The 1974 Volkswagen Dasher arrived as Volkswagen’s front-wheel-drive family car at a time when the brand was broadening beyond its rear-engine roots. For owners today, that makes tire choice more than a simple replacement decision, because this Dasher uses several distinct 13-inch fitments tied to both period bias-ply and radial conventions. Depending on the exact version, the tire conversation centers on 155R13, 560-13, or 175/70R13. That opens up meaningful choices in construction, sidewall presentation, and period-style appearance, while also bringing modern radial equivalents into the picture for the 560-13 size. The right choice starts with the exact sub-model, then moves to wheel compatibility, appearance goals, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1974 Volkswagen Dasher
The 1974 Volkswagen Dasher uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and construction you are trying to retain. All three fitments use a 13-inch rim, but the key difference is whether your Dasher is set up for a period bias-ply size such as 560-13 or one of the radial sizes used across the Base and Wagon models. Confirm the sub-model first, then match the tire to the wheel and the type of driving or restoration goal you have in mind.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher, this size suits buyers who want a period-style radial fitment rather than an older numeric bias-ply presentation. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop offerings, both in blackwall form, with tire series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is worth evaluating when retaining a traditional small European radial look matters as much as basic fitment.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 560 designation representing a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches and the 13 identifying the wheel diameter. For a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher using this fitment, the choice leans toward a distinctly vintage construction and appearance rather than a later radial profile. Product options include BFGoodrich and Firestone tires in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, across classic bias-ply series. This size deserves close attention when the goal is a more traditional presentation or when considering whether to stay with bias-ply or review radial equivalents.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter. On the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher, this is a more modern metric format than 155R13, while still remaining within the same 13-inch wheel diameter family. The available product uses a blackwall sidewall and Avon’s CR6ZZ series, giving this fitment a focused radial choice rather than a broad range of appearance treatments. It is the size to review carefully when matching a Wagon setup or confirming an existing radial wheel-and-tire combination.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher because the Base and Wagon do not share the exact same tire choices. Both use 13-inch rims, but the Base includes a bias-ply option alongside a radial size, while the Wagon stays with radial fitments only.
1
1974 Volkswagen Dasher Base
The 1974 Volkswagen Dasher Base uses either the 155R13 radial or the 560-13 bias-ply size, so construction choice is part of the selection process. That makes this sub-model especially important for buyers balancing period-style appearance against the possibility of staying with or moving away from an older bias-ply setup.
The 1974 Volkswagen Dasher Wagon uses radial fitments, with 155R13 and 175/70R13 associated with this sub-model. Tire selection here centers less on bias-ply preservation and more on confirming which radial size matches the wheel setup already on the car.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher
The original 560-13 size has three radial-equivalent options to consider. Those alternatives are 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a lower-profile 70-series P-metric radial. No bias-look radial equivalent is present for this size. Together, these options move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to two P-metric profiles, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches. Each one should still be checked against actual wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance before conversion.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 Volkswagen Dasher Tires for Sale
Available 1974 Volkswagen Dasher tires span radial and bias-ply constructions across Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Avon. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations, along with series such as Michelin XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, and CR6ZZ.
Common 1974 Volkswagen Dasher tire questions usually come down to exact size by sub-model, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, and how sidewall style or construction affects a restoration-minded purchase.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher?
The 1974 Volkswagen Dasher uses three primary tire sizes: 155R13, 560-13, and 175/70R13. The correct choice depends on the sub-model and whether the car is set up for radial or bias-ply construction, since the Base uses 155R13 and 560-13 while the Wagon uses 155R13 and 175/70R13.
That means the first step is identifying whether the car is a Base or Wagon and then confirming the actual wheel-and-tire setup on the vehicle. Many older cars have been changed over the years, so matching the tire to the installed 13-inch wheel, construction type, and intended appearance is more important than assuming every Dasher uses the same size.
What size rim does a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher use?
The tire fitments used on the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher all center on a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies across the three primary tire sizes on this page, including the radial sizes 155R13 and 175/70R13 as well as the 560-13 bias-ply size.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to verify wheel width before choosing a replacement tire. The available products for these sizes span different rim-width ranges, especially between the narrow bias-ply choices and the radial options, so measuring the actual wheel can prevent an otherwise correct 13-inch tire from being a poor match.
Do all 1974 Volkswagen Dasher sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base uses 155R13 and 560-13, while the Wagon uses 155R13 and 175/70R13, so there is some overlap but not one universal fitment across both versions.
Shared use of 155R13 can make the Dasher lineup seem simpler than it is, but the second size on each sub-model changes the decision. A buyer should confirm the exact sub-model and then compare the tire already on the car, especially if the vehicle has been restored, modified, or converted from bias-ply to radial at some point in its life.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher?
On the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing convention, and the available products in this fitment are classic bias-ply offerings rather than radial tires.
