1975 Volkswagen Dasher Tires

The 1975 Volkswagen Dasher uses three primary tire sizes: 155R13, 560-13, and 175/70R13. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model and setup, with the Base using 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, the GT using 175/70R13 radial, and the Wagon using either 155R13 or 175/70R13 radial.

That means the first step is identifying the exact Dasher configuration before ordering tires. Even though all three sizes use a 13-inch rim, they are not the same fitment, and the construction type also changes across the range. On a car that has had wheel changes over the years, checking the size already on the vehicle and confirming wheel width is a smart extra step.

The tire fitments used on the 1975 Volkswagen Dasher are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to 155R13, 560-13, and 175/70R13, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire size and construction can change by sub-model.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, especially on a vintage car that may not still wear its original wheels. Width also matters, and the available tires are built for different rim-width ranges depending on size and construction. A 13-inch wheel that is too narrow or too wide for the chosen tire can create fitment and appearance issues even when the diameter is correct.

More than one tire size appears on the 1975 Volkswagen Dasher because fitment varies by sub-model and by tire construction. The Base can use either a 155R13 radial or a 560-13 bias-ply, the GT uses 175/70R13 radial, and the Wagon can use either 155R13 or 175/70R13 radial.

For the buyer, that makes confirmation more important than assuming every Dasher uses the same tire. The car’s body style, trim, and any wheel changes made over the years can all affect what is actually mounted today. Matching the replacement tire to the exact sub-model and current wheel setup helps avoid choosing a size that belongs to a different Dasher configuration.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1975 Volkswagen Dasher. It uses a numeric bias-ply sizing format and appears as one of the Base model fitments, separate from the radial sizes 155R13 and 175/70R13 used elsewhere in the Dasher range.

That distinction matters because replacing a bias-ply tire is not just a matter of matching rim diameter. Buyers often weigh appearance, driving feel, and the condition of the existing wheel setup before staying with bias-ply construction or considering a radial alternative. On a Base model, confirming whether the car is already set up for 560-13 helps keep the next decision clear.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are alternative sizing formats tied to the original 560-13 fitment rather than additional primary tire sizes for every Dasher configuration.

The practical difference is that the options move from a classic Euro-metric radial format toward more modern P-metric profiles. A 4- to 5-inch rim-width range is associated with the equivalent fitment, and wheel width should be verified before conversion. Clearance, overall dimensions, and the car’s intended use also deserve a check before changing from the original bias-ply format.

Start by confirming that the Dasher actually uses the 560-13 bias-ply fitment, since not every 1975 Dasher does. Then compare the intended radial equivalent size, the 13-inch wheel diameter, and the wheel width against the radial fitment being considered, such as 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13.

A conversion should also account for the car’s present condition and setup rather than tire size alone. Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension wear, and any previous wheel changes can influence whether an equivalent works well in practice. Owners pursuing a restoration-oriented appearance may also prefer to weigh the visual difference between a traditional bias-ply tire and a radial alternative.

A 155R13 tire for a 1975 Volkswagen Dasher should first match the correct sub-model and wheel setup, since this size is used on certain Base and Wagon applications. In this size, the available options are radial blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop, with different tire series and slightly different rim-width compatibility.

After confirming fitment, the decision usually comes down to the kind of period-style radial presentation you want and how closely the tire matches the car’s intended use. A Dasher driven mainly for shows and local outings may lead to a different choice than one used more regularly. Wheel width should still be checked, especially on a wagon that may have seen replacement wheels over time.

Sidewall style depends on the tire size chosen for the 1975 Volkswagen Dasher. The radial options in 155R13 and 175/70R13 are available as blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply fitment adds whitewall choices, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That makes sidewall selection part of the vehicle’s visual character as much as its fitment. A blackwall radial gives a cleaner small-car look, while a whitewall bias-ply tire creates a more traditional presentation. The key is not to choose by appearance alone; sidewall style still has to follow the correct size, construction, and wheel range for the Dasher you are actually servicing.

Tires for the 1975 Volkswagen Dasher are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Avon. Brand choice depends on the size and construction being used, with Michelin and Dunlop covering 155R13 radial fitments, BFGoodrich and Firestone covering 560-13 bias-ply fitments, and Avon covering 175/70R13 radial fitment.

The practical choice is less about brand ranking and more about selecting the right combination of size, construction, sidewall treatment, and tire series for the car. A buyer comparing whitewall bias-ply products is making a different decision than one selecting a blackwall radial. Once the correct Dasher fitment is confirmed, the product grid becomes much easier to sort through.

A period-style 1975 Volkswagen Dasher tire starts with the correct primary size for the specific sub-model. That could mean a 155R13 radial, a 560-13 bias-ply, or a 175/70R13 radial, depending on whether the car is a Base, GT, or Wagon and how it is presently equipped.

Once the fitment is confirmed, the appearance decision becomes more specific. A 560-13 bias-ply creates the most traditional presentation among these options, especially with whitewall treatments, while the radial sizes keep a more later-1970s small-car look. When exact originality matters, marque references and vehicle-specific historical documentation are worth consulting before choosing a sidewall style or construction.

Tire construction can noticeably change how a restored 1975 Volkswagen Dasher presents, even when the wheel diameter stays at 13 inches. The 560-13 bias-ply fitment brings an older numeric sidewall style and traditional whitewall options, while the 155R13 and 175/70R13 radial fitments give the car a more contemporary 1970s road-going look.

That visual difference matters on a restoration because tires are such a visible part of the car’s stance and overall character. Buyers choosing between bias-ply and radial construction often balance appearance against driving expectations and existing wheel setup. The right answer depends on whether the goal is a more traditional presentation, a later-period radial look, or regular road use with the proper fitment.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1975 Volkswagen Dasher even though the original tire sizes all use a 13-inch rim diameter. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can alter the clearances that matter when replacing 155R13, 560-13, or 175/70R13 tires.

A Dasher that has been changed from its original configuration should be measured rather than treated as a stock example. Tire size alone does not confirm that the present setup still matches factory-style dimensions. Looking at wheel width, steering clearance, and space at the fender edges can prevent buying a tire that is correct for the model range but wrong for the actual car.

Before driving a 1975 Volkswagen Dasher on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car’s sub-model and current setup, and check that the tires are seated and inflated properly. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components, since worn parts can affect how a newly installed tire behaves on the road.

A collector-era car should also be checked for issues that are easy to miss during storage, such as loose lug hardware, rubbing at full steering lock, and uneven clearance from side to side. A short test drive followed by another visual inspection can reveal contact marks or air loss early. That extra caution is worthwhile on a Dasher that may spend long periods parked.

1975 Volkswagen Dasher tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and periodic examination for cracking, cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. That applies whether the car uses 155R13 radial, 560-13 bias-ply, or 175/70R13 radial fitment, because age and storage conditions can be just as important as mileage on an older vehicle.

Low-use collector cars often need more attention than their odometer suggests. Tires should be kept away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources during storage, and the car should be checked before each road outing rather than only at service intervals. Catching slow air loss, sidewall aging, or wheel-related issues early helps protect both the tire and the vehicle.