The 1977 Volkswagen Dasher belongs to the era when Volkswagen was expanding beyond rear-engine economy cars and into more modern front-engine, water-cooled transportation. That makes tire choice on this model especially important, because the Dasher sits at the crossroads of period bias-ply options and the radial fitments that became central to everyday drivability in the late 1970s. This vehicle uses 13-inch tires in 155R13, 560-13, or 175/70R13 depending on configuration. Available choices range from traditional whitewall bias-ply styles to blackwall radial designs from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon. The right selection depends on your exact sub-model, wheel setup, and whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance or modern road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1977 Volkswagen Dasher
The 1977 Volkswagen Dasher uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and construction you are trying to retain. All three fitments use a 13-inch rim, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a Base or Wagon and whether you want a period-style bias-ply presentation or one of the radial tire sizes used on this model.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher, this size represents a traditional small-car radial fitment that suits the model's late-1970s transition toward modern tire behavior. Available choices include blackwall options from Michelin and Dunlop, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. It is a strong choice when your Dasher already uses the radial setup associated with this size and you want to stay close to that character.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 indicating nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. This format reflects an older sizing system and gives the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher a distinctly traditional tire presentation when used on the Base sub-model. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, across Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Firestone Classic Bias Ply series. It is the size to evaluate when maintaining a period-style look matters and you want to preserve the original bias-ply type fitment used on this application.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 175 is the section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, and 13 is the wheel diameter. On the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher, this size appears on the Wagon and represents a lower-profile radial format than the Euro-metric 155R13. The available option is a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ, giving this size a more specialized radial choice within the correct fitment family. It is the size to confirm when the vehicle is a Wagon and wheel width, ride height, and overall tire proportions need to stay aligned with that setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher because the covered versions do not all use the same tire size mix. Confirming whether the car is a Base or Wagon helps narrow the correct primary size and keeps the choice focused on the right construction and overall tire profile.
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1977 Volkswagen Dasher Base
The 1977 Volkswagen Dasher Base uses either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires, making construction choice part of the fitment decision. That gives the owner a clear split between a more traditional period-style bias-ply presentation and a radial setup that keeps the car in its later-1970s small-car tire context.
The 1977 Volkswagen Dasher Wagon uses radial tire sizes, with 155R13 and 175/70R13 both associated with this sub-model. Tire selection here centers on confirming the wheel setup and choosing the radial size that matches the Wagon's existing fitment rather than moving into the bias-ply options used elsewhere in the range.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher
For the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher, the 560-13 bias-ply size has three radial-equivalent options. Those alternatives are 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. No bias-look radial equivalent is associated with this size. The choices move from a more traditional Euro-metric radial format to progressively lower-profile P-metric options, and the recommended rim-width range for the equivalent fitment is 4 to 5 inches, so wheel width and vehicle clearance should be checked before making a change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
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 Volkswagen Dasher Tires for Sale
Available 13-inch choices for the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher include radial tires from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon, plus bias-ply options from BFGoodrich and Firestone. The product grid is where to compare construction, tire series, blackwall versus whitewall presentation, and rim-width compatibility within each correct size.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher, how fitment changes between Base and Wagon models, and what to check when choosing between bias-ply, radial, and radial-equivalent options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1977 Volkswagen Dasher?
A 1977 Volkswagen Dasher can use 155R13, 560-13, or 175/70R13 depending on the exact sub-model and tire construction. The Base is associated with 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fitments, while the Wagon uses 155R13 and 175/70R13 radial sizes. All of these fitments are built around a 13-inch rim.
The key is matching the tire to the car's actual configuration rather than choosing by year and model alone. A Dasher that still has its original-style wheel setup may point toward one size, while a car that has already been converted or restored differently may need another. Checking the sub-model, wheel width, and current tire markings helps narrow the correct choice.
What size rim does a 1977 Volkswagen Dasher use?
The 1977 Volkswagen Dasher uses a 13-inch rim with its supported tire sizes. That applies across 155R13, 560-13, and 175/70R13 fitments, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizing formats and constructions differ. The real variation comes from tire type and wheel-width compatibility, not from a change in rim diameter.
That makes wheel width the next thing to confirm before selecting a tire. Bias-ply and radial products in these sizes do not all share the same rim-width range, so a 13-inch wheel is only part of the fitment picture. Reading the wheel itself, checking the current setup, and comparing the tire's stated wheel range can prevent avoidable clearance or mounting issues.
Do all 1977 Volkswagen Dasher sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher sub-models do not all use the same tire size combination. The Base is associated with 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fitments, while the Wagon uses 155R13 and 175/70R13 radial tires. That means one size, 155R13, is shared, but the other supported sizes vary by sub-model.
This matters because the decision is not just about diameter. A Base owner may be choosing between a traditional bias-ply look and a radial setup, while a Wagon owner is choosing between radial profiles. Confirming the exact sub-model first keeps the search focused and helps avoid selecting a correct-size tire that belongs to a different Dasher configuration.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and is associated with the Base model, not the Wagon. Available products in this size are bias-ply constructions from BFGoodrich and Firestone, with whitewall treatments that emphasize a more traditional small-car appearance.
That makes 560-13 the fitment to examine when preserving a period-style presentation is the priority. It should not be confused with the radial 155R13 or 175/70R13 sizes used elsewhere on the Dasher. Before moving away from 560-13, check wheel width, intended use, and the overall stance you want, since construction changes can alter the character of the car as much as the tire size itself.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. In that group, 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. No bias-look radial equivalent is associated with 560-13 here.