That matters because a bias-ply setup affects both appearance and replacement strategy. Owners trying to preserve a traditional look may want to stay with 560-13, while owners considering a radial alternative should review the equivalent sizes carefully and confirm wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance before making any construction change.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those cover three sizing approaches: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving the Dasher owner several modern radial formats to compare against the original bias-ply size.
Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, and a careful comparison should also include the actual wheel width on the car, tire-to-body clearance, and whether the goal is a traditional visual profile or a more modern radial presentation.
What should I check before converting my 1974 Volkswagen Dasher from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming which bias-ply size is on the car and which radial equivalent is being considered. For a Dasher using 560-13, the radial alternatives are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the equivalent rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches.
A conversion should also include a close look at actual wheel width, steering and fender clearance, suspension condition, and the car’s existing ride height. Construction changes can alter the way the tire sits on the wheel and fills the wheel opening, so it is worth checking the complete setup rather than choosing a radial solely by matching rim diameter.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher tire?
The main decision points are the exact sub-model, the correct tire size, and whether the car is staying with radial or bias-ply construction. On a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher, that means sorting between 155R13, 560-13, and 175/70R13, then comparing the available tire styles within the correct fitment.
Once the size is confirmed, the choice becomes more specific: blackwall versus whitewall appearance, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility. A Dasher used for a restoration-minded presentation may lead toward a very different tire than one driven regularly, so appearance goals and road use should guide the final comparison just as much as the size code itself.
What sidewall styles are available for 1974 Volkswagen Dasher tires?
The available sidewall styles for 1974 Volkswagen Dasher tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall choices appear with the radial sizes, while the 560-13 bias-ply products bring in the whitewall options for buyers looking for a more vintage presentation.
That sidewall difference can strongly influence the finished look of the car even when the wheel diameter stays the same. A buyer choosing among Dasher tires should treat sidewall style as part of the overall fitment decision, especially if the goal is to complement an earlier restoration theme or to keep the car visually closer to a small European sedan or wagon of the period.
What brands offer tires for the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher?
Tires for the 1974 Volkswagen Dasher are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Avon. Those brands cover both radial and bias-ply offerings across the Dasher’s primary sizes, with different visual styles and tire series depending on which fitment you are considering.
Brand choice should come after confirming the size and construction that belong on the car. Once that is settled, compare each option by sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and the kind of look you want the finished car to have, rather than assuming every brand offers the same style within every Dasher tire size.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1974 Volkswagen Dasher?
A period-style 1974 Volkswagen Dasher tire choice starts with the fitment already associated with the car. That may mean keeping a 560-13 bias-ply setup for a distinctly vintage presentation or using 155R13 if the goal is a small, traditional-looking radial more in keeping with European passenger-car practice of the era.
The most convincing appearance usually comes from getting the size, construction, and sidewall treatment to work together. Buyers focused on authenticity should also compare the car against marque literature, period photos, or model-specific historical references, since a tire can look era-appropriate without necessarily matching every detail of a particular Dasher’s original delivery configuration.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1974 Volkswagen Dasher?
Tire construction changes the restored look of a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher in noticeable ways, even when the wheel diameter remains 13 inches. A 560-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while radial sizes such as 155R13 or 175/70R13 usually create a more modern visual impression.
That visual shift is why construction matters almost as much as size on a restoration-minded Dasher. Sidewall style also plays a role, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices can move the car toward different period cues, so the final decision should reflect whether the project prioritizes historical character, road use, or a careful blend of both.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher even when the tire size looks correct on paper. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, springs, or suspension components can alter how a 13-inch tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains at full steering lock or suspension travel.
That is especially important when comparing different Dasher tire formats such as 560-13, 155R13, and 175/70R13 or when considering a radial equivalent for a bias-ply size. Any car with aftermarket wheels or altered suspension should be measured at the vehicle before a final choice is made, rather than relying only on the size code.
What should I inspect before driving a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher on new tires?
Before driving a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the intended fitment, and make sure the beads are seated properly and inflation is set correctly. It also helps to check for interference at the fenders, suspension, and steering components before putting miles on the car.
A short test drive followed by a second inspection is a smart next step on an older vehicle. Look again for rub marks, uneven stance, air loss, or vibration, because collector cars often carry old suspension parts or wheel changes that only show up once the car is back on the road under load.
How should 560-13, 155R13, or 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1974 Volkswagen Dasher be maintained?
Collector-car maintenance starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage. On a 1974 Volkswagen Dasher, 560-13, 155R13, and 175/70R13 tires should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and any sign of slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked between drives.
Storage conditions matter because sunlight, moisture, and long exposure to heat or ozone sources can age low-mileage tires even when the tread still looks good. It also helps to inspect the tires before every extended drive and after long storage periods, since infrequently used collector vehicles can develop issues that are easy to miss during casual use.
