The 1976 Dodge Dart sat in the middle of the late-classic American compact era, when practical transportation, sporty appearance packages, and V8-equipped street cars could still share the same nameplate. That matters when choosing tires, because this exact Dart uses several 14-inch fitments rather than one across the board. Primary sizes include bias-ply options such as 695-14, D78-14, E78-14, and E70-14, along with the radial ER78-14 on certain Sport 360 applications. Available choices also vary by sidewall style and tire series, from whitewall-oriented restorations to redline and raised white letter muscle-era looks. The key is matching the exact sub-model and wheel setup before deciding between period-style bias-ply fitment and a radial alternative.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1976 Dodge Dart
The 1976 Dodge Dart uses five primary tire sizes, all on 14-inch rims, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and brake or engine combination. Some applications use traditional bias-ply sizing, while certain Sport 360 versions also use an alphanumeric radial. The first step is confirming the specific Dart configuration, since size choice is tied more to sub-model fitment than to wheel diameter.
Fit(s): Sport & Swinger w/318 Eng. & disc brakes, Sport & Swinger w/318 Eng. & drum brakes, w/225 Eng. & disc brakes, and w/225 Eng. & drum brakes
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
D78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the letter identifies the tire's size class, the 78 indicates its profile family, and the 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1976 Dodge Dart, this size serves as one of the bias-ply fitments for certain six-cylinder and 318-powered combinations. It is a useful size to verify carefully because it appears alongside other 14-inch Dart fitments rather than across every version. For a restoration-oriented Dart, this size keeps the selection centered on the correct period-style bias-ply format for the covered applications.
Fit(s): Sport & Swinger w/318 Eng. & disc brakes and Sport & Swinger w/318 Eng. & drum brakes
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
E78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, with the letter showing the tire's size class, the 78 marking the profile family, and the 14 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1976 Dodge Dart, it applies to certain Sport and Swinger models with 318 power. Product choices in this size range from a wide whitewall Coker Classic to blackwall STA Traxion and Transport Highway offerings, so the visual presentation can vary significantly within the same fitment. It is a size worth checking closely when the goal is balancing period appearance, intended use, and the exact Dart configuration.
Fit(s): Sport w/360 Eng. & disc brakes and Sport w/360 Eng. & drum brakes
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
E70-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size where the letter identifies the size class, the 70 reflects a lower-profile family than a 78-series tire, and the 14 denotes the rim diameter. On the 1976 Dodge Dart, this size is used on certain Sport 360 applications as a bias-ply fitment. It also carries the broadest appearance variety, including Pin-White-Stripe, Redline, and RWL treatments from Firestone and Goodyear in series such as Wide Oval and Custom Wide Tread. That makes it especially relevant for buyers trying to match a muscle-era look without moving away from the primary bias-ply format.
Fit(s): Sport w/360 Eng. & disc brakes and Sport w/360 Eng. & drum brakes
Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
ER78-14 is an alphanumeric radial size, with the R built into the designation to indicate radial construction while the 14 still refers to the wheel diameter. For the 1976 Dodge Dart, it appears on certain Sport 360 applications as a primary radial fitment rather than a converted equivalent. That makes it important for buyers who want to stay within a period radial sizing convention on the covered 360-equipped cars. Any Dart using this size should still have its actual wheel and vehicle setup confirmed, especially if the car has been changed from its original tire or wheel arrangement over time.
695-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.95 refers to the nominal section width in inches, with the decimal omitted, and 14 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1976 Dodge Dart, this size is used on certain 225-powered applications. It offers the widest visible product variety, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, RWL, and Blue Streak-style choices from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear across several classic bias-ply series. For a buyer working with a six-cylinder Dart, this size often shifts the decision from fitment alone to the exact restoration look and driving presentation desired.
Sub-model fitment on the 1976 Dodge Dart is not one-size-fits-all, even though every covered application uses a 14-inch rim. Checking the exact engine and brake combination matters first, because tire selection changes between 225, 318, and 360-equipped versions and may also involve a choice between bias-ply and radial construction.
This 318-powered Sport and Swinger application uses bias-ply 14-inch fitments and can fall under either D78-14 or E78-14. Tire choice here starts with confirming the car's exact wheel setup, then deciding whether the goal is a more traditional blackwall or whitewall presentation within the correct period-style format.
This 318-powered Sport and Swinger drum-brake application also uses bias-ply 14-inch sizing, with D78-14 and E78-14 tied to the fitment range. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before choosing among the available bias-ply styles and series intended to suit either a restrained or more restoration-oriented look.
This Sport 360 disc-brake combination is the one Dart application here that spans both E70-14 bias-ply and ER78-14 radial fitment. The decision is not just size-related, but also whether the car should keep a muscle-era bias-ply appearance or stay with the primary radial format used on this configuration.
