The 1977 Plymouth Arrow sits squarely in the late-1970s compact import era, when buyers were balancing economy, tidy dimensions, and a more modern road feel than many earlier domestic small cars delivered. That makes tire choice especially important on this model, because the 1977 Plymouth Arrow appears with both a 165R13 radial fitment and a 600-13 bias-ply fitment on 13-inch rims. The choice is not just about size, but also about construction, appearance, and how closely the car is being kept to a period-style presentation. Blackwall radials and whitewall bias-ply options create very different results, so wheel setup and restoration goals should guide the decision.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1977 Plymouth Arrow
The 1977 Plymouth Arrow uses two primary tire sizes, and both fitments share the same 13-inch rim diameter. The key difference is construction: 165R13 is a radial size, while 600-13 is a bias-ply size. Since the covered sub-models use both sizes, the real decision is confirming the wheel setup on the car and deciding whether a radial or a more traditional bias-ply presentation better suits the vehicle.
The 165R13 size uses a Euro-metric radial format: 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1977 Plymouth Arrow, this size reflects the more modern radial side of the car’s fitment story. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in series such as XAS-FF, XAS, and SP Sport Aquajet. This size makes sense for owners who want a period-appropriate radial look and should be matched to the actual wheel width and overall vehicle setup before selection.
The 600-13 size follows the older numeric bias-ply system, where 600 represents an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and 13 identifies the rim diameter. For the 1977 Plymouth Arrow, this size gives the car a more traditional bias-ply character than the radial alternative. Available BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options include both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments. This fitment is worth considering when period-style appearance matters, but the narrower rim-width range and overall wheel setup still need to be confirmed.
Tire fitment stays consistent across the covered 1977 Plymouth Arrow sub-models, including versions with aluminum wheels. Each one uses the same 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply fitment choices, so the important step is verifying which wheel and tire construction are actually on the car.
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1977 Plymouth Arrow 160 GS & 200 GS
The 1977 Plymouth Arrow 160 GS & 200 GS uses the same two-fitment approach found across this model range, with both a 165R13 radial and a 600-13 bias-ply option. That gives the owner a choice between a blackwall radial presentation and a more traditional whitewall bias-ply look, depending on the wheels and the car’s intended use.
The 1977 Plymouth Arrow 160 GS & 200 GS w/aluminum wheels follows the same tire-size pattern as the rest of the covered lineup, using 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply fitments. Aluminum-wheel cars still benefit from a careful wheel check before choosing between the radial and bias-ply options available in this size range.
The 1977 Plymouth Arrow 160 GT & 200 GT shares the same 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply fitment choices used elsewhere in the range. Selection comes down to the car’s actual wheel setup, along with whether the goal is a more road-oriented radial choice or a more traditional bias-ply appearance.
The 1977 Plymouth Arrow 160 GT & 200 GT w/aluminum wheels uses the same pair of applicable tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before choosing a tire, since construction, sidewall style, and rim-width compatibility all influence the final fitment.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1977 Plymouth Arrow
For the original 600-13 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 165R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P165/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P175/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to progressively different P-metric profile conventions. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to this equivalent-size group, and wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before making the change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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 Plymouth Arrow Tires for Sale
Available 1977 Plymouth Arrow tires include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in 165R13, plus BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options in 600-13 with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling. That gives buyers meaningful choice in construction, sidewall appearance, and tire series.
Common 1977 Plymouth Arrow tire questions usually come down to size, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial construction, and how sidewall style affects the car’s overall look. These answers also cover wheel checks, radial equivalents, and road-use inspection points.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1977 Plymouth Arrow?
A 1977 Plymouth Arrow uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the Arrow range covered here, including GS and GT sub-models and versions equipped with aluminum wheels.
Since both sizes share a 13-inch rim diameter, the next step is confirming the actual wheel width and the type of tire already on the car. That matters because a radial 165R13 and a bias-ply 600-13 create different appearance and driving-character outcomes even though they serve the same basic vehicle application.
What size rim does a 1977 Plymouth Arrow use?
The 1977 Plymouth Arrow uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its applicable tire sizes. That is true whether the car is fitted with the 165R13 radial size or the 600-13 bias-ply size.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm wheel width before choosing a tire. The available radial and bias-ply options do not share the same rim-width requirements, and an older car may already have replacement wheels that differ from the setup originally used on the vehicle.
Do all 1977 Plymouth Arrow sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1977 Plymouth Arrow sub-models all share the same two tire-size choices: 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply. That includes 160 GS & 200 GS, 160 GT & 200 GT, and the corresponding versions equipped with aluminum wheels.
Even with consistent sub-model fitment, the correct choice still depends on the wheel and tire combination currently on the car. A buyer should confirm whether the Arrow is set up for a radial blackwall presentation or a narrower bias-ply wheel arrangement before selecting a replacement tire.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 600-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1977 Plymouth Arrow?
