The 1977 Ford Mustang sits in the Mustang II era, a period when Ford emphasized compact dimensions, everyday drivability, and trim-dependent equipment choices more than the big-tire muscle-car formula of earlier years. That makes tire selection on this exact model more configuration-sensitive than many buyers expect. The 1977 Ford Mustang uses several 13-inch tire sizes, including B78-13 bias-ply and BR78-13, BR70-13, and 195/70R13 radial fitments depending on sub-model. That opens the door to different construction types and, in some cases, a traditional look or a more modern radial presentation. The key first step is matching the tire to the exact Mustang II sub-model before comparing style and road-use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1977 Ford Mustang
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1977 Ford Mustang, and the right one depends on the exact Mustang II sub-model. All use a 13-inch rim, but fitment varies by configuration and includes both bias-ply and radial constructions. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the car is a 4- or 6-cylinder non-air car, a 4- or 6-cylinder car with air, or an 8-cylinder car.
B78-13 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the letter-and-number combination identifies the tire's size class and profile family, while 13 designates the rim diameter. On the 1977 Ford Mustang, it represents the period-style bias-ply fitment used on certain Mustang II 4- and 6-cylinder non-air cars. B78-13 also carries the broadest radial-equivalent pathway here, including 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and a 650R13 bias-look radial. It is the size to evaluate when preserving a traditional late-1970s appearance matters and a bias-ply presentation remains part of the plan.
Fit(s): II All 4 & 6 Cyl. Non-Air and II All 4 & 6 Cyl. w/Air
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
BR78-13 is an alphanumeric radial size, with the R built into the size code to denote radial construction and 13 marking the rim diameter. For the 1977 Ford Mustang, this size serves as one of the radial fitments used across multiple Mustang II configurations, making it a key choice for owners keeping the car in its radial-era sizing language. No product assortment is shown here for BR78-13, so the main buying decision is confirming that this is the correct sub-model fitment before comparing available radial options elsewhere. It is especially relevant when retaining a traditional 13-inch radial profile matters more than switching to a later metric size.
BR70-13 is also an alphanumeric radial size, but the 70-series profile callout signals a lower-profile radial format than BR78-13. On the 1977 Ford Mustang, it appears on certain Mustang II models equipped differently than the non-air 4- and 6-cylinder cars, so its role is tied closely to exact sub-model identification. Product variety is not detailed here for BR70-13, which makes wheel confirmation and configuration accuracy more important than brand comparison at this stage. It is the right size to investigate when the car already uses a lower-profile 13-inch radial setup and maintaining that stance is the goal.
195/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 195 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter. For the 1977 Ford Mustang, this size is used on certain Mustang II V8 applications and reflects a more modern metric sizing convention than the older alphanumeric codes. Available product choice in this size includes the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial with a narrow whitewall sidewall treatment. It is the size to focus on when matching an 8-cylinder car that uses a metric radial fitment and when sidewall presentation is part of the selection process.
Sub-model fitment on the 1977 Ford Mustang is not one-size-fits-all. Tire choice depends on identifying the exact Mustang II configuration, because non-air 4- and 6-cylinder cars, air-conditioned 4- and 6-cylinder cars, and V8 cars do not all share the same size range.
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1977 Ford Mustang II All 4 & 6 Cyl. Non-Air
This Mustang II configuration uses either B78-13 bias-ply or BR78-13 radial sizing on a 13-inch rim. The practical decision is whether to keep the car in a traditional bias-ply presentation or stay with a radial format that matches this sub-model's accepted fitment range.
Air-conditioned 4- and 6-cylinder Mustang II models use radial fitments rather than the B78-13 bias-ply size. That makes it important to confirm whether the car takes BR70-13 or BR78-13 before comparing profile, appearance, and any available radial alternatives.
The 1977 Ford Mustang II V8 uses radial sizing, with fitments including 195/70R13 and BR70-13. For tire selection, that means verifying whether the car remains on its existing wheel and tire setup before choosing between a metric radial presentation and an alphanumeric radial format.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1977 Ford Mustang
B78-13 has four radial-equivalent options for the 1977 Ford Mustang. Those alternatives are 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P185/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together they span traditional metric sizing, later P-metric profiles, and a radial intended to preserve a more vintage visual character. The recommended rim-width range is 4 to 6 inches, and any change should still be checked against the wheel, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (B78-13)
P175/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (B78-13)
P185/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (B78-13)
650R13
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (B78-13)
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 Ford Mustang Tires for Sale
Available 1977 Ford Mustang tire choice is concentrated in 195/70R13, where the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial pairs radial construction with a narrow whitewall look. That gives buyers a useful comparison point when appearance, 13-inch rim compatibility, and metric radial sizing all matter.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 7/16 Inch Whitewall | 195/70R13
Owners of a 1977 Ford Mustang usually need to sort out exact sub-model fitment first, then decide between bias-ply and radial sizing, sidewall appearance, and road-use priorities. These FAQs focus on 13-inch tire size selection, radial alternatives, restoration-minded choices, and key pre-drive checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1977 Ford Mustang?
