1975 American Motors Gremlin Tires

The 1975 American Motors Gremlin uses three primary tire sizes: 6.45-14, 695-14, and DR78-14. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model, with the 6 Cyl. associated with 6.45-14 and 695-14 bias-ply sizing, while the 8 Cyl. is associated with 695-14 bias-ply and DR78-14 radial sizing.

That means the first step is identifying whether the car is a 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder Gremlin and confirming what is actually on the car now. Since all of these sizes use a 14-inch rim, the bigger question is usually construction type, wheel width, and whether the car has been modified since new.

The covered tire fitments for the 1975 American Motors Gremlin all use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies across 6.45-14, 695-14, and DR78-14, so the core wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing systems and constructions vary.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm wheel width as well before choosing a tire. That becomes especially important when comparing bias-ply and radial options, or when a Gremlin has aftermarket wheels that may still be 14-inch diameter but differ in width or offset.

More than one tire size appears on the 1975 American Motors Gremlin because fitment varies by sub-model and construction type. The 6-cylinder cars use bias-ply sizing only, while the 8-cylinder fitment includes both 695-14 bias-ply and DR78-14 radial sizing on 14-inch rims.

This kind of overlap is common on mid-1970s vehicles that sat near the transition from traditional bias-ply tires to radial construction. For a buyer, that means tire selection should start with the exact Gremlin configuration and the wheel setup on the car, not just the year and model name.

695-14 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1975 American Motors Gremlin. It appears as one of the primary bias-ply fitments and is offered in traditional bias-ply product lines from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear, with several sidewall treatments available in that size.

That matters because 695-14 should be treated as the original construction format for this fitment, even though radial alternatives exist in equivalent sizing. Anyone considering a change should verify wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming that a radial option will match the car exactly in every respect.

Radial equivalents for 695-14 include 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14. In that group, 175R14 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P185/75R14 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P195/70R14 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent.

Those alternatives give a Gremlin owner more than one radial sizing format to consider, and the recommended rim-width range tied to the equivalency is 4 to 6 inches. A careful comparison should still include wheel width, tire dimensions, and steering or fender clearance before changing from the primary 695-14 bias-ply fitment.

Start by confirming which primary size the car uses now and whether you are working from 695-14, since that size has stated radial equivalents. Then compare the intended radial size against the Gremlin’s 14-inch wheel setup, paying particular attention to wheel width, since the listed equivalent range for 695-14 is 4 to 6 inches.

A conversion also deserves a close look at tire clearance, current suspension condition, and whether the car still has stock-style wheels. Many collector cars have had wheels or ride height changed over time, so the safest approach is to treat the radial as an alternative size that must be checked against the actual vehicle, not just the catalog size.

Choosing a 695-14 tire for a 1975 American Motors Gremlin starts with confirming that 695-14 is the correct primary size for the car’s sub-model and wheel setup. From there, the main comparison points are brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width specification, since available 695-14 products span several traditional bias-ply styles.

The practical decision often comes down to how the car will be presented and used. A blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, or raised white letter sidewall can change the visual character noticeably, while checking wheel width and load specifications helps keep the selection aligned with the car rather than choosing only by appearance.

In 695-14, the 1975 American Motors Gremlin has access to several distinct sidewall styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, raised white letter, and raised white letter with blue streak styling. Those options appear across BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear bias-ply offerings in this size.

That variety matters because sidewall treatment can shift the Gremlin’s look from understated and stock-appearing to more overtly sporty. The right choice depends on the car’s presentation goals, but sidewall style should still be chosen after size, rim compatibility, and construction have been confirmed for the exact sub-model and wheel arrangement.

Available 695-14 tires for the 1975 American Motors Gremlin come from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear. Those brands appear across multiple bias-ply series, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion, giving the size a broad range of appearance-focused choices.

Brand should be considered alongside the rest of the tire’s character rather than by name alone. Comparing series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and load specification usually gives a clearer picture of which tire suits the car, especially when the goal is to match a certain period look or keep the Gremlin’s current setup consistent.

A period-style 1975 American Motors Gremlin should begin with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model, then narrow the choice by construction and sidewall appearance. That may mean 6.45-14 or 695-14 in bias-ply form for a traditional presentation, or DR78-14 where a primary radial fitment matches the car’s configuration.

Once the correct fitment is established, appearance choices such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, or raised white letter can shape the finished look considerably. Anyone chasing exact historical originality should compare the final choice against vehicle-specific photos, surviving examples, or marque references rather than assuming any correct-size tire is automatically the right visual match.

Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1975 American Motors Gremlin even when the rim diameter stays the same. Bias-ply tires preserve the earlier sizing language and traditional presentation associated with mid-1970s compacts, while a radial fitment such as DR78-14 gives the car a different period look tied to the radial era.

That distinction becomes more noticeable when sidewall styling is part of the plan, since whitewalls, redlines, or raised white letters interact differently with the overall stance of the car. A restoration-oriented selection usually works best when construction, size, and sidewall style are considered together rather than treated as separate cosmetic decisions.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1975 American Motors Gremlin even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or brake upgrades can change the space available around the tire and may also change the wheel width or offset compared with a stock-style setup.

That is especially important on a compact car where clearance can be more sensitive to small changes. A Gremlin with non-original wheels should be measured carefully before selecting a bias-ply replacement or a radial equivalent, with attention paid to steering clearance, fender space, and whether the wheel itself matches the intended tire’s requirements.

Before driving a 1975 American Motors Gremlin on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure lug hardware is appropriate, and verify that the tires clear the body and suspension through the steering range. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the car should also be checked for obvious alignment or suspension issues.

A short test drive is a good time to listen for rubbing, vibration, or pull that may not have been obvious during installation. Collector cars often sit for long periods, so it also helps to inspect wheel bearings, shocks, bushings, and brakes before assuming that every road-use issue is tire-related.

695-14 tires on a collector 1975 American Motors Gremlin should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and irregular wear, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources during storage. Low-mileage collector tires can age visibly even when tread wear remains minimal.

Regular checks matter because a Gremlin that is driven occasionally can hide age-related deterioration between outings. It is also wise to watch for slow air loss and confirm that the car is not sitting on old wheels or suspension parts that may create handling or clearance issues once the new tires are back on the road.