The 1976 Chevrolet Chevette arrived at a moment when American buyers were paying much closer attention to compact size, economy, and simple everyday usability. Its light weight and small 13-inch wheel package make tire choice more specific than it might seem, especially for owners trying to preserve the car’s tidy period look while keeping it road-ready. This Chevette uses 155/80D13 bias-ply and 155/80R13 radial fitments on 13-inch rims. Available radial choices include several whitewall presentations from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel. The key decision is whether to stay with the earlier-style bias-ply setup or select a radial that suits the car’s appearance, wheel fitment, and intended driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1976 Chevrolet Chevette
The 1976 Chevrolet Chevette uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is construction rather than wheel diameter. Both 155/80D13 and 155/80R13 fit a 13-inch rim, so the first step is deciding whether your car is set up for a bias-ply tire or a radial, then comparing the available sidewall and product choices within that size.
155/80D13 identifies a 155-millimeter-wide tire with an 80-series profile for a 13-inch rim, but the D marks it as a bias-ply construction rather than a radial. On a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette, this size suits owners who want to retain the feel and appearance associated with an earlier-style tire construction. Its dimensions closely match the radial version, so the real consideration is construction type rather than wheel diameter. Choose this size when preserving a more traditional presentation matters and the car’s wheel setup is confirmed for bias-ply use.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette, it provides the same basic size envelope as the bias-ply option while opening up actual product choice in modern radial form. Available examples include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with tire series such as UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic. This size makes sense for owners comparing brand, sidewall appearance, and radial construction within the correct 13-inch fitment.
The covered Chevette sub-model fitment is straightforward because the same two tire sizes apply throughout. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the car’s wheel and tire setup can be matched to the intended bias-ply or radial construction choice.
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1976 Chevrolet Chevette Base
The 1976 Chevrolet Chevette Base uses the same 13-inch fitment pattern, with 155/80D13 bias-ply and 155/80R13 radial tire options. That means tire selection comes down to construction choice and the desired sidewall style or product series rather than a different wheel diameter.
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 1976 Chevrolet Chevette Tires for Sale
Available 155/80R13 choices for the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel radials. Buyers can compare narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations along with differences in tire series and approved rim-width ranges across the 13-inch radial options.
Chevette tire questions usually come down to size, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial construction, whitewall style, and what to inspect before putting a compact collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette?
The 1976 Chevrolet Chevette uses two primary tire sizes: 155/80D13 in bias-ply construction and 155/80R13 in radial construction. Both are 155-width, 80-series tires designed for 13-inch rims, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but the tire’s internal construction and the type of replacement you want to run.
That means the first decision is whether the Chevette should remain on a bias-ply setup or move forward with a radial in the same basic size. Wheel width, current wheel type, and any suspension or wheel changes should be checked before choosing between the two, especially on a car that may no longer wear its original wheel and tire combination.
What size rim does a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette use?
The tire fitments for a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 155/80D13 and 155/80R13 share that same 13-inch rim size, which keeps wheel diameter simple even though the car has both bias-ply and radial tire fitment paths.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it is still important to confirm the actual wheels on the car before ordering tires. A Chevette with replacement wheels may still be 13-inch, but width and other wheel dimensions can influence which radial products are appropriate and whether the tire sits properly on the rim.
Does the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1976 Chevrolet Chevette Base uses the same two tire sizes found on the model overall: 155/80D13 as a bias-ply fitment and 155/80R13 as a radial fitment. Both sizes are intended for 13-inch rims, so the sub-model does not introduce a different wheel diameter or a separate tire-size family.
That simplifies the search, but the practical choice still remains between construction types and the actual tire options available in the radial size. Looking at the current wheels, the car’s intended use, and whether a traditional appearance or a modern radial product matters more will help narrow the decision without assuming every Chevette on the road remains unchanged.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 155/80D13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette?
155/80D13 is the bias-ply fitment for the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette. The D in the size marks a bias-type construction, while 155/80R13 is the radial version of the same general metric size. Both use a 13-inch rim, but they represent different tire constructions and potentially different driving and restoration priorities.
Choosing between them is less about diameter and more about how the car is being kept and driven. An owner preserving a more traditional presentation may stay with bias-ply, while someone seeking an available radial product in the same basic dimensions may look to 155/80R13. Wheel condition, wheel width, and overall clearance should still be verified before changing construction.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette?
Either construction can be appropriate for a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette because both 155/80D13 bias-ply and 155/80R13 radial fitments are used on this model. The choice depends on whether the goal is to maintain an earlier-style tire presentation or to select from the actual radial products available in the same basic size range.
A bias-ply choice tends to align with a more traditional approach, while the radial path gives access to multiple whitewall and brand options. Before switching construction, check the wheel dimensions actually on the car and make sure the tire’s approved rim range, vehicle clearance, and overall setup support the change rather than assuming the two constructions are interchangeable in every case.
