The 1979 Ford Fairmont arrived at a pivotal moment for Ford, bringing lighter Fox-platform engineering to a practical family car sold in sedan, wagon, and specialty-service forms. That broad mission shows up clearly in its tire fitment, because the Fairmont uses several 14-inch sizes rather than one universal setup. Depending on sub-model, the primary fitment can be a traditional B78-14 bias-ply or one of several vintage alphanumeric radial sizes, including BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, and DR70-14. That makes the real choice less about the model name alone and more about matching the exact body style or service trim, then deciding whether period-style construction or a radial-oriented road setup best suits the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Ford Fairmont
The 1979 Ford Fairmont uses five primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model. All of them fit a 14-inch rim, but the lineup includes both bias-ply and radial construction, with different alphanumeric sizes appearing across sedans, wagon, Futura, and service-duty versions. Identifying the sub-model first is the key step before comparing tire style, construction, or radial-equivalent choices.
B78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the letter identifies the tire's size class, the 78 marks its profile family, and the 14 refers to the wheel diameter. On the 1979 Ford Fairmont, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment used on certain sedan applications. Modern buyers often compare this size for period-style appearance first, then consider whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent. It is the right size to review when the goal is preserving an older tire presentation while still matching the Fairmont's correct 14-inch wheel format.
BR78-14 uses the vintage alphanumeric radial system, where the letter indicates the tire class, the R confirms radial construction, the 78 identifies the profile family, and the 14 is the rim diameter. For the 1979 Ford Fairmont, this size serves as a radial primary fitment on certain sedan versions. That makes it especially relevant for owners who want to keep the car in a period-appropriate radial format instead of stepping back to bias-ply construction. It is also a useful starting point when comparing sub-model fitment within the sedan range before selecting a specific tire style.
CR78-14 is another vintage alphanumeric radial size, with the letter C denoting its size class, the R showing radial construction, the 78 indicating the profile family, and 14 marking the rim diameter. On the 1979 Ford Fairmont, this size appears on Futura, Taxi Sedan, and Wagon applications rather than across the whole model line. That makes it a sub-model-specific choice rather than a general Fairmont tire. Buyers looking at this size should confirm the exact body style first, then compare tire construction and overall presentation to suit either a restoration-oriented build or regular collector use.
Fit(s): Futura, Police Sedan, Taxi Sedan, and Wagon
Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
DR78-14 follows the same vintage alphanumeric radial pattern, with D representing the size class, R indicating radial construction, 78 identifying the profile family, and 14 specifying wheel diameter. This size appears across several 1979 Ford Fairmont sub-models, including Futura, Police Sedan, Taxi Sedan, and Wagon versions, so it is one of the broader radial fitments in the range. That gives it an important role for owners verifying whether their car uses the larger of the available radial setups. It is the size to study when wheel diameter is already confirmed and sub-model application is the main fitment question.
DR70-14 is a vintage alphanumeric radial size in which the D identifies the size class, the R marks radial construction, the 70 indicates a lower profile family than the 78-series options, and the 14 is the rim diameter. On the 1979 Ford Fairmont, this size is used on the Police Sedan rather than on the broader passenger-car lineup. That makes it a specialized fitment that should not be assumed for other Fairmont versions. Buyers considering this size should confirm the exact service-style application and wheel setup before comparing tire options within the 14-inch radial range.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1979 Ford Fairmont because tire size is not the same across the full lineup. Some versions share two possible sizes, while others move into different radial classes, so matching the exact body style or service trim is the first step before choosing a tire.
1
1979 Ford Fairmont 2 Dr. Sedan
The 1979 Ford Fairmont 2 Dr. Sedan uses either B78-14 bias-ply or BR78-14 radial fitment on a 14-inch wheel. That gives owners a clear construction choice, making it important to confirm whether the car is being kept in a more traditional period-style setup or a radial-based configuration.
The 1979 Ford Fairmont 4 Dr. Sedan shares the same fitment pattern as the 2 Dr. Sedan, with B78-14 bias-ply and BR78-14 radial options. Tire selection here centers on matching the car's existing wheel and intended presentation rather than assuming every Fairmont sedan used the same construction.
The 1979 Ford Fairmont Futura uses CR78-14 or DR78-14 radial tires, both built around a 14-inch rim. That means the main task is narrowing down which of the two radial sizes belongs on the car before comparing product style or restoration-oriented appearance.
