1973 Plymouth Cricket Tires

The 1973 Plymouth Cricket uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for a 13-inch rim, but they represent different tire formats, different wheel-width considerations, and a different overall approach to how the car is equipped.

Choosing between them starts with confirming what is currently on the car. A Cricket set up around bias-ply tires may call for a different wheel-width range than one running radial tires, so the best next step is to verify wheel width, tire clearance, and whether the goal is period-style appearance or radial road use.

The 1973 Plymouth Cricket uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 155R13 and 560-13. Rim diameter is the shared dimension here, even though the tire constructions differ between radial and bias-ply.

That common 13-inch diameter does not automatically make every wheel suitable for either tire type. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing the narrower bias-ply 560-13 setup with radial alternatives, so it is smart to measure the actual wheel before selecting a tire or moving from one construction type to the other.

A 560-13 tire uses a vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system. The 560 refers to a nominal 5.60-inch section-width class, while 13 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1973 Plymouth Cricket, it represents the bias-ply primary fitment rather than a modern metric radial size.

That matters because a 560-13 should be evaluated as a traditional bias-ply size, not as a modern dimensional label. Buyers considering this size usually compare whitewall appearance, brand, and tire series, while also confirming that the wheel width matches the narrower bias-ply fitment range used by the available products.

On the 1973 Plymouth Cricket, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric size format and is offered in classic bias-ply product lines with whitewall styling, which gives it a more traditional small-car presentation than the metric radial alternative.

That makes 560-13 the natural choice for an owner focused on period-style appearance. It should still be matched to the right wheel setup, because the available bias-ply products in this size use narrower rim-width ranges than the radial alternatives associated with the Cricket's 13-inch wheel diameter.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Those are equivalent-size alternatives for the original bias-ply fitment, not additional primary factory-style size formats.

Each option should be treated as a comparison point rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range attached to these radial equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, so wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and steering or fender clearance should be reviewed before converting a Cricket from 560-13 bias-ply tires to a radial setup.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial size against the Cricket's available equivalent options such as 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13. A radial conversion should also be checked against the car's current suspension condition and the space available around the tire.

Construction changes can affect more than appearance, especially on a light compact car. The safest approach is to verify wheel compatibility first, then look at tire clearance during steering movement and normal ride height, rather than assuming that any radial equivalent will behave the same as the original 560-13 bias-ply fitment.

The first choice is between the Cricket's two primary fitments: 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply. That decision shapes the rest of the buying process, because it affects sizing format, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, and whether the car is being kept in a more traditional or more road-oriented configuration.

After construction is settled, compare the details that actually change from product to product. For this car, that usually means blackwall versus whitewall presentation, brand, tire series, and the wheel-width range each tire expects, all while keeping the car's current wheel setup and intended use in mind.

The 1973 Plymouth Cricket has both blackwall and whitewall tire choices. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, giving the car a distinctly different visual character depending on the route taken.

That sidewall decision is especially important on a compact 1970s car because the tire has a strong effect on the overall stance and presentation. A blackwall radial leans toward a cleaner, more functional look, while narrow or wide whitewalls support a more vintage appearance without changing the Cricket's basic 13-inch fitment.

Tires for the 1973 Plymouth Cricket are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer 560-13 bias-ply options in classic-style whitewall presentations.

Brand matters here mainly because it helps define the type of tire being chosen rather than because one name should automatically outweigh the others. The stronger comparison points are still the correct size, the intended construction, the tire series, the sidewall style, and whether the wheel dimensions suit the tire being considered.

For a period-style 1973 Plymouth Cricket, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. It keeps the car in a vintage numeric tire format and is available in classic bias-ply series with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations that suit a traditional small-car appearance.

That does not automatically make any one sidewall treatment historically exact for every car. Owners aiming for a highly accurate restoration should use marque literature, period photos, or other vehicle-specific references to refine the final look, while also making sure the selected bias-ply tire matches the wheel width on the car.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1973 Plymouth Cricket in a noticeable way. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional visual profile and opens the door to whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial brings a more modern blackwall presentation to the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That visual shift is often just as important as the size itself on a compact collector car. Buyers restoring for period flavor often start with the bias-ply format, while owners more focused on regular road use may prefer the radial path, provided the wheels and overall setup are checked before making the change.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Plymouth Cricket even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body and fender work can all change the amount of space available around a 155R13 or 560-13 tire.

That is why fitment should be checked on the actual car rather than by size code alone. A Cricket with changed wheels or suspension should be inspected for steering clearance, inner-fender space, and tire-to-body interference before settling on either the radial or bias-ply route for regular road use.

Before driving a 1973 Plymouth Cricket on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and width, verify proper installation, and confirm that the tires clear the body and suspension through steering movement. It is also wise to check valve stems, inflation pressure, and the general condition of the brake and suspension components nearby.

A short initial road check helps catch issues before a longer drive. Pay attention to any rubbing, vibration, pulling, or unusual tire behavior, especially if the car has sat for long periods or has had wheel changes, because a collector-era compact can be sensitive to small fitment or condition differences.

Tires on a 1973 Plymouth Cricket should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of aging. That applies whether the car is running 155R13 radials or 560-13 bias-ply tires, since older collector vehicles often spend long stretches parked between drives.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the Cricket away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and any tire that shows significant age-related deterioration should be evaluated before the car returns to normal road use.