What should I check before converting my 1976 Chevrolet Chevette from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the Chevette’s wheels are the correct 13-inch diameter and that their width falls within the approved range for the radial tire being considered. On this car, the bias-ply 155/80D13 and radial 155/80R13 are closely matched in basic size, but construction change still deserves a proper fitment review.
The next checks are practical ones: make sure there is no rubbing at full steering lock, verify suspension and steering components are in sound condition, and inspect for any aftermarket wheel or ride-height changes. A compact car like the Chevette responds noticeably to tire changes, so matching the radial to the actual wheel and chassis setup is more important than relying on size code alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155/80R13 tire for a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette?
Begin with the basics: the tire must be 155/80R13 and designed for a 13-inch rim, then the wheel width should be compared against the approved range for the specific product. From there, the real choices are sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and whether the car is being kept as a simple driver or with a more restoration-oriented look.
Some options in this size use a narrow whitewall, while another uses a wide whitewall, so appearance can change the character of the car quite a bit. It also helps to compare load figures where they are given, product weight when relevant, and the current wheel setup on the car so the selected radial complements the Chevette’s compact proportions rather than simply matching the size code.
What sidewall styles are available for 1976 Chevrolet Chevette tires?
The available radial products for the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles in 155/80R13. Travelstar, Maxxis, and Tornel offer narrow whitewall treatments, while BFGoodrich offers a wide whitewall version in the same size, giving the car distinctly different visual presentations without changing rim diameter.
That sidewall choice matters most for owners trying to match the tire to the car’s overall character. A narrow whitewall keeps the look subtle and compact, while a wide whitewall creates a more pronounced vintage appearance. It is worth deciding on the look first, then confirming the tire’s construction, rim-width approval, and any other product specifications that matter for the way the car will be used.
What brands offer tires for the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette?
The 155/80R13 radial fitment for the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette is available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel. These options span tire series including UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic, so brand choice also brings some variation in sidewall treatment and product specifications.
The best way to use those brand choices is not by ranking them, but by comparing how each tire fits the car’s purpose. A buyer can narrow the field by deciding between narrow or wide whitewall styling, checking approved rim-width ranges, and considering whether the Chevette is being prepared as a regular road car, a lightly used collector car, or a period-style restoration.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1976 Chevrolet Chevette?
A period-style 1976 Chevrolet Chevette usually starts with the correct overall size and 13-inch rim fitment, which here means looking at 155/80D13 bias-ply or 155/80R13 radial. The bias-ply route supports a more traditional construction approach, while the radial route allows a period-inspired look through whitewall options without moving away from the proper size family.
The right choice depends on whether the goal is construction authenticity in spirit, everyday drivability, or a visual balance between the two. Owners pursuing exact originality should compare the tire decision against period photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific historical material, since sidewall style and brand appearance can influence the finished look even within the correct size.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1976 Chevrolet Chevette?
Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1976 Chevrolet Chevette; it also affects the car’s visual character. A 155/80D13 bias-ply choice tends to support a more traditional small-car presentation, while a 155/80R13 radial can maintain the same general size but introduce a different stance and a broader selection of whitewall treatments.
That makes construction part of the restoration conversation rather than just a technical decision. A buyer who wants the car to look closer to its original era may focus on bias-ply or a restrained radial style, while someone building a road-going restoration may prefer the radial product range. Sidewall width, brand styling, and wheel appearance should all be considered together.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette?
Yes. Even though the 1976 Chevrolet Chevette uses 13-inch tire fitments, modifications can change how either 155/80D13 or 155/80R13 works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can all influence whether the tire clears properly and whether the selected product sits correctly on the rim.
A Chevette that looks stock may still have changes made decades ago, so a quick inspection is worthwhile before replacing tires. Check actual wheel diameter and width, look for signs of rubbing near the fenders and steering components, and verify that the car sits level. Those steps matter whether the goal is to keep the existing construction type or move from bias-ply to radial.
What should I inspect before driving a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for their application, and confirm there is no interference at full steering lock. On a 1976 Chevrolet Chevette, it also helps to look closely at suspension and steering components because a small, lightweight car can be sensitive to looseness or wear.
The rest of the check is straightforward but important: verify lug hardware condition, look for fluid leaks that could reach the tires, and confirm the car tracks and brakes normally during a careful test drive. Collector cars that sit for long periods should also be checked for old alignment issues, uneven wear history, or wheel substitutions that may not be obvious at first glance.
How should 155/80 tires on a collector 1976 Chevrolet Chevette be maintained?
155/80 tires on a collector 1976 Chevrolet Chevette should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular wear, and protected from long storage in harsh conditions. Whether the car runs 155/80D13 bias-ply or 155/80R13 radial tires, age and storage habits can matter just as much as mileage on a lightly used vehicle.
A smart routine includes checking pressure before each drive, moving the car periodically so the tires are not left in one position for extended periods, and storing it away from prolonged sunlight, heat, and ozone sources. Any sign of persistent air loss, sidewall deterioration, or unusual wear should be addressed before a longer drive, especially on an older compact with small-diameter tires.
