The 1979 Ford Pinto came at the end of a decade when compact American cars balanced economy, everyday practicality, and increasingly modern comfort features. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire choice is more specific than it first appears because sub-model and air-conditioning equipment affect the original fitment pattern. This Pinto uses 13-inch tires, with both vintage alphanumeric bias-ply sizes such as A70-13 and A78-13 and alphanumeric radial sizes such as BR70-13 and BR78-13 appearing across the range. That creates real choice between traditional construction and period radial sizing. The right decision starts with the exact sub-model, then moves to appearance, road manners, and wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Ford Pinto
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1979 Ford Pinto, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and whether the car uses the bias-ply or radial fitment pattern. All of them mount on a 13-inch rim, so the first step is confirming the specific Pinto configuration rather than sorting between wheel diameters. Once that is established, the decision shifts to the correct sizing family, construction type, and the kind of driving or restoration presentation you want.
A70-13 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the letter designates the tire's size class, the 70 identifies its profile family, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. As a bias-ply fitment, it suits a Pinto setup that retains the traditional construction used on certain non-air configurations. Its main relevance is preserving the original sizing style rather than moving into a later radial convention. This size is worth considering when the car still uses the matching sub-model fitment and the goal is a period-style bias-ply presentation on the correct 13-inch wheel.
A78-13 is also a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, with the letter indicating the overall size class, the 78 identifying the profile family, and the 13 referring to the wheel diameter. On the 1979 Ford Pinto, it appears on bias-ply applications and is especially important because modern radial equivalents are available for this size. That makes it useful for owners weighing a traditional bias-ply look against a more modern radial alternative. Choosing A78-13 starts with confirming that your Pinto uses this fitment and that the wheel and vehicle setup remain true to that sizing approach.
BR70-13 is an alphanumeric radial size, where the B marks the size class, the R indicates radial construction, the 70 refers to the profile family, and 13 is the rim diameter. On the 1979 Ford Pinto, this size belongs to radial-equipped configurations rather than the bias-ply setups. Its role is to maintain the original radial sizing format used on certain air-conditioned sub-models. This size deserves close attention when your Pinto already follows the radial fitment pattern and you want to stay with the proper 13-inch radial-type specification.
BR78-13 follows the same alphanumeric radial format, with the B size class, the R for radial construction, the 78 profile family, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1979 Ford Pinto, it appears on radial-equipped sub-models and should be evaluated within that specific fitment context rather than treated as a universal substitute. Its practical importance is confirming the correct radial size family before comparing actual tire options. Buyers should look at the exact Pinto configuration, wheel condition, and overall stance goals before moving forward with this size.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1979 Ford Pinto because tire size and construction vary between non-air and air-conditioned configurations. Every covered version uses a 13-inch rim, but the correct size family changes with the exact sub-model, so identification should come before tire selection.
1
1979 Ford Pinto Non-Air
The 1979 Ford Pinto Non-Air uses bias-ply sizing, with both A70-13 and A78-13 appearing in this configuration. That makes it important to confirm which of the two bias-ply sizes belongs on the car before choosing between a traditional restoration-oriented tire approach and any radial-equivalent evaluation tied specifically to A78-13.
The 1979 Ford Pinto Wagon Non-Air keeps things more straightforward by using A78-13 in a bias-ply construction. For tire selection, the main question is whether to stay with the original sizing style for a period-style appearance or consider one of the radial equivalents associated with A78-13 after checking wheel compatibility.
The 1979 Ford Pinto Wagon w/Air uses radial-format sizing, with BR70-13 and BR78-13 appearing in this sub-model. That means the buyer should first verify which of those two radial sizes matches the car, then compare tire options within the correct 13-inch radial fitment rather than crossing over into the bias-ply group.
The 1979 Ford Pinto w/Air also follows the radial fitment pattern and uses BR70-13 or BR78-13. Tire selection here centers on confirming the exact radial size first, then choosing a tire that matches the vehicle's wheel setup and the kind of appearance or road use expected from a late-1970s compact.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1979 Ford Pinto
A78-13 has three radial-equivalent options for the 1979 Ford Pinto. Those equivalents are 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. Together, they provide a progression from a traditional metric radial format to later P-metric profile choices. A recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches applies, and any conversion should still be checked against wheel dimensions, overall vehicle setup, and clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (A78-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (A78-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (A78-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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
These 1979 Ford Pinto tire FAQs focus on the exact size families used across non-air and air-conditioned sub-models, how the bias-ply and radial fitments differ, and what to check before choosing tires for road use or restoration-minded appearance.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Ford Pinto?
The 1979 Ford Pinto uses four primary tire sizes across its covered configurations: A70-13, A78-13, BR70-13, and BR78-13. A70-13 and A78-13 are bias-ply sizes, while BR70-13 and BR78-13 are radial sizes. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model and whether the car is a non-air or air-conditioned version.
That means the real first step is identifying the specific Pinto configuration rather than choosing a tire by appearance alone. Every listed size uses a 13-inch rim, but the sizing family and construction still matter. A car that has changed wheels or suspension over the years should also be checked carefully before moving from one size group to another.
