1976 American Motors Pacer Tires

The 1976 American Motors Pacer uses 695-14 and D78-14 tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. The covered six-cylinder model is associated with both sizes, so either the numeric or alphanumeric vintage format may be relevant depending on the wheel-and-tire setup already on the car.

The practical step is to confirm the size currently mounted, especially if the Pacer has been through years of maintenance or restoration changes. Matching the tire to the wheel diameter and existing fitment is more important than choosing by appearance alone, particularly when moving between numeric and alphanumeric vintage sizing systems.

Both primary tire sizes associated with the 1976 American Motors Pacer use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to 695-14 and D78-14, so the tire decision stays within the same basic wheel diameter even though the vehicle is associated with two different vintage size formats.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth checking wheel width before installing replacement tires. That matters even more if the car has aftermarket wheels, replacement steel wheels, or older wheels whose markings are no longer easy to read.

A 695-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 6.95 portion represents the tire’s nominal section width in inches, and the 14 identifies the rim diameter. On a 1976 American Motors Pacer, it is one of the primary vintage fitments and also the one with clearly defined modern radial-equivalent options.

That makes 695-14 useful for owners who want a traditional seventies look but also want some flexibility in product selection. It is available in several sidewall styles and brand lines, so the decision often comes down to whether the priority is restoration-oriented appearance or a carefully evaluated radial alternative.

On the 1976 American Motors Pacer, 695-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It belongs to the older numeric sizing system and is offered in bias-ply construction across several period-style product lines, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, and raised white letter presentations.

That matters because a bias-ply tire preserves the vintage construction and visual character many owners want on a seventies AMC. If a Pacer is being updated for road use with a radial alternative, the choice should still begin with the correct base size and a check of wheel width and clearance.

Radial equivalents for 695-14 include 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric 75-series radial, and a P-metric 70-series radial, giving the 1976 American Motors Pacer three different modern sizing conventions to consider from the same original bias-ply starting point.

Each of those options should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches is associated with the equivalent sizing, and it is smart to confirm wheel dimensions, tire clearance, and the overall setup before changing construction.

Start by confirming which original size the car actually uses, since radial equivalents are clearly defined for 695-14. From there, verify the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the intended equivalent size, whether that is 175R14, P185/75R14, or P195/70R14.

A construction change can affect how the tire sits on the wheel and how much room it has around suspension and bodywork, so the Pacer should be checked carefully rather than treated as a simple one-size swap. Attention to clearance, wheel condition, and the car’s current ride-height setup helps avoid surprises after installation.

The first considerations are keeping the correct 695-14 size, staying with bias-ply construction if a traditional setup is the goal, and confirming that the wheel matches the tire’s rim requirements. After that, the biggest differences are visual and brand-related, since this size appears in several series and sidewall styles.

A blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, or raised white letter tire can change the whole presentation of a 1976 Pacer even when the size stays the same. It also helps to compare load figures, weight, and rim-width specifications so the tire suits both the wheel and the intended use of the car.

For 695-14 on a 1976 American Motors Pacer, available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, RWL, and a raised-white-letter blue streak presentation. Those options all stay within the same vintage size while giving the car a noticeably different look depending on the owner’s goals.

That makes sidewall choice one of the biggest decisions once the correct tire size has been confirmed. A restrained blackwall or narrow whitewall suits a more understated restoration-oriented look, while redline and raised white letter styles lean more toward period performance character and visible sidewall detail.

The 695-14 size for the 1976 American Motors Pacer is available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear. Those brands appear across several vintage-style series, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion, all within the Pacer’s bias-ply 14-inch fitment range.

Brand selection is best approached as part of the overall presentation and specification choice rather than as a ranking exercise. Comparing the available sidewall treatment, series character, rim-width specification, and load figure usually tells a buyer more than the brand name alone when narrowing the final choice.

A period-style choice for a 1976 American Motors Pacer starts with one of its original-era bias-ply sizes, either 695-14 or D78-14, depending on the wheel-and-tire setup on the car. Staying with bias-ply construction keeps the vintage sizing language and traditional tire profile associated with the Pacer’s mid-seventies character.

From there, the decision usually comes down to visual presentation. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, and raised white letter styles each give the car a different look, so owners focused on strict originality should compare their Pacer to period photos, marque references, or surviving examples before selecting a sidewall treatment.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1976 American Motors Pacer; it also changes visual character. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in its original-era construction family, while a radial equivalent for 695-14 moves the car into a more modern sizing convention and presentation.

That difference matters when the goal is a restoration-oriented look rather than simple drivability. Owners who want the Pacer to retain a distinctly seventies appearance often begin with the bias-ply fitment and then choose the sidewall style that best matches the car’s trim, stance, and overall finish.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1976 American Motors Pacer even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how a 695-14 or D78-14 tire sits in the wheel opening.

That is why an older Pacer should be checked as it exists today rather than assumed to match factory-era dimensions exactly. Looking at wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before installation helps prevent rubbing or appearance issues that are unrelated to the tire size alone.

Before driving a 1976 American Motors Pacer on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tires are seated properly, and set inflation to the tire’s intended operating pressure. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components, especially on a collector-era car that may have sat for long periods.

A short test drive followed by a second inspection is a smart habit. Recheck air pressure, look for any signs of rubbing, and make sure the tire clears through full steering movement. Catching small fitment or condition issues early is especially important on older vehicles returning to regular road use.

695-14 tires on a collector 1976 American Motors Pacer should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even on a car that sees limited mileage, the tires should be examined for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss before and after drives.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a low-use classic. Keeping the Pacer away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic movement of the car can reduce long-term flat spotting during seasonal or extended storage.