The 1979 American Motors Concord arrived at a moment when American compact cars were shifting toward a more refined, practical, and comfort-minded character. Built as a sensible everyday AMC with a strong period identity, the Concord today appeals to owners who want a distinctive late-1970s car that still looks right on stock-style wheels. Tire fitment for the 1979 American Motors Concord centers on two 14-inch options: a 195/75R14 radial and a D78-14 bias-ply. That opens the door to different sidewall presentations, especially whitewall styles in the radial size. The right choice depends on whether the goal is original-style character, everyday road manners, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 American Motors Concord
The 1979 American Motors Concord uses two primary tire sizes, and both fit 14-inch rims. A 195/75R14 radial and a D78-14 bias-ply are both associated with this model range, so the key decision is whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply presentation or moving toward a radial setup with more modern sizing and a broader range of available whitewall choices.
A 195/75R14 size uses a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim. On the 1979 American Motors Concord, this is the modern-style radial fitment and it brings the widest range of current product choices for this application. Available options include Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar, with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments across several tire series. This size makes sense for owners who want a 14-inch Concord tire with radial construction, period-friendly whitewall styling, and multiple product comparisons within the same fitment.
D78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric size in which the letter and number together identify the tire's traditional size class and profile family, while the final 14 denotes rim diameter. For the 1979 American Motors Concord, this is the bias-ply fitment, making it the choice most closely aligned with a traditional late-1970s tire presentation. Bias-ply selection is often less about modern sizing variety and more about maintaining the vehicle's period-style look and construction type. This size deserves a closer look when visual authenticity and original driving character matter more than moving to a radial format.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1979 American Motors Concord sub-models because both of them use the same two 14-inch tire-size paths. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the car can be matched to the owner’s preferred construction, appearance, and wheel setup before choosing a replacement tire.
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1979 American Motors Concord 4 & 6 Cyl.
The 1979 American Motors Concord 4 & 6 Cyl. uses the same two fitment directions found across this model range: a 195/75R14 radial or a D78-14 bias-ply. That gives the owner a choice between a modern radial selection with several whitewall options or a more traditional bias-ply approach for a period-style presentation.
The 1979 American Motors Concord Wagon 8 Cyl. also follows the same basic tire-fitment pattern, using either 195/75R14 radial or D78-14 bias-ply sizing on a 14-inch rim. Tire selection comes down to whether the wagon is being kept closer to traditional appearance standards or equipped with a radial option that offers broader product variety.
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 1979 American Motors Concord Tires for Sale
Available 195/75R14 options give the 1979 American Motors Concord a useful mix of brands, including Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar. The product grid is where to compare tire series, wide whitewall versus narrow whitewall styling, radial construction details, and rim-width compatibility within this 14-inch fitment.
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Radial Tires
Coker Classic Star Series | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R14
Owners usually start with the same questions on a 1979 American Motors Concord: which tire size applies, whether bias-ply or radial construction is appropriate, and how whitewall style, wheel fitment, and vehicle condition affect the final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 American Motors Concord?
The 1979 American Motors Concord uses two primary tire sizes: 195/75R14 in radial construction and D78-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are tied to 14-inch rims, so the main fitment question is not wheel diameter but which construction and tire format best match the car’s intended use and appearance.
A Concord that still carries stock-style wheels may accept either sizing path, but the final choice should account for wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. Cars with replacement wheels or prior modifications deserve an extra check before changing size format or construction.
What size rim does a 1979 American Motors Concord use?
The tire sizes associated with the 1979 American Motors Concord both use a 14-inch rim diameter. That is true for the 195/75R14 radial option and for the D78-14 bias-ply option, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizing systems and construction types differ.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture. Wheel width also matters, especially when selecting among available 195/75R14 radials, because some products call for specific width ranges. A quick wheel measurement is worthwhile before choosing a tire, particularly if the car no longer has its original wheels.
Do all 1979 American Motors Concord sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1979 American Motors Concord sub-models share the same tire-fitment pattern. Both the 4 & 6 Cyl. model and the Wagon 8 Cyl. model use the same two 14-inch tire options: 195/75R14 radial and D78-14 bias-ply.
