1978 Plymouth Wagon Tires

The 1978 Plymouth Wagon uses more than one primary tire size, depending on the exact Voyager sub-model. B100 Voyager applications use 700-15, E78-15, or F78-15, B200 Voyager applications use G78-15, H78-15, or L78-15, and B300 Voyager and B300 Voyager (DRW) use 800-16.5.

That means the first step is identifying the exact B100, B200, or B300 version before comparing tires. Wheel diameter matters just as much as the size code, because most versions use 15-inch rims while B300 models use 16.5-inch rims. A Plymouth Wagon that has had wheel changes over the years should be measured and inspected before replacement.

A 1978 Plymouth Wagon can use either a 15-inch rim or a 16.5-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 700-15, E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, and L78-15 sizes are 15-inch fitments, while the 800-16.5 size uses a 16.5-inch rim.

That split is important because a 15-inch tire and a 16.5-inch tire are not interchangeable. Owners of B300 models should verify that the vehicle still carries its correct wheel diameter, especially if it has seen commercial use or previous modifications. Matching the tire to the actual wheel is the foundation of every other fitment decision.

The 1978 Plymouth Wagon covers several Voyager sub-models, and they do not all use the same tire size or wheel diameter. B100 versions use smaller 15-inch fitments, B200 versions use larger 15-inch sizes, and B300 versions move to the 800-16.5 size on 16.5-inch rims.

That range reflects different vehicle roles within the lineup rather than multiple interchangeable choices for one exact setup. Once the sub-model is confirmed, tire selection becomes much simpler because the correct size family narrows quickly. Looking only at the overall model name without the Voyager designation can easily lead to the wrong replacement path.

The primary tire fitments for the 1978 Plymouth Wagon are bias-ply. That applies across the full size range shown here, including 700-15, E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, L78-15, and 800-16.5, even though some of the 15-inch sizes also have modern radial equivalents available.

Keeping a bias-ply tire preserves the original sizing language and traditional construction style used on the vehicle. A move to radial should be treated as a separate conversion decision, not simply a different brand choice. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and physical clearance should all be verified before changing away from the original bias-ply format.

F78-15 has four radial-equivalent choices: 195R15 as the 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as the 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 as the 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 as the bias-look radial equivalent. The recommended rim-width range for these alternatives is 5 to 7 inches.

Those options give different sizing formats and profile styles without turning them into automatic replacements. The bias-look radial keeps a more traditional visual character, while the metric and P-metric options follow later radial conventions. A buyer should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance before choosing any of the F78-15 alternatives.

Start by confirming the exact original size and wheel diameter on the vehicle, because the 1978 Plymouth Wagon uses several 15-inch sizes plus the separate 800-16.5 fitment. Then compare the specific radial equivalent for that original size, along with the wheel-width range when one is given for the equivalent.

A conversion should also include a close look at fender space, steering clearance, suspension condition, and the actual wheels on the vehicle today. Many collector and work-use wagons no longer carry their original wheel setup. That makes physical verification more important than the size name alone when changing construction from bias-ply to radial.

Begin with the exact sub-model, because a 1978 Plymouth Wagon can require anything from a 700-15 to an 800-16.5. After size is confirmed, compare whether the vehicle needs a passenger-style bias-ply presentation, a utility-oriented truck tire, or a radial-equivalent route where one exists for the original 15-inch fitment.

Sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and load capacity can all shape the final choice. A B100 or B200 used for shows may lean toward a traditional whitewall treatment, while a harder-working van may call for a blackwall truck-style tire. Matching the tire to the vehicle's actual use is as important as matching the size.

Sidewall choices for 1978 Plymouth Wagon tires include blackwall, wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and dual-white-stripe, depending on the exact size. The broadest appearance variety appears in some 15-inch applications such as 700-15 and L78-15, while 800-16.5 choices stay focused on blackwall utility-oriented tires.

That means sidewall style is part of the fitment decision only after the correct size is pinned down. A larger B200 with L78-15 offers more restoration-style visual flexibility than a B300 using 800-16.5. Owners trying to preserve a period-style look should choose the sidewall treatment that suits the vehicle's intended presentation rather than assuming every size offers the same options.

Available 1978 Plymouth Wagon tires come from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA, depending on the exact size. Some sizes lean heavily toward a single brand or two, while others such as 700-15 and L78-15 offer a broader mix of passenger-style and truck-oriented products across multiple series.

Brand choice should be treated as one part of a larger selection process rather than the only decision. The better comparison is size first, then construction, sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel compatibility. Two tires from different brands may serve very different visual or utility roles even when they share the same basic size code.

A period-style 1978 Plymouth Wagon starts with the correct original size family for the exact B100, B200, or B300 sub-model and the correct wheel diameter. Since the primary fitments are bias-ply, staying with a bias-ply tire is the clearest way to preserve the vehicle's original-era sizing convention and visual character.

After that, the look can shift depending on the available sidewall treatments within the correct size. Some 15-inch fitments offer whitewall choices, while others lean toward blackwall utility patterns. Buyers pursuing strict originality should compare their vehicle against marque references or historical documentation before treating any one brand or stripe style as exact.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1978 Plymouth Wagon as much as it changes the size language on the sidewall. A bias-ply tire keeps the vintage numeric or alphanumeric sizing format that belongs to this vehicle, while a radial equivalent introduces a later metric or P-metric presentation unless a bias-look radial is chosen.

That difference is especially noticeable on a restoration where wheel opening fill and sidewall character are part of the vehicle's stance. Owners using E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, or L78-15 may consider radial equivalents, but should weigh appearance alongside fitment. A restoration-minded choice is often as much about visual authenticity as road-use preference.

Yes. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or body modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Plymouth Wagon even when the tire size sounds correct on paper. That matters even more here because the vehicle uses both 15-inch and 16.5-inch fitments depending on sub-model.

A wagon with aftermarket wheels should be checked for actual rim diameter and width before replacement. Clearance at the fender, steering components, and suspension should also be reviewed, especially if the vehicle has been lowered, lifted, or converted from its original work or passenger role. Modified vehicles need physical confirmation, not just a catalog-size match.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is appropriate, and check that the tires are mounted in the correct size for the exact sub-model. It is also wise to look over steering and suspension components so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn mechanical parts.

Once mounted, verify inflation, look for any sign of contact at full steering lock, and check for adequate clearance under load. A short initial drive followed by a second inspection can catch rubbing, air loss, or mounting issues early. That approach is especially worthwhile on older wagons that may have seen decades of wheel and chassis changes.

Tires on a collector 1978 Plymouth Wagon should be kept at proper inflation, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and checked for air loss even when the vehicle is driven infrequently. Collector vehicles often age tires by time and storage conditions as much as by mileage.

Storage matters just as much as driving maintenance. Keeping the wagon away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve sidewall condition. Regular visual inspections and periodic movement of the vehicle can also help, especially on heavier vans where long stationary periods place continuous load on the same contact area.