1973 Toyota Mark II Tires

The 1973 Toyota Mark II uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with 13-inch rims, so the choice is not about wheel diameter as much as selecting the construction and size format that matches the car’s setup and intended use.

That means the next step is confirming the wheel width and deciding whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or use the radial fitment already tied to this model. If the Mark II has been changed over the years, checking the actual wheel dimensions before choosing between 165R13 and 600-13 is especially important.

The 1973 Toyota Mark II uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 165R13 and the bias-ply 600-13 are both built around a 13-inch wheel, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the size formats and construction types are different.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Product specifications also show different rim-width ranges between the radial and bias-ply options, so a 13-inch wheel still needs to be the right width for the tire being considered. That is especially relevant on an older car that may no longer have its original wheel set.

The 1973 Toyota Mark II Sedan & Wagon shares the same fitment paths, using both 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply sizes. In practical terms, that means the covered sub-model does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a unique third size that changes the basic tire search.

Even with shared fitment, the best choice still depends on how the individual car is equipped today. A Sedan or Wagon that retains a restoration-oriented look may lean toward the bias-ply size, while a car set up around radial use may point toward 165R13. Wheel width and overall clearance are worth verifying before making the final decision.

600-13 is the bias-ply tire size for the 1973 Toyota Mark II. It uses the older numeric sizing system, and on this car it represents the traditional bias-ply fitment path rather than the radial one, which is covered by the separate 165R13 size.

That distinction matters because the two constructions can lead owners toward different priorities. A 600-13 choice often supports a more period-style visual presentation, especially with whitewall options, while the radial path uses a different size convention and different product selection. Before choosing, confirm that the wheel width matches the intended bias-ply tire.

Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13 as the 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial. These are equivalent-size options for the original bias-ply fitment, and no bias-look radial equivalent is specified for this application.

A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent path, which makes wheel width an important checkpoint before changing constructions. The three radial alternatives also represent different sizing conventions, so the safest approach is to compare the chosen size against the car’s actual wheel, fender, and suspension clearance rather than assuming automatic interchangeability.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial size with the Mark II’s current clearance at the fenders, steering, and suspension. For a 600-13 bias-ply setup, the radial-equivalent path includes 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.

It also helps to look at the overall condition of the car’s suspension and steering before making the change. An older collector car may have replacement wheels, worn bushings, or ride-height changes that affect how a radial sits and behaves. The conversion can be considered, but the final choice should be checked against the Mark II’s real-world wheel and clearance setup.

The main decision is whether the car should use the 165R13 radial fitment or the 600-13 bias-ply fitment. From there, selection comes down to matching the tire to the wheel width, the car’s intended appearance, and how the Mark II will be used, whether that means preservation, casual road driving, or a more restoration-minded presentation.

Product differences also matter. The radial side offers blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop, while the bias-ply side focuses on BFGoodrich whitewall options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Looking at construction, sidewall treatment, and the tire’s rim-width specification gives a clearer basis for choosing than focusing on size code alone.

The available sidewall styles for the 1973 Toyota Mark II include blackwall in the 165R13 radial size and both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall in the 600-13 bias-ply size. That gives the car a clear visual split between a more understated radial look and a more traditional whitewall bias-ply appearance.

Choosing between them depends mostly on how the car is being presented. Blackwall 165R13 tires suit an owner who wants the radial-format fitment tied to this model, while the whitewall 600-13 choices support a more period-style visual direction. Sidewall style should still be considered alongside construction type and wheel-width compatibility, not as a stand-alone decision.

Tires for the 1973 Toyota Mark II are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial fitment with blackwall options, while BFGoodrich covers the 600-13 bias-ply fitment through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line in whitewall styles.

Brand choice should be considered in the context of the tire size and construction you actually need. Comparing by brand alone can miss the more important differences between radial and bias-ply fitment, as well as sidewall treatment and rim-width range. Start with the correct 13-inch size path, then compare the available brands within that fitment.

A period-style 1973 Toyota Mark II often points buyers toward the 600-13 bias-ply fitment, especially when the goal is to preserve a more traditional visual character. In this size, BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options are available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments, giving the car a distinctly vintage presentation.

That does not automatically make every 600-13 choice historically exact for every car, since appearance details can vary by market, trim, and owner preference over time. For owners chasing a more precise restoration, period photos, marque references, and original vehicle literature can help narrow the visual direction before selecting between whitewall styles.

Tire construction changes the restored look of a 1973 Toyota Mark II because the two fitment paths present the car very differently. The 600-13 bias-ply size keeps the older numeric format and is offered with whitewall styling, while the 165R13 radial fitment is available as a blackwall tire in a more modern metric-style format.

That means the visual decision is tied closely to the restoration goal. A bias-ply setup generally supports a more traditional stance and sidewall presentation, while a radial setup gives the car a cleaner blackwall appearance within the same 13-inch rim diameter. Matching construction to the intended character of the build usually produces the most satisfying result.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Toyota Mark II even when the nominal tire size remains 165R13 or 600-13. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or bodywork differences can all influence how a 13-inch tire sits within the car’s available space.

That is why a modified Mark II should be checked at the wheel and the car, not just by size code. A tire can share the correct rim diameter but still create clearance issues if the wheel width or overall setup has changed. Looking at steering clearance, fender space, and the wheel’s actual dimensions helps avoid surprises.

Before driving a 1973 Toyota Mark II on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, then confirm that the tires clear the fenders, steering components, and suspension through their normal range of movement. It is also smart to check air pressure, lug-nut condition, and whether the tires seat properly on the rims.

A roadworthy tire installation also depends on the rest of the car. On an older Mark II, worn suspension parts, loose steering components, or neglected wheel bearings can affect how new tires perform and wear. A short initial drive followed by another look at pressure, clearance, and overall tire condition is a sensible final check.

Tires on a collector 1973 Toyota Mark II should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even low-mileage collector cars can develop age-related issues such as sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or weathering, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.

A good maintenance routine includes inspecting for cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and signs that the car has been sitting too long in one position. Keeping the Mark II away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources can help protect the tires during storage. It also pays to recheck the tires before any longer drive after extended downtime.