The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup sits in the compact-truck era when small Japanese pickups earned their reputation for simple utility, easy maneuverability, and honest day-to-day work. Today, these trucks appeal to owners who want a usable classic with the right stance and period feel. Tire selection on the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup is not one-size-fits-all, because fitment spans 14-inch radial and bias-ply choices as well as a 15-inch bias-ply application depending on the sub-model. That opens the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations, along with modern radial equivalents for certain bias-ply sizes. The right choice starts with the exact body configuration and wheel setup, then balances appearance, construction, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup
The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Three of those sizes fit 14-inch wheels, while G78-15 uses a 15-inch wheel, so confirming both the truck's sub-model and its actual rim diameter is the first step before comparing bias-ply, radial, or equivalent-size options.
185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup, this size suits a sub-model that already used a radial tire, making it a natural choice for owners who want that later-style construction on a 14-inch wheel. Available options include blackwall and narrow whitewall treatments from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein, with series such as Michelin MXV and Sprint Classic. It is a useful size for buyers who want a correct-format radial presentation while still comparing sidewall appearance and wheel-width compatibility.
700-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, where 700 refers to a nominal 7.00-inch section-width class and 14 designates the wheel diameter. This format delivers the traditional bias-ply construction associated with many period truck applications, and it remains an important choice for a 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup owner focused on vintage driving character and appearance. In this size, the available choices center on BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, offered in blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. It is the size to evaluate when preserving a bias-ply setup on a 14-inch wheel matters more than moving to a radial alternative.
G78-15 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, where the letter marks the size class, the 78 identifies its profile family, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup, this size stands apart because it uses a 15-inch wheel rather than the 14-inch fitments found on other sub-models. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions from Coker Classic and STA, spanning Coker Classic Bias Ply and Super Traxion series. This size deserves extra attention from buyers who need to confirm wheel diameter first and then decide between a more road-oriented period style or a heavier-duty truck-style presentation.
195R14 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 195-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 14-inch wheel diameter. For the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup, it is a distinct primary fitment rather than a substitute for every 14-inch application, so it should be matched to the correct sub-model before anything else. The size code points to a conventional tall-profile metric radial look, even though specific product choices are not shown here. It is the right size to consider when the truck calls for a 14-inch radial and the goal is maintaining the proper fitment path for that specific configuration.
Tire fitment varies across the covered 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup sub-models, so the exact body configuration matters before choosing a tire. Some use 14-inch radials, some use 14-inch bias-ply tires, and the 4x4 application steps up to a 15-inch bias-ply size.
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1978 Nissan 720 Pickup KM King Cab
The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup KM King Cab uses a 14-inch radial fitment built around 185R14. That makes the tire decision more about selecting the right radial style, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup M Reg. Bed uses the 700-14 bias-ply size on a 14-inch wheel. Buyers looking at this sub-model should decide whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or compare the available radial-equivalent path carefully against wheel and clearance needs.
The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup MG Long Bed also uses the 700-14 bias-ply size. That keeps the selection focused on period-style bias-ply choices versus radial-equivalent consideration, with wheel diameter and overall setup still worth verifying on any modified truck.
The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup MY 4x4 Reg. Bed uses G78-15, a bias-ply size mounted on a 15-inch wheel. This sub-model needs extra care because its wheel diameter differs from the 14-inch applications, and radial-equivalent options should be checked against the wheel, stance, and clearance requirements.
The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup Sport Reg. Bed uses 195R14, giving it a dedicated 14-inch radial fitment. Tire selection here centers on staying with the correct radial size and confirming the truck has not been changed to a different wheel or suspension setup over time.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup
The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup has radial-equivalent options for two primary bias-ply sizes. For 700-14, the available alternatives are 185R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P195/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P205/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For G78-15, the choices are 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial. These options span traditional tall metric sizing, P-metric profiles, and a bias-look presentation, with recommended rim-width ranges of 4-6 inches for 700-14 and 6-8 inches for G78-15; wheel fit, dimensions, and clearance should still be checked carefully.
Modern Radial Equivalents
185R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (700-14)
P195/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (700-14)
P205/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (700-14)
205R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (G78-15)
P215/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (G78-15)
P225/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (G78-15)
710R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (G78-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (6-8 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 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup Tires for Sale
Available choices for the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup include radial and bias-ply tires from Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA. Depending on the size, buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across touring-oriented and traditional bias-ply series.
Common questions for the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup usually come down to the exact sub-model, 14-inch versus 15-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply versus radial construction, and how to choose the right sidewall and tire style for restoration or regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup?
A 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup can use 185R14, 700-14, G78-15, or 195R14, depending on the specific sub-model. The KM King Cab uses 185R14, the M Reg. Bed and MG Long Bed use 700-14, the MY 4x4 Reg. Bed uses G78-15, and the Sport Reg. Bed uses 195R14.
That means the first step is identifying the exact truck configuration rather than choosing by year and model name alone. Wheel diameter matters just as much, since most applications are 14-inch but the 4x4 application uses a 15-inch tire. If the truck has been changed over the years, measure the wheels before selecting a tire.
What size rim does a 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup use?
The 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on sub-model and tire size. The 185R14, 700-14, and 195R14 fitments all use 14-inch rims, while G78-15 uses a 15-inch rim.
That split is important because the wheel diameter determines which tire family you can even consider. A 14-inch radial or bias-ply option cannot be mounted on a 15-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. On an older pickup, it is smart to confirm the actual wheels on the truck instead of assuming they are still the original size.
