The 1974 Nissan PL710 came from an era when compact Japanese sedans and wagons were gaining a stronger foothold in the U.S. market by blending efficiency, practicality, and increasingly modern road manners. That matters at tire time, because this model sits between two fitment approaches: a 165R13 radial and a 6.45-13 bias-ply, both on 13-inch rims. For an owner, the decision is not just size, but whether to keep a more traditional bias-ply presentation or stay with a period-appropriate radial setup. Available 165R13 choices also bring brand and tire-series differences into the picture, especially for drivers balancing restoration character with regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1974 Nissan PL710
The 1974 Nissan PL710 has two primary tire sizes, and the first step is understanding the construction difference rather than looking for different wheel diameters. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, but 165R13 is a radial format while 6.45-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. Since the Sedan & Wagon sub-model uses both, the real choice is whether you want a radial driving setup or a more traditional bias-ply presentation.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1974 Nissan PL710, it represents the more modern of the two primary fitments and keeps the vehicle on a 13-inch rim. Available choices in this size include Michelin and Dunlop offerings, with blackwall sidewalls and tire series such as XAS-FF, XAS, and SP Sport Aquajet. It is the size to evaluate when road-use manners and radial construction are central to the tire decision.
6.45-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.45 represents the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1974 Nissan PL710, this size reflects the traditional bias-ply fitment path and keeps the car on the same 13-inch rim diameter as the radial option. Bias-ply sizing is especially relevant to owners aiming for a more period-style look and feel rather than a later radial-style presentation. It is the size to consider when preserving an older construction type matters as much as basic fitment.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1974 Nissan PL710 sub-models because the same two primary sizes appear across the range. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm whether the car is being kept in a bias-ply configuration or a radial one on its 13-inch wheels.
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1974 Nissan PL710 Sedan & Wagon
The 1974 Nissan PL710 Sedan & Wagon uses the same two primary fitment paths: a 165R13 radial or a 6.45-13 bias-ply. That gives the owner a choice between a more modern radial format and a traditional bias-ply presentation while staying with the correct 13-inch rim diameter.
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 1974 Nissan PL710 Tires for Sale
Available 165R13 options for the 1974 Nissan PL710 focus on radial blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop. The product grid lets you compare distinct tire series, radial construction details, and rim-width specifications across period-oriented 13-inch choices.
These FAQs for the 1974 Nissan PL710 focus on the two primary tire sizes, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial selection, available 165R13 product choices, and the checks that matter before road use on a collector-era compact Nissan.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1974 Nissan PL710?
The 1974 Nissan PL710 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 6.45-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the model and both use a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is mainly about construction type and tire format rather than wheel diameter.
That means the right choice depends on how the car is set up now and what kind of driving or presentation you want. A PL710 already on radial tires may stay with 165R13, while a restoration-oriented car may keep the 6.45-13 bias-ply format. Checking the actual wheels on the vehicle is still important, especially if the car has been changed over the years.
What size rim does a 1974 Nissan PL710 use?
The 1974 Nissan PL710 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with the 165R13 radial size or the 6.45-13 bias-ply size, so the rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire construction changes.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older vehicle. Before selecting a tire, it is smart to confirm the wheel width and make sure the car still has the wheel setup you expect. A previous owner may have changed wheels, and that can affect which tire construction and size format makes the most sense.
Does the 1974 Nissan PL710 Sedan & Wagon use the same tire size?
The 1974 Nissan PL710 Sedan & Wagon uses the same primary fitment choices across the covered sub-model range: 165R13 as a radial and 6.45-13 as a bias-ply. In other words, the sub-model does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a completely different primary size family.
That makes selection simpler, but it does not remove the need to inspect the actual car. The practical decision is whether to keep the PL710 in a radial setup or a bias-ply one, then match that choice to the wheels currently on the vehicle. Tire age, wheel width, and any past modifications should be reviewed before installation.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.45-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1974 Nissan PL710?
For the 1974 Nissan PL710, 6.45-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, where the number represents the nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter used by the vehicle.
Choosing 6.45-13 keeps the car in a traditional construction style, which can matter to owners who want a more period-style appearance and driving character. Since the PL710 also has a radial fitment option, it helps to confirm whether the car is already set up for one construction type or the other before changing direction.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1974 Nissan PL710?
The 1974 Nissan PL710 can be approached either way because it has both a bias-ply primary size, 6.45-13, and a radial primary size, 165R13. The better choice depends on whether the goal is a more traditional period-style setup or a radial configuration that aligns with later tire construction.
Appearance, intended road use, and the wheels currently on the car should guide the decision. A PL710 preserved for shows or restoration-minded presentation may lean toward bias-ply, while a car driven regularly may stay with radial construction. Any switch should include a close look at wheel width, clearance, suspension condition, and overall tire dimensions.
