The 1977 American Motors Hornet came at the end of AMC’s compact Hornet run, a period when practical American cars still carried plenty of personality in sedan, hatchback, and wagon form. For owners restoring or maintaining one today, tire choice has a big effect on both stance and character. This Hornet uses 14-inch bias-ply fitments, with 695-14 and D78-14 both associated with the model range. Within 695-14, there is meaningful choice in brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, and raised white letter styles. The right decision starts with the exact sub-model, then balances period-style appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1977 American Motors Hornet
The 1977 American Motors Hornet uses two primary tire sizes, both built in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. Because the covered Hornet sub-models share both sizes, the key decision is less about body style and more about which size, appearance, and period-style presentation best match the car’s wheel setup and intended use.
Fit(s): Hatchback 6 & 8 Cyl., Sedan 6 & 8 Cyl., and Sportabout Wagon
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
In a numeric bias-ply size such as 695-14, the leading number represents nominal section width with the decimal omitted, so 695 corresponds to roughly 6.95 inches, and the final number is the 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1977 American Motors Hornet, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits owners keeping a vintage driving feel and period-style look. Available choices include BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear offerings across Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion lines, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, RWL, and blue-stripe variations. It is also the Hornet size with clearly defined radial-equivalent options for owners considering an alternative sizing format.
Fit(s): Hatchback 6 & 8 Cyl., Sedan 6 & 8 Cyl., and Sportabout Wagon
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
A vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size like D78-14 uses the letter to indicate a size class, the series number to identify the profile family, and the 14 to indicate rim diameter. For a 1977 American Motors Hornet, D78-14 represents another 14-inch bias-ply fitment that should be evaluated in the context of the car’s actual wheel and overall tire presentation. This format will look more familiar to many late-1970s owners and restorers than modern metric sizing. Choosing it starts with confirming that the car is set up for this size rather than assuming every Hornet on 14-inch wheels uses the same tire proportions.
Tire fitment is relatively straightforward across the covered 1977 Hornet sub-models, since the hatchback, sedan, and Sportabout wagon all use the same two primary bias-ply sizes. That makes sub-model confirmation useful mainly as a check before choosing between the available size and appearance options.
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1977 American Motors Hornet Hatchback 6 & 8 Cyl.
The 1977 American Motors Hornet Hatchback 6 & 8 Cyl. uses the same pair of 14-inch bias-ply tire sizes found across the covered Hornet range. Tire selection here is mainly about confirming the wheel setup and deciding whether the car’s look calls for a blackwall, whitewall, redline, or raised white letter presentation.
The 1977 American Motors Hornet Sedan 6 & 8 Cyl. shares the same 14-inch bias-ply fitment pattern as the other covered sub-models. That gives sedan owners room to focus on size confirmation first, then choose the sidewall style and tire series that best suit a stock-looking or more distinct period-style appearance.
The 1977 American Motors Hornet Sportabout Wagon uses the same primary 14-inch bias-ply tire sizes as the rest of the covered Hornet lineup. For wagon owners, the practical next step is checking the actual wheels on the vehicle and then choosing a tire that matches both the intended stance and the vehicle’s road-use plans.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1977 American Motors Hornet
For the original 695-14 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. Those are 175R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P185/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P195/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Together, they give the 1977 American Motors Hornet a range of modern sizing conventions and profile families to compare against the original bias-ply fitment. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies here, and any conversion should be checked against wheel size, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
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 1977 American Motors Hornet Tires for Sale
Available 695-14 choices span BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear, with several tire series and sidewall treatments to compare. Buyers can sort through blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, raised white letter, and blue-stripe styles while keeping the Hornet’s 14-inch bias-ply fitment in view.
These FAQs focus on 1977 American Motors Hornet tire size questions, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial alternatives, sidewall and brand choices, and the checks that matter before driving or changing the vehicle’s tire setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1977 American Motors Hornet?
The 1977 American Motors Hornet uses two primary tire sizes: 695-14 and D78-14. Both are bias-ply sizes designed for 14-inch rims, and both appear across the covered Hornet hatchback, sedan, and Sportabout wagon sub-models.
That means the first step is confirming which of those two sizes is already on the car or suits the wheel setup being retained. Even though both are 14-inch fitments, buyers should still verify the actual wheels on the vehicle before selecting tires, especially if the Hornet has been changed over the years.
What size rim does a 1977 American Motors Hornet use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1977 American Motors Hornet use a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 695-14 and D78-14 are 14-inch bias-ply sizes, so the wheel diameter is consistent across the covered fitments.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though, because wheel width also matters when choosing a replacement tire or considering a radial equivalent. A Hornet that still has its original-style wheels may be straightforward, but any aftermarket wheel change makes it important to measure the wheel before ordering tires.
What does 695-14 mean on a 1977 American Motors Hornet?
A 695-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 695 indicates an approximate 6.95-inch nominal section width, and the 14 identifies the rim diameter in inches, which matches the Hornet’s 14-inch wheel fitment.
Understanding that format helps when comparing 695-14 to the Hornet’s other primary size, D78-14, or when looking at radial equivalents such as 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14. The size code alone does not guarantee interchangeability, so wheel width and vehicle clearance should still be checked before changing formats or construction.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 695-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1977 American Motors Hornet?