The 1979 Ford Fairmont Police Sedan uses DR70-14 or DR78-14 radial fitment, setting it apart from the bias-ply and smaller radial sedan applications. That makes exact size verification especially important before replacement, particularly if the car has seen wheel, suspension, or service-use changes over time.
The 1979 Ford Fairmont Taxi Sedan uses CR78-14 or DR78-14 radial tires on 14-inch rims. Because two radial sizes are associated with this sub-model, owners should confirm the actual wheel and tire setup on the car before selecting a replacement tire.
The 1979 Ford Fairmont Wagon also uses CR78-14 or DR78-14 radial fitment. That keeps the decision focused on confirming the exact size already on the vehicle, then choosing a tire that suits either practical road use or a more period-style wagon presentation.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1979 Ford Fairmont
B78-14 has three radial-equivalent options for the 1979 Ford Fairmont. 155R14 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P175/75R14 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P185/70R14 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These alternatives differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than by serving as another primary Fairmont size. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies to this equivalent group, and any conversion should still be checked against wheel width, overall fitment, and clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (B78-14)
P175/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (B78-14)
P185/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (B78-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tire questions on a 1979 Ford Fairmont usually come down to sub-model fitment, 14-inch wheel confirmation, bias-ply versus radial construction, and how to evaluate older alphanumeric sizes. The FAQs below focus on those decisions, along with restoration-minded appearance and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Ford Fairmont?
A 1979 Ford Fairmont does not use just one tire size across the entire model line. The primary sizes are B78-14, BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, and DR70-14, all on 14-inch rims. B78-14 is bias-ply, while BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, and DR70-14 are radial sizes.
The correct choice depends on the exact sub-model. Two- and four-door sedans use B78-14 or BR78-14, while Futura, Wagon, Taxi Sedan, and Police Sedan applications move into different radial sizes. Start by confirming the body style or service trim, then compare the actual wheel and tire setup already on the car before replacing anything.
What size rim does a 1979 Ford Fairmont use?
The 1979 Ford Fairmont uses a 14-inch rim with each of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car uses B78-14 bias-ply fitment or one of the radial sizes such as BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, or DR70-14.
Even with a shared 14-inch diameter, the size decision is not automatic across all Fairmont versions. A 14-inch wheel can still be paired with different tire classes, so the next step is confirming the exact sub-model and checking the wheel actually on the vehicle, especially if the car has been modified or changed over the years.
Why does the 1979 Ford Fairmont have more than one tire size?
The 1979 Ford Fairmont was offered in several distinct forms, including sedan, Futura, wagon, police, and taxi applications, and those versions did not all share the same tire fitment. Some sedan models use B78-14 or BR78-14, while other Fairmont variants use CR78-14, DR78-14, or DR70-14 radial sizes.
That means the model name alone is not enough to choose a tire. The exact sub-model determines whether the car belongs in a smaller or larger alphanumeric range and whether bias-ply or radial construction is part of the original fitment pattern. Verifying the vehicle configuration first prevents selecting a correct-looking but incorrect-size tire.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is B78-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1979 Ford Fairmont?
B78-14 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1979 Ford Fairmont. It appears on certain two-door and four-door sedan applications, while other Fairmont versions use radial sizes such as BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, or DR70-14.
That distinction matters because B78-14 is part of the car's traditional alphanumeric bias-ply fitment, not just another way of writing a radial size. Owners choosing between B78-14 and a radial alternative should first confirm the sub-model and present wheel setup, then decide whether period-style construction or a radial-oriented driving setup better matches the car's use.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to B78-14?
Radial equivalents for B78-14 include 155R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R14 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P185/70R14 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are alternative radial sizing formats associated with the B78-14 bias-ply fitment on the 1979 Ford Fairmont.
A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies to that equivalent group, which helps frame the wheel side of the decision. The next step is checking actual wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and fender or steering clearance on the car, since an equivalent size should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic interchange.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1979 Ford Fairmont?
That depends on the exact Fairmont sub-model and on what you want from the car. Some 1979 Ford Fairmont sedan applications use B78-14 bias-ply fitment, while other versions use radial sizes as their primary setup. The right choice starts with matching the correct tire size and construction pattern for the specific version you own.