Do all 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the covered 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup sub-models do not all share the same tire size. Fitment varies across the line, with radial 14-inch applications, bias-ply 14-inch applications, and one 15-inch bias-ply application for the MY 4x4 Reg. Bed.
That variation affects more than just the number printed on the sidewall. Construction type, wheel diameter, and available replacement styles all change with the sub-model. A buyer looking for a period-style bias-ply tire will face a different decision than someone selecting a Euro-metric radial, so matching the truck's exact configuration comes before comparing brands or sidewalls.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 700-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup?
On the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup, 700-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It appears on the M Reg. Bed and MG Long Bed sub-models as a traditional 14-inch bias-ply fitment rather than a radial one.
That matters because a buyer deciding on 700-14 is really choosing whether to preserve the original-style bias-ply format or consider one of the available radial equivalents. Bias-ply and radial tires differ in construction, appearance, and wheel-width requirements, so the truck's current wheels and intended use should be checked before changing away from the original fitment path.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 700-14 and G78-15?
For 700-14, radial equivalents include 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14. For G78-15, the available radial equivalents are 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15, with 710R15 serving as the bias-look radial option.
Those sizes give a buyer several different ways to approach a radial conversion, from tall metric radials to P-metric profiles and, in the G78-15 case, a radial that keeps a more traditional visual character. Rim width still needs attention, especially since the recommended range is 4-6 inches for 700-14 and 6-8 inches for G78-15.
What should I check before converting my 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the truck's original bias-ply size and the radial equivalent that matches that size family. On this pickup, 700-14 and G78-15 both have radial-equivalent options, but the correct choice depends on the truck's wheel diameter and the sub-model it belongs to.
Conversion should also include a close look at wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, steering clearance, and the overall condition of the suspension and alignment parts. Radial equivalents can be considered as alternatives, not automatic replacements. On a vintage pickup with changed wheels or ride height, measuring the actual setup is more important than relying on assumptions.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup?
The biggest factors are the exact sub-model, the correct primary tire size, and whether the truck uses a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel. After that, the choice narrows by construction type, since some 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup applications use radial tires while others use bias-ply tires.
Once size and construction are settled, compare the truck's intended use and the appearance you want. A work-truck style blackwall makes a different statement than a narrow or wide whitewall, and radial versus bias-ply construction changes the overall character of the setup. Wheel-width compatibility and any past modifications should be checked before making a final decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup tires?
The available sidewall styles for 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the size. The 185R14 radial choices include blackwall and narrow whitewall, 700-14 offers blackwall and narrow whitewall, and G78-15 includes blackwall and wide whitewall options.
That variety lets the tire do some of the visual work in defining the truck's personality. A blackwall usually keeps the look simple and utilitarian, while whitewall treatments create a more customized or restoration-oriented appearance. The key is choosing the sidewall only after confirming the right size, since each style is tied to a specific fitment and product range.
What brands offer tires for the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup?
Tires for the 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup are available from Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA. The brand mix changes by size, with radial 185R14 options coming from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein, while the bias-ply sizes are represented by BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA.
Brand choice should be part of a broader comparison rather than the only deciding factor. The more useful distinctions are whether the tire is radial or bias-ply, what sidewall treatment it carries, which series it belongs to, and whether its wheel-width specifications align with the truck's wheels. Those details shape fitment and presentation more directly than the brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup?
A period-style choice starts with the truck's actual original fitment path for its sub-model. On this 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup, that could mean a 700-14 bias-ply, a G78-15 bias-ply, or one of the 14-inch radial sizes, depending on configuration.
From there, appearance comes down to how authentic or era-appropriate you want the finished truck to feel. Bias-ply construction usually preserves the most traditional visual impression on the applications that used it, while whitewall and blackwall choices shift the look further. When exact originality matters, compare the truck against marque references, photos, or restoration documentation before deciding.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup?
Tire construction changes both the visual character and the stance impression of a restored 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup. A bias-ply tire presents a more traditional vintage-truck look on the sub-models that used 700-14 or G78-15, while the radial applications reflect a more modernized late-1970s small-truck presentation.
That makes construction part of the restoration decision, not just a driving one. A truck restored toward a work-oriented or showroom-era appearance may point toward the primary construction type for its sub-model, while a driver-focused build may lead an owner to evaluate a radial equivalent. Sidewall style then fine-tunes the final look without changing the basic fitment story.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup?
Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup even when the size itself is correct for the sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can all affect how a tire sits and whether it clears properly.
That is especially important on a truck with multiple original fitment paths, since 14-inch and 15-inch applications already exist within the same model year. A modified truck should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before new tires are chosen. Small pickup trucks are often changed over time, so physical verification is worth the effort.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, confirm that the new tires match the truck's wheel diameter, and make sure inflation pressure is set correctly for the tire and application. It is also smart to look over the valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel fit before the first drive.
A short test drive should be followed by another quick inspection for rubbing, unusual steering feel, or signs that the tires are contacting the fenders or suspension. On an older pickup, worn shocks, bushings, or steering parts can affect how a new set of tires behaves. Catching those issues early helps protect both the tires and the truck.
How should tires on a collector 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup should be checked regularly for proper inflation, uneven wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of air loss. Even on a truck that sees limited mileage, age and storage conditions matter just as much as tread depth.
Collector vehicles benefit from clean, dry storage away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone-producing equipment. The truck should also be moved periodically so the tires are not left sitting in one position for extended periods. A pickup that has been stored for a long time deserves a careful inspection before returning to regular road use.
