The 1979 Dodge D50 arrived during an era when compact pickups were becoming a practical everyday choice, blending light-duty utility with smaller overall dimensions and more car-like road manners than full-size trucks. That makes tire selection especially important on a truck like this, because the fitment can change with the sub-model. The 1979 Dodge D50 uses either a 6.00-14 bias-ply tire or a 185R14 radial, both on 14-inch rims. That opens two very different paths: a traditional bias-ply look for the Base model or modern radial choices for the Royal, including blackwall and narrow whitewall options. The right pick starts with confirming the sub-model, then matching the tire's construction and appearance to the truck's intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Dodge D50
The 1979 Dodge D50 uses two different tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the sub-model rather than wheel diameter. Both sizes fit 14-inch rims, but one is a bias-ply fitment and the other is a radial. Before choosing a tire, the first step is confirming whether the truck is a Base or a Royal, because that determines both the size and the construction style.
A 6.00-14 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation, where the 6.00 refers to nominal section width in inches and the 14 refers to rim diameter. On the 1979 Dodge D50, this is the bias-ply fitment used on the appropriate sub-model and it delivers the more traditional construction type associated with older light-truck tire sizing. The main decision here is preserving that original-style bias-ply character rather than choosing among several radial-style product variations. It is the size to evaluate when the truck is being kept closer to its earlier driving feel and period-style presentation.
A 185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 185 representing nominal section width in millimeters, R indicating radial construction, and 14 indicating rim diameter in inches. On the 1979 Dodge D50, this size belongs to the Royal sub-model and gives the buyer access to several radial choices in the same fitment. Available options include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein products, with blackwall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments. This is the size to focus on when the truck is a Royal and the goal is comparing radial tire appearance, brand, and road-use character within the correct fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1979 Dodge D50 because the covered versions do not share the same tire size or construction. The key step is identifying whether the truck is a Base or a Royal before choosing between the 14-inch bias-ply and radial fitments.
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1979 Dodge D50 Base
The 1979 Dodge D50 Base uses the 6.00-14 bias-ply tire size. That makes the tire decision more about retaining the truck's traditional construction and period-style look than comparing a broad mix of radial product styles.
The 1979 Dodge D50 Royal uses the 185R14 radial tire size. That gives the buyer a more varied product selection, including different brands and sidewall presentations, while still keeping the choice centered on the correct 14-inch radial fitment.
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 Dodge D50 Tires for Sale
Available 185R14 choices for the 1979 Dodge D50 Royal include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein radials in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles. The product grid is where to compare tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and other specification details within this 14-inch radial fitment.
Common questions for the 1979 Dodge D50 usually come down to sub-model-specific tire size, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial construction, product selection, and the checks worth making before putting a vintage compact pickup back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Dodge D50?
The 1979 Dodge D50 uses two different tire sizes depending on sub-model. The Base uses a 6.00-14 bias-ply tire, while the Royal uses a 185R14 radial. Both fitments use a 14-inch rim, but the size and construction are not the same across the full model line.
That means the first job is confirming which version of the truck is actually in front of you. A D50 that has changed wheels over the years may still need the correct original fitment verified by sub-model, actual wheel diameter, and the truck's present setup before choosing a replacement tire.
What size rim does a 1979 Dodge D50 use?
The covered tire fitments for the 1979 Dodge D50 use a 14-inch rim. That is true for both the 6.00-14 bias-ply size and the 185R14 radial size, even though the trucks do not share the same tire construction or section width convention.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the fitment question, because a 14-inch wheel can still be paired with different tire sizes. It is worth checking the wheel itself for width and confirming the truck's sub-model, since the Base and Royal follow different tire-size paths despite using the same nominal rim diameter.
Why does the 1979 Dodge D50 have more than one tire size?
The 1979 Dodge D50 has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. The Base uses a 6.00-14 bias-ply tire, while the Royal uses a 185R14 radial. Those are not just two ways of writing the same size; they represent different sizing systems and different construction types.
That difference matters because the right replacement depends on keeping the correct fitment tied to the truck's configuration. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next step is checking whether the wheels remain original-style or have been changed, since that can affect which tire can be used safely and cleanly.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.00-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1979 Dodge D50?
On the 1979 Dodge D50, 6.00-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the fitment used on the Base sub-model and follows the older numeric sizing system common on many vintage vehicles, with the 14 indicating the rim diameter and the 6.00 expressing nominal section width in inches.
That makes it a different choice from the Royal's 185R14 radial setup, even though both use 14-inch rims. Anyone replacing 6.00-14 tires should confirm the existing wheels and overall setup before changing construction type, especially on an older truck that may have seen wheel swaps or suspension changes over time.
Is 185R14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1979 Dodge D50?
On the 1979 Dodge D50, 185R14 is a radial tire size. It is the fitment used on the Royal sub-model, and the R in the size designation indicates radial construction. This size also opens access to multiple product choices, including blackwall and narrow whitewall versions from more than one brand.
