1979 Buick Regal Tires

The 1979 Buick Regal uses two radial tire sizes: 195/75R14 and 205/70R14. The Base model can use either of those sizes, while the Sport Coupe uses 205/70R14. Both fitments are built around a 14-inch wheel diameter, so the main question is not construction type but which size belongs on the specific Regal configuration.

Checking the exact sub-model is the first step before choosing among available tires. If the car has been changed over the years with different wheels or suspension parts, confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the car as it sits now. Once the fitment is confirmed, selection can move to sidewall style, brand, and tire series.

Both primary tire sizes used on the 1979 Buick Regal are built for a 14-inch rim. That includes 195/75R14 and 205/70R14, so rim diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizes differ by sub-model and application. The practical fitment split is in tire width and profile, not wheel diameter.

A 14-inch wheel still needs to be checked for actual width before selecting among available tire options, especially on cars that may have been updated or restored over time. Some Regal tires in these sizes are intended for slightly different rim-width ranges, so wheel width can influence which product makes the most sense within the correct size.

No. The 1979 Buick Regal Base can use 195/75R14 or 205/70R14, while the 1979 Buick Regal Sport Coupe uses 205/70R14. All of them are radial tires on 14-inch rims, but the size choice is not identical across the covered sub-models. That makes sub-model confirmation an important part of selecting the right tire.

This matters because the available product mix changes with the size. A Base owner looking at 195/75R14 will see a whitewall-heavy selection, while 205/70R14 opens up options such as redline, dual-redline, raised white letter, and blackwall tires. Matching the tire to the correct Regal version keeps the visual result and wheel fitment aligned.

Start with the correct size for the specific car: 195/75R14 or 205/70R14. The next considerations are wheel width, the tire's radial construction details, sidewall treatment, brand, tire series, and how the car is used. A preserved cruiser, a restoration-oriented Regal, and a more driver-focused car may all point toward different choices within the same correct size.

Appearance plays a major role on a late-1970s Regal, especially because the available tires range from wide whitewalls to redlines, raised white letters, and blackwalls. Looking at rim-width recommendations and load figures can also help narrow the field. The best comparison is the one that balances proper size, wheel compatibility, and the visual character you want.

The 1979 Buick Regal has a broad mix of sidewall styles depending on tire size. Available choices include wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, raised white letter, and blackwall. That variety makes this page less about finding any tire that matches the size and more about choosing a tire that suits the Regal's intended presentation.

A whitewall tends to support a more formal late-1970s personal luxury look, while redline and raised white letter tires can push the car toward a sportier period-style appearance. Blackwall options keep the presentation understated. Since sidewall styles are tied to specific sizes and series, confirm the correct Regal fitment first and then compare the visual options within that size.

1979 Buick Regal tires are available from Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, Travelstar, BFGoodrich, and Michelin, depending on the size. Those brands cover a useful spread of whitewall, redline, raised white letter, and blackwall offerings across several radial tire series. The brand choice therefore connects closely to the look and character of the finished car.

Rather than treating brand as a ranking exercise, it helps to compare each tire within the correct Regal size and wheel setup. Some choices lean heavily toward traditional whitewall styling, while others bring in muscle-era or European-style visual cues. Looking at sidewall design, tire series, rim-width range, and load details usually tells more than the brand name alone.

A period-style choice for a 1979 Buick Regal starts with the correct radial size for the specific sub-model and then moves to appearance. In 195/75R14, the available options lean toward traditional whitewall styling. In 205/70R14, the selection broadens to include narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, raised white letter, and blackwall treatments.

The most suitable tire depends on how the car is being presented. A formal restoration-oriented Regal may look more at home with a whitewall, while a sportier interpretation can point toward redline or raised white letter styling. When exact originality matters, compare the final choice against marque references, period photography, or vehicle-specific historical documentation before deciding.

On the 1979 Buick Regal, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the visual difference comes more from sidewall style and profile than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction. The two approved sizes still create distinct visual impressions, especially when paired with wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, raised white letter, or blackwall sidewalls.

That means a restored Regal can look notably more formal, sporty, or understated even while staying within correct-size radial fitment. The key is to choose a tire whose profile and sidewall treatment match the character you want the car to project. Wheel finish, ride height, and trim details can amplify that effect, so the tire should be selected as part of the full visual package.

Yes. Even though the 1979 Buick Regal uses 14-inch radial tire fitments, changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, lowered suspension, worn springs, or body modifications can affect how a tire sits and clears. That matters whether the car is using 195/75R14 or 205/70R14, since the wheel and vehicle setup ultimately control usable space.

Any Regal that has been modified should have its actual wheel dimensions and tire clearance checked before a new set is chosen. Look at front steering sweep, inner fender room, rear wheelhouse clearance, and overall stance. A tire that is correct for the model on paper still needs to work with the car's current wheels and suspension condition.

Before driving a 1979 Buick Regal on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, confirm the tires are properly seated and inflated, and check that the selected size matches the car's sub-model. It also helps to inspect suspension and steering components for play or wear, because loose front-end parts can affect how a new tire behaves on the road.

A short low-speed test drive is a smart follow-up after installation. Watch for rubbing during turns, unusual vibration, wandering, or any sign that the tire is contacting the body or suspension. Recheck air pressure after the initial drive, and keep an eye on lug torque and visual clearance so the Regal settles in correctly on its new tires.

Collector-car tires on a 1979 Buick Regal should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age as well as tread. Radial tires that spend long periods parked can still develop cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or sidewall damage even when the car sees limited mileage. Clean storage conditions matter as much as occasional use.

Keeping the Regal away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tire casing and sidewall finish. Move the car periodically if it sits for extended stretches, and inspect for bulges, cuts, or uneven wear before heading out on the road. A collector vehicle's low annual mileage should never be taken as proof that its tires are road-ready.