The 1977 Subaru DL came from an era when small imported cars were gaining a foothold with buyers who wanted practicality, efficiency, and compact dimensions without giving up everyday usability. In Subaru form, that often meant a simple, durable package with light weight and a road-friendly footprint, including the early 4WD variant that helped define the brand’s reputation. Tire fitment on the 1977 Subaru DL centers on two 13-inch sizes: a 155R13 radial and a 6.15-13 bias-ply, depending on configuration. That creates a real choice between traditional bias-ply presentation and radial construction, while current radial product options also keep the focus on blackwall, period-appropriate appearance, and proper wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1977 Subaru DL
The 1977 Subaru DL uses two primary tire sizes, both on 13-inch rims: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply construction. The correct choice depends first on the exact sub-model, since the 4WD model uses the radial size while the sedan and wagon applications may use either size. Once that is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with the original-style construction already on the car or select the tire that best matches its intended appearance and road use.
Fit(s): (4WD), 2 Dr. Sedan, 4 Dr. Sedan, and Wagon
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1977 Subaru DL, this size represents the more modern construction choice among the primary fitments and is the radial size used on the 4WD version as well as certain sedan and wagon applications. Available 155R13 choices include Michelin and Dunlop offerings in blackwall form, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. It is the size to evaluate when retaining a compact, period-style radial look on the correct 13-inch wheel setup matters most.
6.15-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.15 refers to nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1977 Subaru DL, it serves as the vintage bias-ply fitment used on certain 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, and wagon applications, making it especially relevant for owners trying to preserve an earlier tire presentation. Bias-ply construction brings a distinctly traditional fitment character compared with the radial alternative. This size deserves a closer look when the goal is to keep the car aligned with an older-style appearance and construction choice rather than converting everything to radial.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1977 Subaru DL because tire choice is not completely uniform across the range. The 4WD model stays with one radial size, while the sedan and wagon versions may use either the radial or bias-ply 13-inch fitment, so confirming the exact configuration comes first.
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1977 Subaru DL (4WD)
The 1977 Subaru DL (4WD) uses the 155R13 radial size rather than the bias-ply alternative found on other DL variants. That makes the tire decision more about choosing the right radial product and confirming wheel compatibility than sorting between two different primary construction types.
The 1977 Subaru DL 2 Dr. Sedan may use either the 155R13 radial or the 6.15-13 bias-ply size on a 13-inch rim. Tire selection here depends on the car’s present wheel setup and whether the goal is to retain a traditional bias-ply presentation or move forward with a radial fitment.
The 1977 Subaru DL 4 Dr. Sedan is one of the DL sub-models that can appear with either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply fitment. Owners should verify which setup the car is using now before comparing tires, especially if originality, handling feel, or construction choice is part of the decision.
The 1977 Subaru DL Wagon may be equipped with either the 155R13 radial size or the 6.15-13 bias-ply size, both built around a 13-inch rim. That makes wheel and current tire verification especially important before choosing between a restoration-oriented bias-ply look and a period-style radial alternative.
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 Subaru DL Tires for Sale
Available 155R13 tire choices for the 1977 Subaru DL include blackwall radial options from Michelin and Dunlop. The product grid is most useful for comparing series, rim-width compatibility, load-related specifications where shown, and overall fit with a period-style small-car presentation.
These 1977 Subaru DL tire FAQs focus on the two primary 13-inch sizes, sub-model fitment differences, radial versus bias-ply selection, and the wheel, maintenance, and inspection checks that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1977 Subaru DL?
The 1977 Subaru DL uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 13-inch rims, but they do not apply uniformly across every DL configuration. The 4WD model uses 155R13, while the 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, and wagon may use either 155R13 or 6.15-13.
That means the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and then checking the wheels actually on the car. Many older vehicles have been changed over the years, so the tire sidewall, wheel diameter, and wheel width should all be verified before choosing between the radial and bias-ply fitments.
What size rim does a 1977 Subaru DL use?
The 1977 Subaru DL uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 155R13 and the bias-ply 6.15-13 are each intended for a 13-inch wheel diameter, which keeps rim diameter consistent even though the sizing systems and tire construction types differ.
Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it is still wise to inspect the wheel before ordering tires. Actual wheel width and any aftermarket wheel change can affect whether a specific tire is appropriate, especially on a car that may have been modified or updated during its life.
Do all 1977 Subaru DL sub-models use the same tire size?
No. Tire fitment varies within the 1977 Subaru DL range. The 1977 Subaru DL (4WD) uses 155R13 radial tires, while the 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, and wagon may use either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply tires, depending on the specific application and current setup.
That variation makes the sub-model name more than a trim detail when shopping for tires. Before selecting anything, match the exact DL version to the wheel and tire combination currently on the car so the choice reflects the vehicle’s construction, intended use, and appearance goals.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.15-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1977 Subaru DL?
For the 1977 Subaru DL, 6.15-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the vintage numeric bias-ply fitment used on certain sedan and wagon applications, while 155R13 is the radial fitment used elsewhere in the DL range, including the 4WD model.