What should I check before converting my 1974 Nissan PL710 from bias-ply to radial tires?
A change from the 6.45-13 bias-ply fitment to the 165R13 radial fitment starts with the wheel itself. Both use a 13-inch rim diameter, but the wheel width, the tire's seated profile, and the car's clearance around the fenders and steering components still need to be confirmed before making the change.
Road-use expectations matter just as much as raw fitment. On an older PL710, suspension wear, alignment condition, and previous wheel changes can affect how a radial setup behaves. It also helps to inspect the car for signs of rubbing or uneven tire wear now, because those clues often reveal whether a conversion needs more than just a tire swap.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1974 Nissan PL710?
Start with the correct primary fitment path for the car: 165R13 if you are staying with the radial setup, or 6.45-13 if you want the bias-ply format. From there, the key considerations are wheel compatibility, intended use, construction type, and whether the goal is regular road driving or a more restoration-oriented presentation.
For a PL710 running 165R13, product differences such as tire series, brand, rim-width specification, and weight may shape the final choice. On any older vehicle, it also helps to confirm the current wheels and inspect the suspension before selecting a tire. Matching the tire to the car's real setup is more useful than choosing by size code alone.
What brands offer tires for the 1974 Nissan PL710?
In the available 165R13 radial fitment for the 1974 Nissan PL710, Michelin and Dunlop are the brands represented. Michelin appears in the XAS-FF and XAS series, while Dunlop appears in the SP Sport Aquajet series, giving the buyer more than one period-appropriate radial brand direction to consider.
Brand should be weighed alongside the actual tire series and specifications, not treated as the only decision point. A Michelin XAS-style tire may appeal to one owner, while a Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet may suit another. The better comparison is how each option aligns with the car's wheel width, intended look, and how the PL710 will be used.
What tire series are available for the 1974 Nissan PL710?
For the 1974 Nissan PL710 in 165R13 radial fitment, the available tire series include Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet. Those series give the buyer several distinct 13-inch radial options without leaving the correct size family for this model.
Comparing tire series is useful because it helps separate products that share the same basic size but differ in character and specification. On a PL710, that may matter for a restoration-minded car versus one driven more regularly. Sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and the overall look you want from the tire should all be part of that comparison.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1974 Nissan PL710?
A period-style 1974 Nissan PL710 can be approached from two directions: 6.45-13 if the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation, or 165R13 if the car is being kept in its radial fitment path. Both sizes belong to the vehicle, so the choice depends on which type of period character you want the car to reflect.
Construction has a visible effect on stance and overall presentation, so it should be chosen intentionally. Buyers chasing exact historical authenticity should compare the car against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation before deciding. For many owners, the practical middle ground is selecting the correct size family first, then choosing the tire that best suits the finished appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1974 Nissan PL710?
Tire construction changes more than ride behavior on a restored 1974 Nissan PL710; it also changes the visual character of the car. A 6.45-13 bias-ply keeps the car in a more traditional vintage format, while a 165R13 radial gives the PL710 a later, more modernized tire presentation on the same 13-inch rim diameter.
That visual difference matters on a restoration because tires strongly influence how the car sits and how authentic it feels at a glance. Blackwall radial choices are available in 165R13, which suits some builds well, but exact originality should be confirmed separately when that level of detail matters. Tire construction should support the car's restoration goal, not work against it.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1974 Nissan PL710?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1974 Nissan PL710 even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, replacement springs, or body repairs can influence clearance around the fenders, steering components, and suspension parts.
That is especially important on a car that may have changed hands several times. Before mounting new tires, verify the wheel diameter and width actually on the vehicle and inspect for rubbing marks or unusual wear. A PL710 that has been modified may still accept a correct-size tire, but the whole wheel-and-suspension package needs to be considered.
What should I inspect before driving a 1974 Nissan PL710 on new tires?
Before driving a 1974 Nissan PL710 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering. It also helps to check alignment condition, look for old rubbing marks, and confirm that the new tires have proper clearance at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement.
A collector-era compact car can hide problems that only show up once it returns to the road. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the tires should be watched closely for early signs of uneven wear, vibration, or air loss during initial use. A careful inspection is especially worthwhile if the PL710 has been stored or driven infrequently.
How should tires on a collector 1974 Nissan PL710 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1974 Nissan PL710 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition. Even if tread depth still looks usable, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, or slow air loss can become important on a low-mileage car that spends long periods parked.
Storage conditions matter as much as miles on an older Nissan. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional movement can reduce flat spotting during long storage periods. Before any longer drive, inspect each tire closely and make sure the wheels and suspension still support safe, even operation.