These alternatives give the owner several different radial sizing formats to compare, but they are not automatic substitutions. The recommended rim-width range attached to the equivalent fitment is 4 to 5 inches, and overall wheel setup still matters. Before changing from 560-13 bias-ply to any radial equivalent, confirm wheel width, physical clearance, and how closely the new tire matches the car's intended appearance and use.
What should I check before converting my 1977 Volkswagen Dasher from bias-ply to radial tires?
A 1977 Volkswagen Dasher owner moving from 560-13 bias-ply to a radial alternative should first confirm the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the exact radial size being considered. The available equivalent sizes are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the equivalent fitment calls for a 4 to 5 inch rim-width range.
Tire conversion is also a visual and mechanical decision, not just a sizing exercise. Compare the current ride height and tire clearance at the fenders and steering stops, then consider whether the car is being kept restoration-oriented or prepared for more regular road use. A Dasher with non-original wheels or suspension changes deserves an especially careful check before switching constructions.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1977 Volkswagen Dasher tire?
Start with the exact fitment your 1977 Volkswagen Dasher uses: 155R13, 560-13, or 175/70R13. After that, the main considerations are construction type, sub-model, and wheel-width compatibility. The Base can involve a choice between bias-ply and radial fitments, while the Wagon stays within radial sizes, which changes the direction of the buying decision.
Appearance and intended use matter just as much as the size code. A whitewall bias-ply tire suits a more traditional presentation, while blackwall radials fit a later-1970s driver-oriented look. It also helps to compare tire series, weight, and any stated load figures where available, especially if the car sees regular road time rather than occasional local use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1977 Volkswagen Dasher tires?
The 1977 Volkswagen Dasher has blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options across its supported tire sizes. Blackwall choices appear in the radial 155R13 and 175/70R13 fitments, while the 560-13 bias-ply size offers narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations. That gives the Dasher a meaningful appearance split between understated radial styling and more traditional whitewall bias-ply looks.
Sidewall style should follow the direction of the car rather than being chosen on appearance alone. A restoration-minded Base may lean toward one of the 560-13 whitewall tires, while a Dasher already set up around radial driving manners may look more natural on a blackwall radial. Confirm the size first, then choose the sidewall treatment that matches the vehicle's overall presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher?
Tires for the 1977 Volkswagen Dasher are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Avon across the supported 13-inch sizes. Michelin and Dunlop appear in 155R13 radial fitments, BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the 560-13 bias-ply size, and Avon is offered in 175/70R13. The brand mix reflects both traditional and more modern-looking tire choices.
Brand alone should not decide the tire. It is more useful to compare each option within the correct size by construction, sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel-width suitability. That approach is especially important on the Dasher because the product spread includes both bias-ply whitewall tires and blackwall radials, which serve very different restoration and driving goals.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1977 Volkswagen Dasher?
A period-style 1977 Volkswagen Dasher usually starts with the tire size and construction that match the car's actual sub-model and existing setup. For a Base model, 560-13 bias-ply tires with whitewall styling create the most traditional presentation among the available choices, while 155R13 radial tires keep the car within a late-1970s European small-car tire context.
The better choice depends on what kind of period impression you want the car to give. Bias-ply and radial tires change the stance and visual character in noticeably different ways, even when both are correct-size options for the model. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque literature or restoration references before choosing a sidewall treatment or construction.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1977 Volkswagen Dasher?
Tire construction changes more than the driving feel on a restored 1977 Volkswagen Dasher; it also changes the visual tone of the car. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the Dasher a more traditional profile and works with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling, while the radial 155R13 and 175/70R13 options present a more modern blackwall look.
That difference matters on a compact car where tire profile is easy to notice against the wheel opening. A restoration built around stock-looking simplicity may point one way, while a Dasher intended for regular use may point another. Matching the tire's construction and sidewall style to the car's trim, stance, and restoration goal usually produces a more convincing result than size alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1977 Volkswagen Dasher?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1977 Volkswagen Dasher even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowering, spring wear, or bodywork changes can all influence how a 155R13, 560-13, or 175/70R13 tire sits in the car. That matters on a compact vehicle with modest tire and wheel dimensions.
A Dasher that no longer has its original wheel and suspension setup should be checked carefully before new tires are installed. Turn the steering from lock to lock, inspect inner and outer clearances, and verify that the tire matches the wheel's actual dimensions. Small changes at the wheel can have a noticeable effect on rubbing, stance, and overall fitment behavior.
What should I inspect before driving a 1977 Volkswagen Dasher on new tires?
Before driving a 1977 Volkswagen Dasher on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and tire mounting quality, then verify inflation pressure and basic clearance. The car should also be checked for uneven suspension sag, steering interference, and any signs that the existing wheel width does not suit the chosen tire. Those checks matter whether the car uses bias-ply or radial tires.
It also helps to look at the rest of the vehicle, not just the tires. A Dasher that has sat for long periods may have worn shocks, tired bushings, or brake issues that become more obvious once fresh tires are installed. A short, cautious road test after installation can reveal pull, vibration, or clearance problems before the car is driven farther.
How should 1977 Volkswagen Dasher tires be maintained on a collector car?
Collector-car tires on a 1977 Volkswagen Dasher should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently. This applies to both the radial sizes and the 560-13 bias-ply fitment used on some Base cars.
Storage conditions make a real difference on a lightly used Dasher. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tires, and moving the vehicle occasionally can reduce long-term flat spotting. Before any longer drive, inspect the tread and sidewalls again, since age and inactivity can affect collector tires even when mileage stays low.