On the 1977 American Motors Hornet, 695-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It belongs to the older numeric sizing system and is offered here in traditional bias-ply construction rather than as a primary radial fitment.
That matters because a buyer deciding on 695-14 is usually choosing between period-style bias-ply options or evaluating a radial equivalent separately. Keeping the bias-ply size preserves the original sizing format, while moving to a radial alternative calls for closer attention to wheel width, overall dimensions, and the car’s actual setup.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 695-14?
Radial equivalents for 695-14 include 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving Hornet owners several modern sizing formats to compare with the original bias-ply tire.
Each of those alternatives should be treated as an option to evaluate, not as an automatic replacement. The recommended rim-width range tied to these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and it is still important to confirm wheel compatibility, tire dimensions, and clearance before converting a 1977 American Motors Hornet from bias-ply to radial tires.
What should I check before converting my 1977 American Motors Hornet from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start with the Hornet’s actual wheel diameter and width, then compare the radial equivalent being considered against the original bias-ply size on the car. For a 695-14 fitment, the available radial equivalents are 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches.
After that, look closely at fender and steering clearance, suspension condition, and whether the car still sits at original ride height. A Hornet with replacement wheels, altered springs, or other changes can react differently than a stock example, so the conversion decision should be made from the actual vehicle rather than the model name alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 695-14 tire for a 1977 American Motors Hornet?
Start with the intended look and driving character of the car. In 695-14, the 1977 American Motors Hornet has bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear, along with different tire series and sidewall treatments that can make the same size look much more conservative or much more period performance-oriented.
Wheel compatibility also deserves attention, since 695-14 products appear with rim-width figures from 5 inches and 5.5 inches up to 5.00 to 6.00 inches. Comparing load figures, weight, and sidewall style can help narrow the field, but the best choice depends on whether the Hornet is being restored, casually driven, or styled for a specific era look.
What sidewall styles are available for 1977 American Motors Hornet tires?
In 695-14, the 1977 American Motors Hornet has several sidewall styles available, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, RWL, and a raised-white-letter blue-stripe treatment. Those choices can change the car’s visual character dramatically even when the tire size and basic construction stay the same.
A more understated sedan or wagon often looks different on blackwalls or narrow whitewalls than on redlines or raised white letters, while a hatchback may suit a sportier presentation. The key is to choose a sidewall style that matches the Hornet’s overall theme without losing sight of the correct tire size and wheel compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 1977 American Motors Hornet?
For the 1977 American Motors Hornet’s 695-14 size, available brands include BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear. Those brands appear across several tire series, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion.
Brand choice is only one part of the decision, since the series and sidewall treatment may matter just as much for a Hornet owner trying to achieve a certain look. Rather than choosing on brand name alone, compare the tire’s construction, rim-width specification, sidewall style, and overall presentation for the way the car will actually be used.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1977 American Motors Hornet?
A period-style 1977 American Motors Hornet starts with one of its primary 14-inch bias-ply sizes, 695-14 or D78-14, depending on the wheel setup being used. Staying with a bias-ply tire preserves the vintage sizing language and visual character that suit a late-1970s compact American car.
From there, the best choice depends on the look being pursued. A subdued restoration may lean toward blackwall or narrow whitewall, while a more expressive period presentation could point toward dual redline or raised white letter styling. When exact originality matters, vehicle-specific historical references are still worth checking before finalizing the appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1977 American Motors Hornet?
Tire construction influences more than ride and handling; it also changes how a restored 1977 American Motors Hornet looks at a glance. A bias-ply tire in the correct vintage size keeps the car visually aligned with the era, while a radial alternative introduces a more modern sizing convention and presentation.
That does not make one approach universally right or wrong. A restoration-oriented owner may value the traditional stance and size format of a bias-ply tire, while a driver-focused owner may want to compare radial equivalents for practical use. The important point is to treat construction as both a fitment decision and an appearance decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1977 American Motors Hornet?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1977 American Motors Hornet even when the nominal tire size remains 695-14 or D78-14. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, springs, or suspension components can alter clearance at the fender, steering, and inner wheelhouse.
That is why a Hornet with aftermarket wheels or suspension work should be checked as an individual car rather than treated like an untouched example. Verifying the actual wheel dimensions and inspecting clearance at full steering lock and normal ride height can prevent problems that a size code by itself does not reveal.
What should I inspect before driving a 1977 American Motors Hornet on new tires?
Before driving a 1977 American Motors Hornet on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, then confirm that the tires are mounted properly and inflated to the tire maker’s specification. It also makes sense to check lug hardware, valve stems, and basic suspension condition before the car goes back on the road.
After installation, look for any sign of rubbing during steering and over suspension movement, especially on a car that may have had wheels changed over time. Collector vehicles that sit for long periods also deserve a second look for air loss, alignment issues, and any unusual behavior during the first careful miles of driving.
How should 695-14 tires on a collector 1977 American Motors Hornet be maintained?
695-14 tires on a collector 1977 American Motors Hornet should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, and cuts. On a car that is driven infrequently, condition matters just as much as mileage because aging and storage can affect the tire long before the tread appears worn out.
Good storage habits also help preserve a low-use Hornet. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can reduce avoidable deterioration, and periodic movement of the vehicle helps prevent long static loading in one position. Any doubtful tire condition deserves professional inspection before road use.