That gives Royal owners a broader selection than the Base bias-ply fitment, but the tire still needs to match the wheel and truck setup. Checking rim width, present wheel condition, and available clearance is a sensible step before replacing tires on a vintage compact pickup that may no longer wear its original wheels.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1979 Dodge D50?
The answer depends on which 1979 Dodge D50 sub-model you have. The Base uses a 6.00-14 bias-ply fitment, while the Royal uses a 185R14 radial. In other words, the truck's original fitment path already differs by sub-model, so the first decision is not preference alone but identifying the correct configuration.
From there, the choice becomes one of intended use and setup verification. A buyer preserving a more traditional look may want to stay with the bias-ply fitment on the Base, while a Royal owner can compare radial products in the correct size. Any construction change should be checked against wheel compatibility and clearance before road use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1979 Dodge D50?
Start with the truck's sub-model, because the 1979 Dodge D50 does not use one universal tire size. The Base uses 6.00-14 bias-ply tires, while the Royal uses 185R14 radials. After the correct size is confirmed, the next considerations are construction style, sidewall appearance, and whether the truck still has its original-type 14-inch wheel setup.
That practical sequence helps narrow the decision quickly. A Base owner is usually deciding whether to retain the traditional bias-ply presentation, while a Royal owner can compare several radial options. Wheel width, tire appearance, and the truck's intended use all deserve attention before making the final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Dodge D50 tires?
For the 1979 Dodge D50 Royal's 185R14 radial fitment, available sidewall styles include blackwall and narrow whitewall. Those options give the truck two distinct visual directions: a plainer, more understated look with blackwalls or a more vintage presentation with a narrow whitewall treatment.
The sidewall choice does not change the need to stay with the correct 185R14 Royal fitment. It does, however, shape the finished look of the truck, so the decision often comes down to whether the goal is a cleaner utility-truck appearance or a more restoration-oriented style that complements the vehicle's late-1970s character.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Dodge D50?
For the 1979 Dodge D50 Royal in 185R14, available brands include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein. Michelin appears in both blackwall and narrow whitewall forms under the MXV series, Phoenix offers a narrow whitewall option, and Vredestein offers the Sprint Classic in a blackwall radial.
That variety gives the buyer several ways to compare the same basic fitment without leaving the correct size. Brand alone should not be the only factor, though. It also makes sense to compare sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and the truck's overall appearance goals before settling on a particular 185R14 tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Dodge D50?
A period-style choice for a 1979 Dodge D50 starts with using the correct fitment for the truck's sub-model. The Base follows the 6.00-14 bias-ply path, while the Royal uses 185R14 radials. Matching that original fitment direction usually matters more to the truck's overall character than chasing a tire that simply fits the rim.
Appearance then comes down to how closely the finished truck should reflect its late-1970s personality. A bias-ply tire supports a more traditional presentation on the Base, while the Royal's radial options include both blackwall and narrow whitewall looks. For exact originality, model-specific historical references and marque expertise are still worth consulting.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Dodge D50?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1979 Dodge D50 because bias-ply and radial tires do not present the same way on the truck. The Base's 6.00-14 bias-ply fitment supports a more traditional vintage look, while the Royal's 185R14 radial fitment gives a more modern late-1970s passenger-tire presentation.
That visual difference is often noticeable even before the truck moves. Sidewall treatment also plays a role, especially on the Royal, where blackwall and narrow whitewall options create different moods. Keeping the construction aligned with the truck's proper sub-model fitment is usually the strongest starting point for a restoration-minded tire decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Dodge D50?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Dodge D50 even when the original covered sizes use the same 14-inch rim diameter. Wheel-width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered offset, suspension work, or ride-height changes can all influence how a replacement tire sits and clears the truck.
That is especially important on an older compact pickup, because many have been updated over the years. A truck that began with 6.00-14 bias-ply or 185R14 radial fitment should have its actual wheel size, wheel width, and clearance at the fenders and steering components checked before new tires are installed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Dodge D50 on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Dodge D50 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires match the truck's proper sub-model fitment, and check for adequate clearance around the suspension, steering, and fenders. Tire pressure should also be set correctly and rechecked after installation.
A vintage truck deserves a broader walk-around as well. Look for cracked rubber parts, loose wheel hardware, uneven ride height, and signs of prior rubbing that could point to an old fitment issue. Even with new tires installed, the truck should be driven cautiously at first until steering feel, clearance, and air retention are confirmed.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Dodge D50 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 Dodge D50 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and air loss, especially if the truck is driven only occasionally. Pressure checks matter even during storage, since low-use vehicles can sit long enough for small pressure losses or age-related condition problems to go unnoticed.
Storage habits also affect tire life. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the truck periodically can help avoid long-term flat spotting. Any older tire that shows age-related deterioration deserves closer attention before the next road outing.
