1975 Ford Mustang Tires

A 1975 Ford Mustang uses one of three radial tire sizes: BR78-13, CR70-13, or 195/70R13. The correct size depends on the exact Mustang II sub-model. Four-cylinder 2-door and 3-door cars use BR78-13 or CR70-13, certain 6-cylinder 2-door and 3-door cars use 195/70R13 or CR70-13, while the Ghia and Mach I use 195/70R13.

That means the first step is identifying the exact version of the car rather than choosing by appearance alone. Since all of these are 13-inch radial fitments, the key checks are the sub-model, the wheel currently on the vehicle, and whether a previous owner changed the size during restoration or routine replacement.

The 1975 Ford Mustang uses a 13-inch rim across its primary tire sizes. BR78-13, CR70-13, and 195/70R13 all share the same 13-inch wheel diameter, which keeps rim diameter straightforward even though the car uses more than one tire size depending on sub-model.

Even with a common rim diameter, wheel confirmation still matters because width and previous modifications can affect tire choice. If the car has aftermarket wheels or replacement wheels from another Mustang II setup, check the stamped wheel size and compare it to the tire you plan to use before moving ahead.

The 1975 Ford Mustang has more than one tire size because the Mustang II range was offered in several sub-model and engine combinations. BR78-13, CR70-13, and 195/70R13 are all radial fitments, but they are tied to different versions of the car rather than being universal across the entire 1975 Mustang lineup.

That variation is why a replacement decision should start with the exact sub-model and current wheel setup. A Ghia or Mach I owner can focus on 195/70R13, while a 4-cylinder or certain 6-cylinder hardtop or hatchback owners may need to sort between two valid size paths before comparing tire style or sidewall appearance.

Start with fitment and wheel compatibility. On a 1975 Ford Mustang, 195/70R13 applies to certain 6-cylinder Mustang II models as well as the Ghia and Mach I, and the available BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial is built for a 13-inch rim with a 5.00 to 6.50 inch rim-width range.

After size confirmation, the decision becomes one of presentation and use. A narrow whitewall gives the car a more traditional look than a plain black sidewall would, while the radial construction keeps the selection aligned with the Mustang’s primary fitment type. Wheel width and overall vehicle setup still deserve a final check before installation.

For the 195/70R13 fitment used on several 1975 Ford Mustang sub-models, an available sidewall style is narrow whitewall. That style appears on the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and gives the tire a more traditional visual character than a modern plain-sidewall look.

Sidewall choice matters most when the car is being restored with a period-style appearance in mind. It should still come after confirming the correct tire size for the exact Mustang II version, since the visual treatment cannot make an incorrect size appropriate. Matching the look to the car’s intended presentation usually produces a better overall result.

An available brand for the 1975 Ford Mustang in 195/70R13 is BFGoodrich. That tire is offered in the Silvertown Radial series and gives owners of the Mustang II Ghia, Mach I, and certain 6-cylinder models a recognizable restoration-oriented radial choice in the proper 13-inch metric size.

Brand selection should be considered alongside size, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than as a separate decision. On a car with multiple possible fitments across the model range, the right brand only matters after the correct tire size has been confirmed for the exact sub-model and current wheel arrangement.

A period-style 1975 Ford Mustang tire choice starts with the correct sub-model fitment. That could mean BR78-13, CR70-13, or 195/70R13, depending on the Mustang II version. Keeping the original size format for the car’s configuration usually preserves the proportions and visual balance that suit a mid-1970s Mustang best.

Once the proper size is confirmed, appearance details can guide the final decision. A 195/70R13 narrow whitewall can support a more traditional presentation, especially on upscale trims such as the Ghia. Owners pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare their car’s details with marque references or period literature before settling on a final look.

On the 1975 Ford Mustang, primary fitment is radial across all listed sizes, so the appearance question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about size format and sidewall treatment. A vintage alphanumeric radial such as BR78-13 or CR70-13 presents differently from a metric radial like 195/70R13.

That visual difference can change how a restoration feels, even when the wheel diameter stays at 13 inches. Alphanumeric sizing tends to preserve a stronger period tire identity, while a metric radial may look more contemporary. Sidewall treatment, including a narrow whitewall where available, also has a noticeable effect on the finished presentation.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1975 Ford Mustang even when the original tire size is known. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, brake conversions, or bodywork repairs can all influence how a BR78-13, CR70-13, or 195/70R13 tire sits within the wheel opening and on the rim.

A car that has been changed from its original setup should be measured before replacement tires are chosen. Check wheel diameter and width first, then look at inner clearance, outer fender clearance, and steering travel. That extra verification is especially helpful on Mustang II cars that may have seen decades of repairs or upgrades.

Before driving a 1975 Ford Mustang on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the tires themselves should be checked for proper seating, sidewall damage, and any sign of rubbing once mounted on the car.

A short, careful test drive is the right next step. Pay attention to steering response, unusual vibration, and whether the tires clear the fenders and suspension through turns and bumps. Older collector cars often reveal small fitment or alignment issues only after installation, so an early recheck can prevent uneven wear or interference.

195/70R13 tires on a collector 1975 Ford Mustang should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, or slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked between drives or appears only at occasional shows and events.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use Mustang II. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and moving the vehicle periodically can reduce long-term stress in one contact area. Any tire that shows age-related deterioration deserves closer evaluation before road use.