That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire changes both the visual character and the construction type of the car’s tire package. Anyone moving from 6.15-13 to a radial setup should confirm wheel suitability, physical clearance, and the vehicle’s overall condition rather than assuming any 13-inch radial is automatically interchangeable.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1977 Subaru DL?
The right choice depends on the exact 1977 Subaru DL sub-model, the wheels on the car, and the goal for the vehicle. A 6.15-13 bias-ply setup suits owners who want a more traditional presentation on sedan or wagon applications, while 155R13 keeps the car in the radial fitment used across the range, including the 4WD version.
Construction choice also affects how the car is being approached as a project. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer bias-ply appearance, while a driver-focused owner may want to stay with the radial format already associated with the car’s configuration. Either way, wheel measurements and clearance deserve a careful check first.
What should I check before converting my 1977 Subaru DL from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the Subaru is one of the DL sub-models where both constructions are relevant, then verify the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the car. A conversion from 6.15-13 bias-ply to a radial setup should also include a check of tire-to-fender and tire-to-suspension clearance at full steering lock and normal ride height.
Age and condition matter just as much as size when an older vehicle returns to road use. Inspect the wheels, steering components, suspension, and alignment condition before making the change so the tire decision supports the whole vehicle rather than only matching the diameter stamped on the rim.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 tire for a 1977 Subaru DL?
A 155R13 tire for a 1977 Subaru DL should first match the correct sub-model and wheel setup, since this radial size is standard on the 4WD version and also appears on certain sedan and wagon applications. From there, the main comparison points are brand, tire series, blackwall presentation, and the wheel-width range accepted by the tire.
Michelin and Dunlop both offer 155R13 choices for this application, but the right selection depends on how the car will be used and how closely the owner wants to preserve a period-style small-car appearance. Checking the wheel width before comparing products helps narrow the field in a practical way.
What sidewall styles are available for 1977 Subaru DL tires?
Current 155R13 product choices for the 1977 Subaru DL are available in blackwall form. That gives the car a clean, understated look that suits the compact import character of the period without pushing the appearance toward a more decorative sidewall treatment.
For many owners, sidewall choice is less about decoration and more about maintaining the right overall look for the car. A blackwall tire keeps the presentation simple and appropriate for a late-1970s Subaru, especially when the goal is a restrained, road-ready appearance rather than a custom look.
What brands offer tires for the 1977 Subaru DL?
Michelin and Dunlop both offer applicable 155R13 radial tires for the 1977 Subaru DL. The available series include Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet, giving buyers more than one route within the same compact radial size and blackwall presentation.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare the tire series, wheel-width compatibility, and the type of driving the car will actually see, especially on a lightweight older vehicle where staying true to the correct size and construction matters more than chasing a name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1977 Subaru DL?
A period-style 1977 Subaru DL tire choice starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model. That may mean 155R13 in radial form or 6.15-13 in bias-ply form, depending on whether the car is a 4WD model, sedan, or wagon and how it is equipped today.
From there, the appearance decision becomes more focused. A bias-ply tire supports a more traditional late-1970s presentation on the applicable cars, while a blackwall 155R13 radial keeps a restrained period feel. When originality matters closely, compare the car against marque-specific historical references before settling on a final look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1977 Subaru DL?
Tire construction changes the restored look of a 1977 Subaru DL even when the rim diameter stays the same. A 6.15-13 bias-ply gives the car a distinctly older-style visual character, while a 155R13 radial presents a more modernized late-1970s look that still fits the compact proportions of the car.
That visual difference matters on a small vehicle because the tire takes up a noticeable part of the overall stance. Owners restoring a DL for shows, preservation, or faithful period flavor should think about construction as part of the appearance package, not just as a technical sizing decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1977 Subaru DL?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1977 Subaru DL even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension alterations, or body modifications can all change how a 155R13 or 6.15-13 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains during steering and suspension movement.
That is especially important on an older compact car, where small dimensional changes can be more noticeable than they are on larger vehicles. A careful check of wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full lock helps prevent choosing a tire that suits the catalog size but not the car’s actual setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1977 Subaru DL on new tires?
Before driving a 1977 Subaru DL on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion and make sure the wheel diameter matches the intended tire size. Tire pressure, valve stems, lug hardware, and visible clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering components should also be checked before the car returns to regular road use.
On a collector-era Subaru, it also makes sense to look beyond the tires themselves. Steering play, worn suspension parts, alignment condition, and brake function can all affect how the car feels on new tires, so a broader pre-drive inspection helps the tire change deliver the result the owner expects.
How should 155R13 or 6.15-13 tires on a collector 1977 Subaru DL be maintained?
Collector-car tire maintenance for a 1977 Subaru DL starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and watching for signs of cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or slow air loss. Whether the car is running 155R13 radial tires or 6.15-13 bias-ply tires, low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for routine inspection.
Storage conditions matter just as much as road miles on an older Subaru. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tires, while occasional inspections before longer drives can catch age-related problems before they become a road-use concern.
