1976 Mercury Bobcat Tires

The 1976 Mercury Bobcat uses two primary tire sizes: A78-13 and B78-13. Both are vintage alphanumeric bias-ply sizes designed for 13-inch rims, and the Bobcat Runabout can be found with either one depending on the car's setup.

That means the main job is confirming which size belongs on your specific car before choosing a tire. Check the existing tire size, verify the wheel diameter, and make sure the car has not been changed to a different wheel or suspension setup over the years. Once the size is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with bias-ply construction or compare one of the available radial equivalents.

The 1976 Mercury Bobcat uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, A78-13 and B78-13. In these vintage size designations, the final number identifies the wheel diameter, so both fitments are built around the same 13-inch wheel size.

Shared rim diameter makes the Bobcat simpler to evaluate than a vehicle with multiple wheel sizes, but wheel width still matters when comparing radial alternatives. A78-13 radial equivalents call for a 4-5 inch rim-width range, while B78-13 radial equivalents use a 4-6 inch range. Measuring the actual wheel on the car is worthwhile, especially if the car has replacement steel wheels or later aftermarket wheels.

A78-13 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply tire size. The letter A identifies the tire's size class, the 78 refers to its profile family, and the 13 means it fits a 13-inch rim. It is one of the two primary tire sizes used on the 1976 Mercury Bobcat.

Because this is an older sizing system, it helps to think of A78-13 as a period-style fitment rather than trying to compare it directly to a modern metric size by appearance alone. If a radial alternative is under consideration, 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 are the available equivalent formats, but wheel width and vehicle clearance should be checked before making the change.

A78-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1976 Mercury Bobcat. It uses the vintage alphanumeric sizing system common to the era, and it represents one of the car's original-style primary fitments on a 13-inch rim rather than a modern radial designation.

That matters because staying with A78-13 keeps the traditional construction and appearance associated with the car's period tire format. An owner considering a radial instead can compare the available equivalents, but the switch should be treated as a fitment decision rather than an automatic substitution. Wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance around the suspension and body all deserve a careful look first.

A78-13 has three radial-equivalent sizes: 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. B78-13 has four: 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13, which is the bias-look radial equivalent.

These alternatives give Bobcat owners several ways to compare a traditional bias-ply size with modern radial sizing conventions. The A78-13 equivalents use a recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches, while B78-13 equivalents use 4-6 inches. Even when rim diameter matches, it is smart to verify wheel width, overall fit within the wheel opening, and the condition of the car's steering and suspension before changing tire type.

A bias-look radial equivalent is available for the B78-13 fitment on a 1976 Mercury Bobcat, and that size is 650R13. It is intended for owners who want radial construction while retaining a more traditional visual presentation than a typical modern metric radial.

A bias-look radial should still be treated as an alternative size choice rather than a guaranteed replacement. The wheel should fall within the 4-6 inch recommended rim-width range used for B78-13 equivalents, and the car should be checked for any wheel, brake, or suspension changes that could affect fit. That approach helps preserve the Bobcat's vintage character without overlooking basic compatibility.

Start with the correct primary size for the car, since the 1976 Mercury Bobcat can use either A78-13 or B78-13. Both are bias-ply sizes for 13-inch rims, so the first decision is confirming the exact fitment already on the vehicle rather than assuming one Bobcat uses the same tire as another.

After size is confirmed, think about the car's purpose. A restoration-oriented Bobcat may call for the traditional look and construction of a bias-ply tire, while a car meant for more regular road use may lead you to compare the available radial equivalents. Wheel width, clearance, and whether the car still has its original wheel setup all deserve attention before settling on the final tire choice.

The most important distinction is not brand or styling first, but whether your Bobcat is set up for A78-13 or B78-13. Once that is clear, the choice becomes one of construction approach: keeping the vintage bias-ply format or considering one of the metric, P-metric, or bias-look radial equivalents available for that size family.

That comparison works best when it is tied to how the car will be used. A preserved original or period-style restoration often leans toward the traditional bias-ply presentation, while a driver may prompt a closer look at radial alternatives. Use the wheel's actual width, the car's present ride height, and any prior modifications as practical checkpoints before making the final decision.

Rim-width comparison matters most when you are looking at radial equivalents for the 1976 Mercury Bobcat. The A78-13 equivalents use a recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches, while the B78-13 equivalents use a recommended range of 4-6 inches, even though both fit 13-inch wheel diameters.

That means two Bobcats with the same nominal rim diameter may still need different tire choices if the actual wheel width differs. Measuring the wheel on the car is a smart step, especially on an older compact that may have seen decades of replacement parts. Matching the tire to both the width and diameter of the wheel helps avoid unnecessary fitment compromises.

For a period-style 1976 Mercury Bobcat, the starting point is the correct primary bias-ply size for the car, either A78-13 or B78-13. Those vintage alphanumeric sizes preserve the construction type and overall visual character associated with the Bobcat's mid-1970s compact-car era.

That approach is especially useful when the goal is to keep the car looking and feeling close to its original road-going presentation. Exact originality can vary by build and by how a car was equipped when new, so owners pursuing a highly detailed restoration should compare their tire choice with marque references or original vehicle documentation. For most buyers, the right bias-ply size is the best visual foundation.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1976 Mercury Bobcat; it also affects the car's overall stance and period presentation. Staying with A78-13 or B78-13 bias-ply sizing keeps the Bobcat in the vintage tire format it used in its era, while modern radial equivalents introduce a more contemporary sizing language.

That difference matters on a small 1970s compact, where tire shape is visually prominent against modest wheel openings and narrow wheels. A bias-look radial, available in 650R13 for the B78-13 fitment, can help split the difference by combining radial construction with a more traditional look. The best choice depends on whether the restoration priority is historical appearance, road-use practicality, or a balance of both.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1976 Mercury Bobcat even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Wheel changes, altered ride height, replacement suspension parts, brake conversions, or non-original offsets can all influence how an A78-13 or B78-13 tire sits within the wheel opening.

That is especially important when a Bobcat is being moved from bias-ply sizing to a radial equivalent, since the tire format changes even though the wheel diameter stays at 13 inches. A careful inspection of steering clearance, fender room, and actual wheel dimensions helps prevent surprises. Any modified car benefits from a fitment check before tires are mounted and put into service.

Before driving a 1976 Mercury Bobcat on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the tires are mounted in the intended size. It is also wise to look over steering, suspension, and brake components so the new tires are not being paired with worn or loose supporting parts.

Once the car is on the ground, check for clearance through full steering travel and verify that the tires sit properly in the wheel openings. Older collector cars can hide issues such as sagging springs, damaged bushings, or bent wheels that only become obvious after new tires are installed. A short, careful road test followed by another visual inspection is a smart final step.

Collector-car tire maintenance on a 1976 Mercury Bobcat starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to age-related deterioration. Even low-mileage cars can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, or air loss simply from long storage periods, temperature swings, and infrequent use.

Good maintenance also includes storing the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when possible. Rolling the car periodically and keeping the alignment and suspension in sound condition can help the tires wear more evenly when the Bobcat is driven. Any sign of structural damage, persistent pressure loss, or unusual vibration deserves prompt inspection before further road use.