. Before changing construction, confirm wheel compatibility and inspect for any clearance or suspension issues that could affect how the replacement tire sits on the truck.
What should I check before converting my 1973 Nissan Pickup from bias-ply to radial tires?
A conversion from 6.00-14 bias-ply to a radial setup should start with the wheel itself. The 1973 Nissan Pickup uses 14-inch rims in either case, but rim diameter alone does not settle the question. Wheel width, the condition of the wheels, and the truck’s present ride height and suspension condition should all be reviewed first.
Road clearance should be checked at the fenders and through the steering range before any change is treated as acceptable. It also helps to inspect whether the truck has aftermarket wheels or previous suspension changes, since those can alter fitment. A radial may be a useful alternative, but the truck still needs to be evaluated as an individual vehicle rather than by size label alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1973 Nissan Pickup?
Start with the truck’s actual tire size and construction, since a 1973 Nissan Pickup can use either 185R14 radial tires or 6.00-14 bias-ply tires. After size is confirmed, look at wheel compatibility, intended use, and whether the goal is a traditional vintage presentation or a more modern radial-style setup for routine driving.
Once the correct fitment path is clear, compare the details that affect how the truck will look and be used. Sidewall style, brand, tire series, and rim-width compatibility all matter, especially on a vehicle that may serve as both a collector truck and an occasional road vehicle. Choosing by appearance alone can overlook wheel or usage needs that deserve equal attention.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Nissan Pickup tires?
For the available 185R14 radial options, sidewall styles include blackwall and narrow whitewall. Those choices give a 1973 Nissan Pickup owner some visual flexibility without moving away from the correct basic radial size. The sidewall treatment changes the truck’s presentation even when the overall tire dimensions remain within the same fitment family.
Blackwall usually delivers a simpler, more understated look, while a narrow whitewall adds a more styled vintage appearance. The right pick depends on whether the truck is being restored, preserved, or driven as a casual classic. Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size and construction are settled, since appearance does not override the need for proper wheel and vehicle compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 1973 Nissan Pickup?
In the 185R14 radial fitment, the 1973 Nissan Pickup has options from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein. Those brands appear across blackwall and narrow whitewall configurations, giving buyers a useful range of presentation and specification choices within the same general size. Some products also differ in stated rim-width compatibility and other technical details.
Brand choice should be treated as one part of a broader selection process rather than the only factor. It helps to compare the exact tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel-width suitability before settling on a tire. That approach keeps the focus on how the tire matches the truck’s setup and intended use, instead of assuming that any product in the right nominal size serves the same role.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Nissan Pickup?
For a period-style 1973 Nissan Pickup, the starting point is usually the truck’s traditional fitment direction rather than a modernized look. The 6.00-14 bias-ply size supports a more vintage construction style, while 185R14 offers a radial alternative that may still suit a classic truck depending on the appearance and use the owner wants.
A restoration-oriented choice should balance visual character with how the truck will actually be driven. Buyers seeking a highly authentic presentation often research period photos, marque references, or model-specific restoration guidance before deciding on construction and sidewall treatment. That extra step is worthwhile when exact historical appearance matters as much as getting the basic size right.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 Nissan Pickup?
Tire construction can noticeably change how a restored 1973 Nissan Pickup presents itself. A 6.00-14 bias-ply tire carries an older-style sizing format and a more traditional visual character, while a 185R14 radial brings a later tire convention that can look more contemporary even when it remains appropriate to the truck’s 14-inch wheel setup.
That visual difference becomes more important on a carefully finished truck where wheel, stance, and sidewall treatment all work together. Construction should be chosen with the truck’s restoration direction in mind, not only its road use. Sidewall details such as blackwall or narrow whitewall can further shape the final look, but those appearance choices still need to follow the correct size and wheel fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Nissan Pickup?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1973 Nissan Pickup even when the truck still appears to use the correct 14-inch wheel diameter. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, or body alterations can all influence how a 185R14 or 6.00-14 tire sits and clears through normal steering and suspension travel.
That is why an older truck should be inspected as it exists today, not only by year and model name. Checking wheel dimensions, looking for rub marks, and turning the steering from lock to lock can reveal issues before new tires are installed. A truck with a stock-type setup is easier to size confidently than one that has been modified over decades of use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Nissan Pickup on new tires?
Before driving a 1973 Nissan Pickup on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and general suspension condition. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, even bead seating, and any obvious interference around the fenders or steering components. That basic review is especially important on a vintage truck returning to the road after long storage.
A short, careful test drive can reveal pulling, rubbing, vibration, or other signs that deserve attention before longer use. It also helps to recheck air pressure once the tires have settled and to confirm that the truck tracks cleanly at ordinary road speeds. New tires improve little if underlying wheel, brake, or suspension issues are still present on the vehicle.
How should tires on a collector 1973 Nissan Pickup be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1973 Nissan Pickup should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and sensible storage habits. Low-use vintage trucks can develop tire problems from age and inactivity as easily as from mileage, so sidewall cracking, weathering, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss deserve attention even when tread wear appears minimal.
Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition between drives. Periodic inspections are also a good time to confirm that the tires are wearing evenly and that nothing has changed in wheel alignment or suspension condition. A collector vehicle that is driven only occasionally still benefits from routine tire care before every meaningful road outing.