That makes sub-model fitment simpler, but the owner still needs to choose the right construction and presentation for the car. A radial 195/75R14 opens up several whitewall options, while D78-14 keeps the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply format. Wheel width and any past changes to ride height or wheels should still be checked before installation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 195/75R14 or D78-14 tire for a 1979 American Motors Concord?
Start with the correct construction and sizing format for the way the Concord will be used. A 195/75R14 radial suits owners who want a modern metric radial in the proper 14-inch diameter, while a D78-14 bias-ply keeps the vintage alphanumeric format and a more traditional visual character.
After that, compare the details that actually affect the experience of owning the car: whitewall style, tire series, brand, rim-width compatibility, and load figures where relevant. A restoration-oriented Concord may call for one appearance, while a regularly driven car may benefit from the broader radial product selection available in 195/75R14.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 American Motors Concord tires?
The available 195/75R14 radial tires for the 1979 American Motors Concord include both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. Wide whitewall choices appear in Coker Classic offerings, while narrow whitewall options are available through Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar.
That sidewall choice has a big effect on the finished look of the car, especially on a late-1970s American model where whitewall presence changes the visual balance of the wheel opening. Choosing between wide and narrow whitewall should be guided by the car’s trim level, restoration goals, and whether the owner wants a subtler or more pronounced period-style appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 American Motors Concord?
The 195/75R14 radial fitment for the 1979 American Motors Concord is available from Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar. Those brands cover several tire series, including Star Series, Tornel Classic, Classic Whitewall MA-1, Coker Classic Radial, and UN106.
Brand choice is most useful when it helps narrow the tire’s character rather than treating one name as automatically better. Compare each option by sidewall treatment, construction, series style, rim-width specification, and load information. That approach keeps the selection focused on the Concord’s needs instead of on badge preference alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 American Motors Concord?
A period-style 1979 American Motors Concord can go in two directions depending on the restoration goal. D78-14 preserves the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply format, while a 195/75R14 radial can still deliver a strongly vintage look, especially when paired with a whitewall sidewall treatment that suits the car’s overall presentation.
The best choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and how it will be used on the road. Owners chasing visual authenticity often begin with the original-style size format and construction, while those seeking a classic appearance with radial construction may focus on whitewall width, tire series, and wheel compatibility.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 American Motors Concord?
Tire construction changes more than the way a 1979 American Motors Concord drives; it also changes how the car looks. A D78-14 bias-ply keeps the vintage alphanumeric sizing language and a more traditional tire presentation, while a 195/75R14 radial introduces a modern metric format with several whitewall style choices.
That visual difference matters on a restoration because tires are one of the first details people notice at curb level. Owners trying to match a certain showroom-era impression should compare sidewall width, overall styling, and construction type carefully. Marque references and period photos can help settle appearance questions when originality matters.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 American Motors Concord?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 American Motors Concord even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, lowering, or body work can all influence how a 195/75R14 or D78-14 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears during steering or suspension movement.
That is why the actual car should be checked before replacing tires, especially if its history is not fully known. Measuring the installed wheels and looking at fender, steering, and suspension clearance helps prevent surprises. A stock-size tire is only part of the equation once a vehicle has been altered.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 American Motors Concord on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 American Motors Concord on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, verify proper air pressure, and make sure the tires seat and clear correctly. It is also wise to look over the suspension, steering, and brakes so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.
A short, careful road test is the best next step after installation. Watch for pulling, rubbing, vibration, or unusual steering feel, then recheck pressure and lug torque after the first miles. Collector cars that have sat for long periods deserve extra attention because dormant components can show problems only once the car is moving again.
How should tires on a collector 1979 American Motors Concord be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 American Motors Concord should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and proper storage habits. Even a low-mileage car can develop age-related problems, so the sidewalls and tread should be examined for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or signs of air loss long before a major trip.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the Concord away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Moving the car periodically and checking condition before each outing is especially important when the car spends much of its time parked rather than in routine use.
