The 1979 Ford LTD II came at the end of Ford’s intermediate rear-wheel-drive era, carrying the square-shouldered late-1970s full-size look into family, fleet, and police use. That matters when choosing tires, because this exact model uses radial fitments only, but the correct size changes by sub-model and wheel diameter. The Base uses HR78-14, while Police Sedan and Special Opt. versions move into 15-inch applications including 215R15, HR70-15, and GR78-15. That gives owners a mix of vintage alphanumeric radial and Euro-metric radial sizing to sort through. The right choice starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel before comparing style, profile, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Ford LTD II
Four tire sizes apply to the 1979 Ford LTD II, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and whether the car carries a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel. Because this car uses more than one rim diameter, wheel confirmation comes first, followed by sub-model identification. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the right radial size format and overall tire presentation for the vehicle’s intended use.
HR78-14 is an alphanumeric radial size in which the letter-and-number combination identifies the tire’s size class and profile family, while the final 14 indicates a 14-inch rim. Its radial construction suits the late-1970s LTD II’s original fitment style without moving into a modern P-metric format. For this application, the main value is keeping the proper sizing convention for cars that use the 14-inch setup. It is the size to evaluate when the vehicle is a Base model and still carries the wheel diameter associated with that fitment.
215R15 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 215-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. Because this format does not state an aspect ratio in the size itself, it represents a different sizing convention from the alphanumeric radial options also used on the 1979 Ford LTD II. On this vehicle, it belongs to a Police Sedan application and should be selected only after confirming that exact configuration and wheel diameter. Buyers comparing 15-inch options should pay attention to the size format as well as the sub-model.
HR70-15 is an alphanumeric radial size where the H size class and 70-series profile work with a 15-inch rim. Its construction keeps the period radial character of the 1979 Ford LTD II while differing in profile designation from the taller-looking 78-series alphanumeric sizes used elsewhere in the lineup. On this car, HR70-15 is tied to a Police Sedan fitment, so it is not a universal LTD II size. This is the size to review when the car uses the police-spec 15-inch wheel setup and the owner wants the corresponding alphanumeric radial format.
GR78-15 is another alphanumeric radial, using the G size class with a 78-series profile and a 15-inch rim diameter. That makes it part of the traditional late-1970s sizing language, even though it is a radial rather than a bias-ply tire. For the 1979 Ford LTD II, this size belongs to the Special Opt. application, which means it should be matched to that sub-model and the correct 15-inch wheel. It is a useful choice for owners who want to stay with a period-style alphanumeric radial presentation on that configuration.
Tire fitment for the 1979 Ford LTD II is not the same across every covered sub-model. The correct selection depends on identifying whether the car is a Base, Police Sedan, or Special Opt. version, then confirming whether it uses the 14-inch or 15-inch wheel setup tied to that fitment.
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1979 Ford LTD II Base
The 1979 Ford LTD II Base uses a single radial fitment in HR78-14. That makes selection relatively straightforward, but the owner should still confirm the 14-inch wheel before choosing a replacement in that vintage alphanumeric radial format.
The 1979 Ford LTD II Police Sedan uses 15-inch radial applications and appears with both 215R15 and HR70-15 sizing conventions. That means tire selection starts with confirming the actual wheel and existing setup on the car, then choosing the radial format that matches the intended fitment.
The 1979 Ford LTD II Special Opt. uses GR78-15 in a radial construction. Owners of this version should verify the 15-inch wheel first, then focus on finding the right period-style alphanumeric radial presentation for the vehicle’s appearance and road use.
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
The most common tire questions for the 1979 Ford LTD II center on sub-model-specific sizing, 14-inch versus 15-inch wheel fitment, radial size formats, and what to inspect before putting a late-1970s car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Ford LTD II?
The 1979 Ford LTD II uses four radial tire sizes across its covered sub-models: HR78-14, 215R15, HR70-15, and GR78-15. The Base uses HR78-14, the Police Sedan uses 215R15 and HR70-15, and the Special Opt. uses GR78-15.
The practical issue is that there is no single universal tire size for every 1979 LTD II. Start by confirming the exact sub-model, then verify whether the car has a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel before selecting a tire. That step matters even more on older cars that may have had wheel changes during their service life.
What size rim does a 1979 Ford LTD II use?
A 1979 Ford LTD II uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. HR78-14 is a 14-inch application, while 215R15, HR70-15, and GR78-15 are all 15-inch applications.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to confirm because a tire sized for a 14-inch wheel cannot be mounted on a 15-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. Check the actual wheels on the car rather than assuming they are original, especially if the car has changed hands, been restored, or served in fleet use.
