1977 American Motors Pacer Tires

The 1977 American Motors Pacer uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 695-14 and D78-14. Both are 14-inch fitments, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model is associated with those same two sizes rather than a single exclusive fitment.

That means the right replacement starts with confirming what is actually on the car now, including the wheel diameter and the size stamped on the existing tires. A Pacer that still has its original-style wheel setup may use either size, so replacement choice should be matched to the current configuration before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or radial-equivalent options.

The primary tire fitments for the 1977 American Motors Pacer use a 14-inch rim. Both 695-14 and D78-14 are tied to that same rim diameter, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though more than one tire size appears for the vehicle.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to verify the wheel on the car before ordering tires. Wheel width can affect which products make sense, especially if the Pacer has had replacement wheels installed over the years, and that becomes even more important when comparing a traditional bias-ply tire to a modern radial equivalent.

The 1977 American Motors Pacer can appear with both 695-14 and D78-14 as primary bias-ply fitments. They share the same 14-inch rim diameter, but they represent two different vintage sizing systems: numeric bias-ply and alphanumeric bias-ply.

For a buyer, that means the key is not choosing between two random sizes but identifying which size belongs on the specific car in front of you. Checking the existing tire size, wheel setup, and overall presentation you want to keep will narrow the decision quickly, especially since most visible product variety on this application centers around the 695-14 size.

On the 1977 American Motors Pacer, 695-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, and the available tires in that size are built as bias-ply products rather than as modern radial tires.

That matters because staying with bias-ply construction preserves the original-style sizing system and the traditional look offered by blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, and raised white letter designs. A buyer considering a radial alternative should treat that as a separate fitment decision and confirm wheel width, clearance, and overall dimensions rather than assuming every radial equivalent behaves the same way.

Radial equivalents for 695-14 include 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14. Those represent three different radial approaches: an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric 75-series radial, and a P-metric 70-series radial.

Each of those alternatives keeps the same 14-inch rim diameter, but they should still be evaluated as equivalent sizes rather than automatic substitutions. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, so wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering should all be checked before moving away from the original bias-ply setup.

Start by confirming which primary size the car uses now, since the 1977 American Motors Pacer is associated with both 695-14 and D78-14 bias-ply fitments. If the car is using 695-14, radial-equivalent options include 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14.

After size confirmation, check the wheel width, the 14-inch wheel diameter, and the space available through full steering travel and suspension movement. It also helps to inspect the car for non-original wheels, ride-height changes, or worn suspension parts, because a collector car that has been modified or sat for long periods can react differently than one with a stock, freshly serviced setup.

The first consideration is confirming that 695-14 is the size actually fitted to the car, since the 1977 American Motors Pacer can also use D78-14. Once that is settled, the main choices within 695-14 are construction consistency, sidewall style, brand, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and product specifications such as maximum load capacity and weight.

That makes 695-14 less about basic fitment alone and more about matching the tire to the car's intended character. A Pacer kept in a period-style presentation may lean toward traditional blackwall, whitewall, or redline looks, while a road-use car may also prompt a closer look at radial-equivalent options and wheel-width compatibility before making the final selection.

In 695-14, the 1977 American Motors Pacer has a wide range of sidewall presentations available. Choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, raised white letter, and a raised white letter plus blue stripe style, depending on the brand and tire series.

Those visual differences can change the car's personality more than many buyers expect, especially on a vehicle with as much glass and body surface as the Pacer. The best starting point is to decide whether the goal is a restrained everyday look, a restoration-oriented appearance, or a stronger 1970s performance flavor, then compare the available products in the correct size and wheel-width specification.

Available 695-14 tires for the 1977 American Motors Pacer come from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear. Those brands appear across several period-style bias-ply offerings, including series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion.

Brand choice is best used as one part of a larger comparison rather than the only deciding factor. It helps to look at the sidewall treatment you want, the rim-width specification for the product, and whether the tire's overall presentation suits the car's role as a restoration project, weekend cruiser, or more personalized vintage driver.

A period-style 1977 American Motors Pacer starts with one of its primary 14-inch bias-ply sizes, either 695-14 or D78-14, matched to the actual wheel and size already on the car. Within 695-14, there is broad choice in traditional bias-ply products from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear.

The right period-style selection depends on the visual direction of the car as much as the fitment itself. Blackwall can keep the look understated, narrow whitewall can lean more formal, and dual-redline or raised white letter styles can add a stronger late-1970s visual statement, but exact originality should be checked against marque-specific references when authenticity matters closely.

Tire construction changes both the stance and the visual character of a restored 1977 American Motors Pacer. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in its original-era sizing language, while a radial equivalent shifts the presentation toward a more modern replacement approach even when the wheel diameter stays the same.

That difference matters on a car with such distinctive proportions, because the tire is a visible part of the overall design. Buyers restoring a Pacer for shows or period-style presentation often begin with the original bias-ply fitment and then choose the sidewall treatment that best matches the car's trim, paint, and intended character.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1977 American Motors Pacer even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or bodywork can all influence how a 695-14, D78-14, or radial-equivalent tire sits and clears.

A modified car should be checked at the wheel openings and through full steering travel rather than relying only on the original size designation. It also helps to confirm the wheel width and overall condition of suspension components, since extra tire width or a different profile can expose clearance issues that may not show up until the car is driven.

Before driving a 1977 American Motors Pacer on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the car's setup. It is also wise to check lug hardware, valve stems, inflation pressure, and visible clearance around the fenders, steering, and suspension.

A collector-era car deserves a broader once-over before road use, especially if it has been stored for long periods. Look for worn steering parts, tired shocks, sagging springs, brake issues, or alignment problems that could shorten tire life or affect handling, because new tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is ready for the road as well.

695-14 tires on a collector 1977 American Motors Pacer should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss, since low-mileage vintage cars often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than through heavy road use.

Storage makes a real difference on a collector Pacer, so keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors. Occasional movement helps avoid long-term flat spotting, and any tire that shows age-related deterioration should be evaluated promptly before the car returns to regular driving or a longer highway trip.