This Sport 360 drum-brake version shares the same two-path fitment approach, using E70-14 bias-ply or ER78-14 radial sizing. Tire selection should focus on which construction matches the car's intended look and road use, while still confirming the actual wheel width and overall setup.
This 225-powered Dart application uses 14-inch bias-ply fitments and may take either 695-14 or D78-14 depending on the specific setup. That gives the buyer a practical choice between a numeric bias-ply presentation and an alphanumeric bias-ply fitment once the wheel and existing configuration are verified.
This 225-powered drum-brake Dart also uses bias-ply 14-inch sizing, with 695-14 and D78-14 both part of the fitment picture. Selection usually comes down to confirming which size the car is built around and then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that best match the intended period look.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1976 Dodge Dart
Radial equivalents are available for three primary 1976 Dodge Dart sizes: E78-14, E70-14, and 695-14. E78-14 and E70-14 both cross to 185R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P195/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P205/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The 695-14 size cross-references to 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14 in those same categories. Each of these equivalents is intended as a comparison point to the original size, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches, so wheel compatibility and vehicle clearance should still be checked before changing formats.
Modern Radial Equivalents
185R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (E78-14)
P195/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (E78-14)
P205/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (E78-14)
185R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (E70-14)
P195/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (E70-14)
P205/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (E70-14)
175R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (695-14)
P185/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (695-14)
P195/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (695-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 Dodge Dart Tires for Sale
Available 1976 Dodge Dart tire choices vary widely by size, brand, series, and sidewall treatment. Depending on fitment, options include BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Firestone, STA, and Coker Classic tires in blackwall, whitewall, redline, pin-white-stripe, and raised white letter styles.
Common 1976 Dodge Dart tire questions usually come down to exact size by sub-model, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, period-style sidewall options, and what to inspect before putting a classic Dart back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1976 Dodge Dart?
A 1976 Dodge Dart can use D78-14, E78-14, E70-14, ER78-14, or 695-14, depending on the exact sub-model. All of these fitments use a 14-inch rim, but the size itself changes with the Dart's engine and configuration, including 225, 318, and 360-equipped applications.
That means the first step is identifying the exact Dart version rather than assuming one 14-inch tire fits every car. A six-cylinder car may use a different size than a Sport 360, and some 360 applications introduce a primary radial fitment. Checking the current wheel, the car's sub-model, and the existing tire markings will narrow the choice quickly.
What size rim does a 1976 Dodge Dart use?
The covered tire fitments for the 1976 Dodge Dart use a 14-inch rim diameter. That remains consistent across D78-14, E78-14, E70-14, ER78-14, and 695-14, even though the tire sizes and constructions vary by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so a 14-inch wheel should not be treated as the whole answer. Wheel width can still matter, especially when comparing different bias-ply products or looking at radial equivalents. A Dart with replacement wheels should have the actual wheel dimensions confirmed before selecting a tire simply because the diameter matches.
Why does the 1976 Dodge Dart have more than one tire size?
The 1976 Dodge Dart has more than one tire size because tire fitment changes across its covered sub-models. The 225-powered cars use 695-14 or D78-14, 318 Sport and Swinger versions use D78-14 or E78-14, and Sport 360 applications use E70-14 bias-ply or ER78-14 radial sizing.
Those differences make the exact engine and configuration more important than the model name alone. Two cars both called Dodge Dart may not share the same size, even though both run 14-inch wheels. Confirming the sub-model first helps avoid choosing a tire that looks plausible by diameter but does not match the intended Dart application.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is E70-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1976 Dodge Dart?
E70-14 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1976 Dodge Dart. It is used as a primary fitment on certain Sport 360 applications, while ER78-14 is the primary radial fitment that appears on those same 360-related Dart configurations.
That distinction matters because E70-14 and ER78-14 are not simply the same tire written two different ways. A buyer deciding between them should first confirm the exact wheel setup and whether the goal is to stay with a period-style bias-ply presentation or retain the Dart's primary radial-format fitment for that configuration.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to E78-14 on a 1976 Dodge Dart?
Radial equivalents for E78-14 include 185R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P195/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P205/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These alternatives keep the same 14-inch rim diameter while offering different modern radial sizing conventions.
Each of those sizes should be viewed as an equivalent option rather than an automatic substitution. The recommended rim-width range attached to that conversion is 4 to 6 inches, so wheel width still needs to be checked. Clearance, overall vehicle setup, and the Dart's intended appearance also matter before changing from its original bias-ply format.
