The 1978 Ford Pinto came at the end of a long run for Ford’s compact car, serving buyers who wanted practical transportation in sedan and wagon form during an era when small American cars were becoming increasingly common. That makes tire selection for this Pinto less about broad guesswork and more about confirming the exact setup on the car. The 1978 Ford Pinto uses 13-inch tires, with A78-13 bias-ply and BR78-13 radial fitments depending on sub-model. That opens the door to traditional period-style construction or a modern radial equivalent for the bias-ply size. For a driver, survivor, or restoration-minded car, the right choice starts with sub-model, wheel confirmation, and the look you want to maintain.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 Ford Pinto
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1978 Ford Pinto, and the difference is tied to both sub-model and construction type. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, but the first step is confirming whether the car uses the A78-13 bias-ply fitment or the BR78-13 radial fitment, since that choice shapes not only size selection but also the tire’s appearance, driving character, and equivalent-size options.
A78-13 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the letter identifies the tire’s general size class, the 78 designates its profile family, and the 13 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1978 Ford Pinto, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment used on certain sedan applications. Its modern radial comparison sizes include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, which helps buyers evaluate whether to stay with a period-style bias-ply presentation or consider a radial alternative. It is a useful size to evaluate carefully when originality of appearance and construction both matter.
Fit(s): 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan 4 Cyl., 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan V6 Eng., and Wagon
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
BR78-13 is an alphanumeric radial size, with the lettered prefix designating the tire’s size class, the 78 indicating the profile family, and the 13 identifying the rim diameter. For the 1978 Ford Pinto, this is the radial fitment used across several sub-models, including the V6 sedan and wagon. Because it is already a radial-format primary size, the main decision is usually confirming the correct sub-model and wheel setup rather than deciding whether to change construction. Buyers looking at this size should focus on maintaining proper 13-inch fitment and matching the tire choice to the car’s intended road use and appearance.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1978 Ford Pinto because not every version uses the same primary tire size. The sedan with the 4-cylinder engine can use either the bias-ply or radial fitment, while the V6 sedan and wagon use the radial size, so identifying the exact body and engine configuration comes first.
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1978 Ford Pinto 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan 4 Cyl.
The 1978 Ford Pinto 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan 4 Cyl. is the broadest fitment within this group, with both A78-13 bias-ply and BR78-13 radial applications. That means tire selection involves more than size alone, since the owner may be choosing between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial setup on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
The 1978 Ford Pinto 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan V6 Eng. uses the BR78-13 radial fitment. For tire selection, that keeps the focus on confirming the 13-inch wheel setup and choosing a tire that suits the car’s intended use rather than sorting through both bias-ply and radial primary sizes.
The 1978 Ford Pinto Wagon uses the BR78-13 radial tire size. That makes fitment comparatively straightforward, with the main considerations being wheel confirmation, overall condition of the suspension and steering system, and whether the tire choice supports a stock-looking wagon or a more driver-oriented setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1978 Ford Pinto
For the original A78-13 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 give the Pinto owner a range of radial sizing formats and profile conventions rather than a single one-for-one substitute. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before making a change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (A78-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (A78-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (A78-13)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs focus on the 1978 Ford Pinto’s two 13-inch tire fitments, how they vary by sub-model, and what to review before choosing between bias-ply, radial, or radial-equivalent options for restoration or road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 Ford Pinto?
The 1978 Ford Pinto uses two primary tire sizes: A78-13 in bias-ply form and BR78-13 in radial form. Both sizes are built for 13-inch wheels, but they do not apply the same way across every Pinto configuration, so the exact sub-model matters before choosing a replacement tire.
The 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan 4 Cyl. can use either A78-13 or BR78-13, while the 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan V6 Eng. and Wagon use BR78-13. A good starting point is confirming the body and engine configuration, then checking the actual wheels on the car in case they were changed over time.
What size rim does a 1978 Ford Pinto use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1978 Ford Pinto both use a 13-inch rim. That applies to A78-13 and BR78-13 alike, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire construction and exact size code can differ by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width should also be confirmed, especially if the car may have replacement steel wheels, aftermarket wheels, or a past conversion from one tire type to another. A 13-inch wheel can still vary in width and affect how comfortably a tire size works on the car.
Why does the 1978 Ford Pinto have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears on the 1978 Ford Pinto because fitment varies by sub-model and construction type. The 4-cylinder 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan can use either the A78-13 bias-ply size or the BR78-13 radial size, while the V6 sedan and wagon use BR78-13 radial fitment.
That makes identification important before ordering or mounting tires. A buyer should confirm whether the car is a 4-cylinder sedan, V6 sedan, or wagon, then inspect the wheel setup already on the vehicle. On an older Pinto, prior owner changes can matter just as much as the original fitment path.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is A78-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1978 Ford Pinto?
A78-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1978 Ford Pinto. It is the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply fitment used on certain 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan 4 Cyl. applications, while BR78-13 is the radial fitment used on other Pinto configurations.