Why does the 1979 Ford LTD II have more than one tire size?
The 1979 Ford LTD II has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model. The Base, Police Sedan, and Special Opt. versions do not all share the same wheel-and-tire setup, and the Police Sedan also appears with two different 15-inch radial sizes.
That variation means the right tire cannot be chosen by year, make, and model alone. Owners should identify the exact sub-model and inspect the wheel diameter currently on the car before comparing tires. On collector-era vehicles, that extra step helps avoid buying the right style of tire in the wrong size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1979 Ford LTD II tire?
Start with the exact fitment: sub-model, tire size, and wheel diameter. A 1979 Ford LTD II may use HR78-14, 215R15, HR70-15, or GR78-15, so the right tire begins with matching the car’s actual setup rather than choosing by appearance alone.
After the fitment is confirmed, think about the sizing format and how the car will be used. A vintage alphanumeric radial keeps a more period-style presentation, while a Euro-metric radial uses a different naming convention. Clearance, wheel condition, and the car’s intended road use should all be checked before making a final selection.
How do I choose between the available 15-inch tires for a 1979 Ford LTD II?
The 15-inch fitments on a 1979 Ford LTD II are not interchangeable choices for every car. Police Sedan applications use 215R15 and HR70-15, while the Special Opt. uses GR78-15, so the first step is matching the tire to the exact sub-model and wheel setup.
Once the correct application is confirmed, compare the sizing convention that belongs on the car. HR70-15 and GR78-15 use vintage alphanumeric radial sizing, while 215R15 uses a Euro-metric radial format. That difference affects how the tire is identified and how closely the replacement follows the original style language of the vehicle.
How do I choose between alphanumeric radial and Euro-metric radial sizes on a 1979 Ford LTD II?
On the 1979 Ford LTD II, both sizing systems appear as primary radial fitments, but they apply to specific configurations. HR78-14, HR70-15, and GR78-15 are alphanumeric radials, while 215R15 is a Euro-metric radial. The correct choice depends on the sub-model and wheel already associated with the car.
This is less about personal preference and more about matching the car’s actual fitment. An alphanumeric radial keeps the period size format familiar to many late-1970s American vehicles, while 215R15 follows a metric convention. Check the existing wheel, the tire currently on the car, and overall clearance before changing from one format to another.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Ford LTD II?
A period-style 1979 Ford LTD II usually starts with keeping the size format tied to the car’s actual sub-model. HR78-14, HR70-15, and GR78-15 preserve the late-1970s alphanumeric radial look, while 215R15 follows a metric radial format used on the Police Sedan application.
The best restoration-oriented choice is the one that matches the car’s proper fitment first, then supports the appearance goal you have in mind. Owners seeking a highly accurate restoration should compare the tire size on the car with vehicle-specific historical references, old photos, or marque-club guidance before settling on a final presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 Ford LTD II restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters because it affects both the look and the stance of a restored 1979 Ford LTD II. Using the proper sub-model size helps preserve the visual balance intended for that configuration, whether the car uses the 14-inch HR78-14 setup or one of the 15-inch radial applications.
Fitment also affects practical details once the car returns to the road. A different wheel diameter or mismatched size format can complicate clearance, replacement planning, and overall presentation. Even on a driver-quality restoration, it is worth confirming the exact wheel-and-tire setup before mounting new tires and putting miles on the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Ford LTD II?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1979 Ford LTD II, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or bodywork that differs from stock. Those changes can affect which 14-inch or 15-inch tire size works properly on the vehicle.
Even when the car uses one of the correct original fitment sizes, wheel width, offset, and clearance still need to be checked on a modified setup. Steering travel and fender space matter as much as the size printed on the sidewall. A careful inspection helps avoid rubbing or mounting the wrong tire for the actual configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Ford LTD II on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Ford LTD II on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or rust, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the installed tires. It is also wise to check for uneven suspension wear, loose steering components, and obvious clearance problems.
A roadworthy tire still depends on a roadworthy car. On a late-1970s vehicle, old shocks, tired bushings, or worn alignment parts can affect how the new tires behave. A short, careful first drive gives you a chance to watch for pull, vibration, or rubbing before putting the car into regular service.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Ford LTD II be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 Ford LTD II should be checked regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear. Cars that spend long periods parked need attention even when the tread looks barely used, because age and storage conditions can affect the tire before mileage does.
Good storage habits help preserve the tires between drives. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can slow deterioration, and moving the vehicle occasionally can help prevent long-term flat spotting. A visual inspection before each outing is a smart habit on any lightly driven vintage car.