A 1977 Ford Mustang can use B78-13, BR78-13, BR70-13, or 195/70R13, depending on the exact Mustang II sub-model. All of those fitments use a 13-inch rim, but they do not apply across every configuration. The non-air 4- and 6-cylinder cars use B78-13 or BR78-13, air-conditioned 4- and 6-cylinder cars use BR70-13 or BR78-13, and V8 cars use 195/70R13 or BR70-13.
The important next step is matching the tire to the car's exact equipment group rather than choosing by year and model name alone. A Mustang II with changed wheels, replacement suspension parts, or a previous owner conversion may not still wear the size it originally used, so checking the current wheel diameter and the existing tire before ordering is the safest way to narrow the choice.
What size rim does a 1977 Ford Mustang use?
The tire fitments covered for the 1977 Ford Mustang all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the B78-13 bias-ply size and to the BR78-13, BR70-13, and 195/70R13 radial sizes. Even though the tire sizing systems differ, the wheel diameter remains the same across these fitments.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the full fitment question, because width and the exact sub-model still matter. If the car has aftermarket wheels or a long-ago wheel swap, verify the actual wheel size stamped on the rim and compare it with the intended tire's width requirements before choosing between an alphanumeric bias-ply, an alphanumeric radial, or a metric radial.
Do all 1977 Ford Mustang sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1977 Ford Mustang uses different tire sizes across its Mustang II sub-models. Non-air 4- and 6-cylinder cars use B78-13 or BR78-13, 4- and 6-cylinder cars with air use BR70-13 or BR78-13, and V8 cars use 195/70R13 or BR70-13. The overlap between some sizes can make the fitment look simpler than it really is.
That variation is why sub-model identification comes before brand or sidewall choice. A buyer working from the wrong configuration can easily end up comparing the wrong profile or construction type. It helps to confirm the engine grouping, whether the car has air conditioning in the covered fitment set, and whether the current wheels still reflect the original 13-inch setup.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is B78-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1977 Ford Mustang?
B78-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1977 Ford Mustang. It appears on certain Mustang II 4- and 6-cylinder non-air configurations, while the other primary sizes for this vehicle family are radial. That makes B78-13 the traditional construction choice within this fitment group rather than a radial variation of the same code.
Construction affects more than just the label on the sidewall. Owners trying to preserve a period-style appearance often focus on B78-13, while drivers considering a radial alternative need to compare the wheel setup and the intended use of the car before changing construction. Any conversion deserves a close check of wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance at both steering lock and suspension travel.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to B78-13?
Radial equivalents for B78-13 include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13. In that group, 175R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P175/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series option, P185/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series option, and 650R13 is the bias-look radial alternative. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches.
Each of those sizes approaches the original fitment from a slightly different sizing convention, so the decision is about more than simply choosing any radial. Buyers should compare the vehicle's actual wheel width, confirm the 13-inch rim, and make sure steering and fender clearance remain appropriate. A bias-look radial can help preserve a vintage presentation, while the metric and P-metric options follow later radial sizing language.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1977 Ford Mustang?
That depends on the exact sub-model and on the car's intended use. The 1977 Ford Mustang includes both bias-ply and radial primary fitments within its Mustang II range, with B78-13 representing the bias-ply option and BR78-13, BR70-13, and 195/70R13 representing radial fitments. Some buyers want the visual character of a bias-ply tire, while others want to stay within one of the radial fitment paths already associated with the car.
The best approach is to start with the correct size for the sub-model, then decide whether appearance or road-use preference carries more weight. A car used mainly for shows may call for a different choice than one driven regularly. Before changing construction, inspect the current wheels closely and confirm that the tire's rim-width needs and the car's available clearance are still appropriate.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1977 Ford Mustang?
Start with the exact sub-model, because the 1977 Ford Mustang does not use one universal tire size. The covered fitments include B78-13 bias-ply plus BR78-13, BR70-13, and 195/70R13 radials, all on 13-inch rims. Once the correct size is established, the real selection factors become construction type, sidewall appearance where available, and whether the car is being kept close to a period-style presentation or driven with a more modern radial preference.