That distinction matters because construction affects both appearance and the type of replacement path available. An owner keeping a period-style presentation may want to stay with bias-ply, while a driver considering a radial alternative should compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance before changing away from the original bias-ply format.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to A78-13?
Radial equivalents for A78-13 include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. Those cover an 80-series metric radial option, a P-metric 75-series radial option, and a P-metric 70-series radial option, giving several modern sizing conventions for comparison against the original bias-ply fitment.
A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalents, which makes wheel confirmation especially important before conversion. Equivalent sizing is useful for evaluation, but the tire should still be checked against the Pinto’s actual wheel width, suspension condition, and available clearance rather than treated as an automatic swap.
What should I check before converting my 1978 Ford Pinto from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the Pinto currently uses the A78-13 bias-ply fitment and that the wheel size matches the intended radial equivalent. For A78-13, the radial comparison sizes are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.
After that, inspect the actual wheel width, steering clearance, fender clearance, and general front-end condition. A collector car that has seen decades of use or modification may not sit exactly as it once did. Radial conversion can be considered, but the tire choice should still suit the car’s present setup rather than just its original catalog fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1978 Ford Pinto?
The first consideration is the exact fitment path for the car: A78-13 bias-ply or BR78-13 radial. The 4-cylinder 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan can involve either size, while the V6 sedan and wagon use BR78-13, so a correct choice starts with sub-model and wheel confirmation.
After size and construction are settled, think about how the Pinto will be used. A period-style restoration may favor staying close to the original construction type, while a regularly driven car may push the owner toward a radial solution where appropriate. Wheel width and overall condition still deserve a final check before mounting tires.
How do I choose between the available A78-13 and BR78-13 tires for a 1978 Ford Pinto?
Choosing between A78-13 and BR78-13 starts with whether the tire is a primary fitment for the specific Pinto sub-model. A78-13 is the bias-ply option tied to certain 4-cylinder sedan applications, while BR78-13 is the radial primary size used on the V6 sedan, wagon, and some 4-cylinder sedans.
Once the fitment path is confirmed, the decision becomes one of construction character and intended presentation. A bias-ply selection keeps the vintage sizing style, while a radial fitment stays closer to later driving expectations. The actual wheels on the car should still be verified, especially on a Pinto that may have changed hands many times.
What rim-width specifications should I compare when choosing 1978 Ford Pinto tires?
Rim width becomes especially important when evaluating radial alternatives for the 1978 Ford Pinto’s A78-13 size. The radial-equivalent choices for A78-13 use a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches, which provides a practical benchmark when checking whether the current wheels suit the intended tire.
Even with the correct 13-inch diameter, a wheel that falls outside the right width range can change how a tire sits and behaves on the car. That is why a tape measure and a wheel inspection are worthwhile before moving from one construction type to another or before assuming an older Pinto still carries its original wheel setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 Ford Pinto?
A period-style 1978 Ford Pinto usually starts with the tire size and construction that match the car’s actual sub-model fitment. For a 4-cylinder 2 & 3 Dr. Sedan, that may mean evaluating the A78-13 bias-ply size, while BR78-13 is the radial fitment used on other Pinto configurations.
The best choice depends on whether the goal is a survivor-style presentation, a restoration-minded look, or regular road use with vintage character. Exact originality questions are best checked against vehicle-specific references and marque guidance, but staying within the proper size family is the right foundation for a convincing period appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1978 Ford Pinto?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1978 Ford Pinto as much as it changes the driving experience. An A78-13 bias-ply tire preserves the older alphanumeric sizing style and a more traditional presentation, while BR78-13 keeps the car within a radial-format fitment used on several Pinto sub-models.
That means construction choice should match the kind of restoration being pursued. A buyer focused on a more vintage look may prefer the bias-ply route where it applies, while a road-going restoration may lean radial. Appearance still has to be balanced with wheel compatibility and the way the car is actually going to be used.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 Ford Pinto?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Ford Pinto even when the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, replacement springs, or body repairs can all influence how well an A78-13, BR78-13, or radial-equivalent size works on the car.
That is why the current setup matters more than assumptions. A Pinto that left the factory with one arrangement may now sit differently or carry different wheels decades later. Before mounting tires, check wheel width, steering travel, and visible clearance at the fender and suspension points with the car at normal ride height.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 Ford Pinto on new tires?
Before driving a 1978 Ford Pinto on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the tires match the car’s correct 13-inch fitment path. It also helps to look over the steering and suspension components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.
A short road check should follow installation. Pay attention to air retention, rubbing, vibration, and how the car tracks at neighborhood speeds before committing to longer trips. On an older Pinto, fresh tires often reveal unrelated issues such as alignment problems, wheel damage, or tired bushings that were easy to overlook before.
How should 13-inch tires on a collector 1978 Ford Pinto be maintained?
Thirteen-inch tires on a collector 1978 Ford Pinto should be checked regularly for pressure, cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss. Cars that spend long periods parked deserve extra attention because age and storage conditions can affect tire condition even when tread wear remains minimal.
Storage habits matter nearly as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition over time. It is also smart to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive, since collector cars often go from sitting still to highway use with very little warning.