What should I check before converting my 1976 Dodge Dart from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the Dart's exact primary size and whether a radial equivalent is actually available for that fitment. E78-14, E70-14, and 695-14 each have radial equivalents in 14-inch sizing, while the car's actual wheel dimensions still need to match the intended tire.
A conversion should also account for wheel width, steering and fender clearance, and any suspension or wheel changes made over the years. Radial sizing may follow a different naming convention from the original bias-ply tire, so the best approach is comparing the equivalent size carefully against the current wheel and the Dart's real-world running clearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 695-14 tire for a 1976 Dodge Dart?
Choosing a 695-14 tire starts with confirming that 695-14 is the correct primary size for the specific 1976 Dodge Dart application. Once that is established, the decision usually turns to sidewall style, brand, tire series, and rim-width compatibility, since this size is offered in several classic bias-ply presentations.
A buyer may be deciding between blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, or raised white letter styling rather than between completely different fitments. Product details also vary by series and wheel-width specification, with some 695-14 products centered on 5.00 to 6.00-inch rims and others using a single 5 or 5.5-inch wheel width. Matching the tire to the wheel and the car's visual goal matters most.
What sidewall styles are available for 1976 Dodge Dart tires?
Sidewall choices for 1976 Dodge Dart tires include blackwall, wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, pin-white-stripe, RWL, and raised-white-letter-blue-streak styling, depending on the size. The available look changes significantly between sizes such as E70-14, E78-14, and 695-14.
That makes sidewall selection one of the biggest appearance decisions after confirming fitment. A six-cylinder Dart on 695-14 opens up different visual options than a Sport 360 on E70-14, and a whitewall-oriented tire creates a very different character than a redline or raised white letter design. The right choice depends on the car's intended period style and overall restoration direction.
What brands offer tires for the 1976 Dodge Dart?
Brands available across 1976 Dodge Dart fitments include BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Firestone, STA, and Coker Classic. Brand choice depends on the tire size, since one Dart fitment may have a very different product mix from another even though all of them use 14-inch rims.
The useful comparison is not brand name alone, but how each brand appears within the correct size and series for the car. Some sizes emphasize restoration-style whitewalls, while others offer redline, pin-white-stripe, or raised white letter options more closely tied to a sporty 1970s presentation. Confirm the size first, then compare the available brand and sidewall combinations within that fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1976 Dodge Dart?
A period-style 1976 Dodge Dart tire should begin with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model, since the Dart used several different 14-inch fitments. After that, the visual direction usually comes from the available bias-ply series and sidewall treatment tied to that size, such as whitewall, redline, or raised white letter styling.
The best period-style choice depends on whether the car is a six-cylinder Dart, a 318 Sport or Swinger, or a 360 Sport. Different sizes open up different appearance options, so fitment comes before cosmetics. When exact originality matters beyond general era style, marque-specific documentation and restoration references are the right next step.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1976 Dodge Dart?
Tire construction can noticeably change the appearance of a restored 1976 Dodge Dart because bias-ply and radial tires present the car differently even when they share the same 14-inch wheel diameter. On this Dart, several primary fitments are bias-ply, while certain Sport 360 applications also use the ER78-14 radial format.
A restoration focused on a stronger 1970s visual feel may stay close to the original-style construction used for that application, especially when sidewall styling is part of the look. A radial alternative can still be considered on sizes with valid equivalents, but the buyer should expect the overall presentation to differ from a period bias-ply setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1976 Dodge Dart?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1976 Dodge Dart even when the tire size is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowered suspension, spring changes, or body modifications can all influence how a 14-inch tire sits and clears the car.
That is especially important on a Dart with multiple original tire sizes, because the right factory-type fitment does not override later changes. Any car that has been modified should have its actual wheel dimensions and running clearance checked before new tires are selected. Steering clearance and fender room deserve special attention on lock and over suspension movement.
What should I inspect before driving a 1976 Dodge Dart on new tires?
Before driving a 1976 Dodge Dart on new tires, inspect the wheels for proper size and condition, verify that the tires are seated correctly, and confirm that inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. It is also smart to check for interference at the fenders, steering components, and suspension through the normal range of movement.
A newly mounted set should also be watched closely during the first few drives for any rubbing, vibration, or unusual air loss. On a collector-era Dart, wheel hardware, brake condition, and suspension wear are worth checking at the same time, since worn front-end parts can mask themselves as tire issues. A careful road test is the right final step.
How should 1976 Dodge Dart tires be maintained on a collector car?
Collector-car tires on a 1976 Dodge Dart should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Tires on low-use classics often age out before they wear out, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.
Storage also plays a major role in tire life. Keeping the Dart away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve both appearance and service condition. Pressure should be checked before use rather than assumed, and any tire showing visible deterioration or repeated air loss deserves closer evaluation before the car returns to road duty.