Bias-ply and radial tires also support different ownership goals. A bias-ply setup may appeal to someone preserving a more traditional period-style look, while a radial setup may better suit a car already configured around radial fitment. The deciding checks are wheel compatibility, clearance, and whether the current vehicle setup still matches its intended tire construction.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a B78-14 tire for a 1979 Ford Fairmont?
Start by confirming that B78-14 is the correct fitment for the specific 1979 Ford Fairmont you own, since this size applies to certain sedan versions rather than to the entire model line. B78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, so the choice also involves staying with that traditional construction instead of moving directly to a radial alternative.
Once the size is confirmed, compare the tire in terms of appearance goals and wheel compatibility. A period-style restoration may favor remaining in the primary bias-ply format, while a road-driven car may lead you to review the available radial equivalents separately. Checking the wheel already on the car helps avoid mixing the right size code with the wrong overall setup.
What should I consider when choosing a radial tire for a 1979 Ford Fairmont?
The first step is determining which radial size belongs on the exact Fairmont sub-model, because the 1979 lineup includes BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, and DR70-14. Those are all 14-inch radial fitments, but they are not interchangeable simply because they share the same rim diameter.
After the size is narrowed down, compare the tire against the car's present wheel setup and intended use. A Futura, Wagon, Taxi Sedan, or Police Sedan may call for a different radial class than a standard sedan, so size accuracy comes first. That approach keeps the decision grounded in fitment before appearance or driving preference enters the picture.
How do I choose between the available 1979 Ford Fairmont tires?
Choosing among 1979 Ford Fairmont tires starts with the right sub-model and the right size code, not with appearance alone. The lineup spans both bias-ply and radial construction, with B78-14 serving certain sedan applications and BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, and DR70-14 covering radial-equipped versions.
From there, decide whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented format or prepared mainly for road use. A Fairmont preserved for a traditional presentation may stay closer to its primary construction type, while a regularly driven car may put more emphasis on the existing radial setup or an equivalent-size review. Size, construction, and wheel match should stay ahead of cosmetic preference.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Ford Fairmont?
A period-style 1979 Ford Fairmont should start with the tire size and construction that match the exact sub-model. That could mean B78-14 bias-ply for certain sedans or one of the alphanumeric radial sizes such as BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, or DR70-14 for other Fairmont versions.
The key is that period-style appearance begins with correct fitment, not just with an older-looking sidewall. Once the proper size is confirmed, the next decision is whether the car is meant to reflect a traditional bias-ply presentation or the vintage radial character used on other Fairmont variants. Exact originality questions are best checked against marque-specific restoration references.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 Ford Fairmont restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1979 Ford Fairmont restoration because the model line used several different 14-inch sizes across its sub-models. Choosing B78-14, BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, or DR70-14 without matching the exact body style or service version can change the car's visual stance and move it away from an authentic-looking presentation.
A restoration-minded tire decision should begin with the proper size code, then move to construction and overall appearance. That approach helps preserve the right era character whether the car is a sedan, Futura, wagon, police, or taxi version. It also prevents the common mistake of assuming that any vintage 14-inch tire automatically suits every Fairmont built that year.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Ford Fairmont?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Ford Fairmont even when the original tire size is known. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height adjustments, or body modifications can all influence how a B78-14, BR78-14, CR78-14, DR78-14, or DR70-14 tire sits on the car.
That matters because the Fairmont already has multiple size paths depending on sub-model, so modifications can add another layer of variation. Before replacement, verify wheel diameter, inspect wheel width, and check steering and fender clearance with the current setup. That is especially important when considering an equivalent radial size in place of an original-style bias-ply application.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Ford Fairmont on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Ford Fairmont on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and overall condition, then confirm that the selected size matches the exact sub-model. It is also wise to check for rubbing points at the fenders and steering components, especially on cars with older suspension parts or any changes from stock configuration.
Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so the rest of the tire system deserves attention too. Check air pressure, look for uneven wear, and make sure the suspension and steering feel stable once the tires are installed. A short initial drive and a follow-up visual inspection can help catch clearance or setup issues before normal road use begins.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Ford Fairmont be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 Ford Fairmont should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses B78-14 bias-ply fitment or one of the radial sizes, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven only occasionally.
Good storage helps preserve both appearance and service life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce age-related deterioration, while periodic movement helps avoid long-term flat spotting. It also helps to recheck the tires before each driving season, since low-use collector cars can age out of safe road use before the tread is worn.