Wheel details deserve just as much attention as the size code. Check the actual rim diameter and width on the car, especially if it has been modified over the years. Then compare the available tire's construction, rim-width specification, and load figure if relevant to the vehicle's use. That process keeps the choice centered on fitment first, then appearance and driving expectations.
What sidewall styles are available for 1977 Ford Mustang tires?
The product selection shown for the 1977 Ford Mustang includes a narrow whitewall in 195/70R13. That option appears on the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial, giving buyers a sidewall treatment that suits a more traditional late-1970s passenger-car presentation. No broader sidewall assortment is shown here across the other listed Mustang tire sizes.
Sidewall style changes the visual character of the car even when the size stays the same. A narrow whitewall can make sense for an owner aiming for a restoration-oriented look, while others may want to keep the focus on construction and size alone. It still helps to begin with the right sub-model fitment, since an appealing sidewall treatment is only useful after the correct 13-inch size has been confirmed.
What brands offer tires for the 1977 Ford Mustang?
BFGoodrich is represented in the available 1977 Ford Mustang product selection, specifically in 195/70R13 through the Silvertown Radial line. That makes BFGoodrich the visible brand option within the current assortment tied to this vehicle's listed tire sizes. The available example combines radial construction with a narrow whitewall presentation on a 13-inch fitment.
Brand is only one part of the decision, especially on a multi-fitment Mustang II application. Before focusing on brand preference, confirm whether the car actually uses 195/70R13 or one of the alphanumeric sizes such as BR70-13, BR78-13, or B78-13. After size is settled, compare sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and overall use of the car so the chosen tire suits both the setup and the look.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1977 Ford Mustang?
A period-style 1977 Ford Mustang tire choice starts with the correct sub-model fitment, then moves to construction and appearance. B78-13 is the bias-ply option for certain non-air 4- and 6-cylinder Mustang II cars, while BR78-13 and BR70-13 preserve a vintage alphanumeric radial look on the appropriate configurations. On V8 applications using 195/70R13, a narrow whitewall radial can also support a late-1970s visual character.
Appearance goals should stay grounded in the way the individual car is being restored. A buyer chasing strict originality should compare the intended tire against marque references, build documentation, or other vehicle-specific historical sources rather than assuming every tire sold in the right size matches how the car left the factory. For many owners, the practical target is a size and construction that looks right for the era.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1977 Ford Mustang?
Tire construction changes the overall stance and visual tone of a restored 1977 Ford Mustang even before the car moves. A bias-ply size such as B78-13 gives certain Mustang II applications a more traditional late-1970s presentation, while radial sizes like BR78-13, BR70-13, and 195/70R13 carry the look of the era's growing move toward radial fitments. Sidewall treatment can further shape the finished impression.
That matters most when the restoration goal is visual consistency rather than simply replacing worn tires. A bias-look radial equivalent can sometimes bridge that gap for owners who want a vintage appearance with radial construction, but it should still be checked against wheel and clearance needs. The strongest restoration result usually comes from choosing a tire that matches both the sub-model fitment and the intended character of the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1977 Ford Mustang?
Yes. Modifications can change how a tire fits a 1977 Ford Mustang even when the size itself matches one of the recognized 13-inch fitments. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, and body or fender work can all affect clearance for B78-13, BR78-13, BR70-13, or 195/70R13 tires. That is especially important on a compact Mustang II chassis where space can be less forgiving.
The safest approach is to inspect the car as it sits now rather than assuming it still matches its original configuration. Measure the actual wheel diameter and width, look at tire-to-fender and tire-to-suspension clearance, and check steering lock on the front tires. Those simple checks matter whether the car is being kept stock in appearance or updated with a different wheel and tire combination.
What should I inspect before driving a 1977 Ford Mustang on new tires?
Before putting a 1977 Ford Mustang into regular road use on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and basic suspension condition along with the tire installation itself. Confirm that the tires match the correct 13-inch fitment for the car's sub-model and that there is no rubbing at full steering lock. It also helps to look for uneven old-tire wear that could point to alignment or suspension issues.
A collector-era car often spends long periods parked, so the rest of the system deserves attention too. Check for aging brake components, loose steering parts, and any signs of wheel damage before assuming the job is finished. After the first few drives, recheck air pressure and watch for scuffing or contact marks. Those early inspections help catch fitment or chassis issues before they become expensive problems.
How should tires on a collector 1977 Ford Mustang be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1977 Ford Mustang should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and sensible storage habits. Whether the car uses B78-13, BR78-13, BR70-13, or 195/70R13, look for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use collector cars can age tires out long before they wear them out.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keep the Mustang away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and move the car periodically so one section of the tire does not carry the load for months at a time. A quick inspection before each drive, especially after long storage, helps catch condition problems that are easy to miss on an otherwise well-kept car.