On a 1977 Plymouth Arrow, 600-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is offered here in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form with whitewall styling rather than as a primary radial fitment.
That matters because bias-ply construction affects both appearance and wheel compatibility compared with the 165R13 radial option. Owners trying to keep a more traditional late-1970s presentation may prefer it, but the car’s actual wheel width and overall setup should still be checked before staying with or returning to a bias-ply tire.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 600-13?
Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are equivalent-size alternatives for the original bias-ply fitment, not additional primary factory-style sizes.
A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to this equivalent group, which makes wheel measurement especially important before changing construction. Equivalent sizing is a useful guide, but section width, overall dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and suspension still need to be reviewed on the actual Arrow.
What should I check before converting my 1977 Plymouth Arrow from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the current wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size against the car’s existing setup. For a 600-13 Arrow, radial alternatives include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, so the question is not just construction but also which equivalent size best suits the wheel.
Clearance should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel, especially on a compact car with limited extra room. It also helps to inspect the condition of the wheels, suspension, and alignment components so a new radial tire is not being asked to compensate for wear elsewhere in the chassis.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 165R13 tire for a 1977 Plymouth Arrow?
A 165R13 tire for a 1977 Plymouth Arrow should first be chosen as a radial fitment for a 13-inch wheel. Within that size, available choices include Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, all presented as blackwall radials.
The practical differences to compare are tire series, rim-width compatibility where stated, and how closely the tire suits the look and use of the car. A buyer restoring an Arrow with a clean import-era appearance may focus on period-style radial presentation, while a regularly driven car may place more emphasis on matching the correct wheel setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1977 Plymouth Arrow tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1977 Plymouth Arrow vary by tire size and construction. The 165R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 600-13 bias-ply options are available with either a narrow whitewall or a wide whitewall.
That means sidewall style is tied directly to the kind of look the car will have once the tires are installed. A blackwall radial gives the Arrow a more understated late-1970s import presentation, while the whitewall bias-ply options lean more toward a traditional restoration-oriented appearance and should be chosen with the wheel setup in mind.
What brands offer tires for the 1977 Plymouth Arrow?
Tires for the 1977 Plymouth Arrow are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich offers the 600-13 bias-ply option in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.
Brand selection should be considered alongside size, construction, and sidewall treatment rather than by name alone. For this Arrow, the biggest divide is between blackwall radial choices and whitewall bias-ply choices, so a buyer usually gets farther by deciding on the vehicle’s intended look and wheel configuration first.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1977 Plymouth Arrow?
A period-style 1977 Plymouth Arrow can be approached in two different ways depending on the presentation you want. The 165R13 blackwall radial suits a more contemporary late-1970s compact-car look, while the 600-13 bias-ply leans toward a more traditional appearance, especially with whitewall sidewall treatments.
The better choice depends on how the car is being restored and what wheel setup it currently uses. Owners pursuing exact originality should compare tire construction, sidewall style, and wheel details with marque literature or other model-specific references, since period-style appearance and exact original delivery appearance are not always the same thing.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1977 Plymouth Arrow?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1977 Plymouth Arrow more than many buyers expect. A 165R13 radial in blackwall form gives the car a cleaner, more modernized import-era look, while a 600-13 bias-ply with narrow or wide whitewall styling creates a distinctly more traditional presentation.
That visual difference should be considered alongside wheel width and the way the car will actually be used. Even when appearance is the main goal, the tire still needs to suit the Arrow’s wheel and chassis setup, so construction should be chosen as part of the overall restoration plan rather than as an isolated style detail.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1977 Plymouth Arrow?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1977 Plymouth Arrow even when the nominal tire size remains within the correct 13-inch range. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can all change how a 165R13 or 600-13 tire sits and clears the car.
That is why the actual wheel and chassis configuration should be checked before ordering replacement tires. Steering clearance, fender room, and the relationship between tire construction and wheel width become especially important on a compact car, where small changes in setup can have a noticeable effect on usable fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 1977 Plymouth Arrow on new tires?
Before driving a 1977 Plymouth Arrow on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm proper tire pressure, and make sure the tires are seated correctly and free from visible issues. It also helps to check alignment-related wear points such as suspension bushings and steering components.
A short test drive should be followed by another look at air pressure and any signs of rubbing or uneven contact. On an older Arrow, fresh tires can reveal wheel or chassis problems that were less obvious with worn rubber, so an early recheck is a practical part of getting the car safely back into service.
How should 165R13 and 600-13 tires on a collector 1977 Plymouth Arrow be maintained?
Collector-car tire maintenance for a 1977 Plymouth Arrow starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspection of the tread and sidewalls, and attention to air loss even when the car is not driven often. Both 165R13 radials and 600-13 bias-ply tires should also be watched for cracking, cuts, bulges, or flat-spotting from storage.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a low-use vehicle. Keeping the Arrow away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and occasional inspection of wheel condition and clearance helps ensure the car is still ready for safe road use after long periods parked.