What size rim does a 1979 Ford Pinto use?
The tire sizes covered for the 1979 Ford Pinto all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That includes the bias-ply sizes A70-13 and A78-13 as well as the radial sizes BR70-13 and BR78-13. Rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire size family changes across sub-models.
A matching diameter does not automatically make every 13-inch tire the right choice for every Pinto. Construction type, section profile, and sub-model-specific fitment still need to line up with the car. It is also worth confirming actual wheel width and checking for any aftermarket wheel changes before selecting between bias-ply and radial-style sizes.
Why does the 1979 Ford Pinto have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears on the 1979 Ford Pinto because fitment varies by sub-model and by the vehicle's original construction pattern. Non-air versions use bias-ply sizes, while air-conditioned versions use radial sizes. Within those groups, more than one size can apply, which is why the Pinto does not narrow down to a single universal tire code.
This matters because the right tire cannot be chosen by model name alone. A Pinto wagon and a standard Pinto may not follow the same tire pattern, and an air-conditioned car should not be assumed to use the same size family as a non-air car. Confirming the exact configuration helps avoid selecting the wrong style of tire for the car's setup.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is A78-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1979 Ford Pinto?
A78-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1979 Ford Pinto. It appears on bias-ply applications, including the Pinto Wagon Non-Air, and it belongs to the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply sizing system rather than the radial alphanumeric family used by BR70-13 and BR78-13.
That distinction is important because an A78-13 bias-ply fitment and a radial alternative are not the same thing even when they share the same 13-inch wheel diameter. Owners preserving a traditional period-style driving and appearance approach may want to stay with the original construction type, while anyone considering a radial alternative should confirm wheel width, tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance first.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to A78-13?
Radial equivalents for A78-13 include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. The 165R13 is a Euro-metric 80-series radial equivalent, P165/75R13 is a P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P175/70R13 is a P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. A recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches is associated with these alternatives.
Each option gives the Pinto owner a different radial sizing convention while staying in the same general comparison family for A78-13. Even so, an equivalent should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic swap. Checking wheel width, overall tire proportions, and clearance at the fenders and steering range is the smart next step before making a conversion.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1979 Ford Pinto?
The answer depends on which fitment pattern your 1979 Ford Pinto uses and what you want from the car. Non-air configurations use bias-ply sizes such as A70-13 and A78-13, while air-conditioned configurations use radial sizes such as BR70-13 and BR78-13. A78-13 also has radial-equivalent alternatives for owners considering a change in construction style.
A restoration-oriented Pinto is often approached differently from one meant for regular road use, so construction choice should follow both the car's correct size family and the owner's goals. Wheel width, suspension condition, and clearance should all be reviewed before changing construction. Keeping the tire type consistent with the vehicle's intended setup usually leads to the cleanest decision.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1979 Ford Pinto?
Start with the exact fitment group for the car: A70-13 or A78-13 for bias-ply applications, and BR70-13 or BR78-13 for radial applications. On a 1979 Ford Pinto, sub-model and air-conditioning equipment determine which family applies. That makes vehicle configuration more important than simply choosing any 13-inch tire.
Once the proper size family is confirmed, think about how the car will be used and whether the goal is a traditional period-style presentation or a radial-oriented road setup. Wheel width, clearance, and overall vehicle condition all deserve attention before switching sizes or constructions. For A78-13 specifically, the available radial equivalents should be compared carefully rather than assumed to interchange automatically.
How do I choose between the available A78-13 tires for a 1979 Ford Pinto?
A78-13 selection begins with deciding whether the Pinto should remain in its original bias-ply sizing style or move to one of the radial equivalents associated with that size. Since A78-13 appears on bias-ply applications, it is the right starting point for owners who want to keep the period size format in place on the correct 13-inch wheel.
The next comparison is practical rather than cosmetic alone. A bias-ply A78-13 keeps the traditional construction type, while 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 offer radial alternatives in different metric formats. Checking the wheel against the 4-5 inch rim-width range and reviewing vehicle clearance will help narrow the choice without overstepping the car's intended setup.
What rim-width specifications should I compare when choosing 1979 Ford Pinto tires?
Rim width becomes especially important when comparing radial alternatives for A78-13 on a 1979 Ford Pinto. The available equivalents for that size carry a recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches. That specification helps frame whether the wheel is a suitable match before moving from the original bias-ply size to a radial-format option.
A wheel can have the right 13-inch diameter and still be less than ideal for a different tire profile if width is overlooked. Measuring the actual wheel on the car is worthwhile, particularly if the Pinto has been modified or if the wheel history is uncertain. Width should be evaluated along with tire dimensions and body clearance, not as a stand-alone number.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Ford Pinto?
A period-style 1979 Ford Pinto should begin with the tire size family that matches the car's original fitment pattern. That means A70-13 or A78-13 for the covered bias-ply applications, and BR70-13 or BR78-13 for the covered radial applications. Using the correct family preserves the visual proportions and construction style associated with that specific configuration.
Appearance goals should still be balanced with how the car will actually be driven. Some owners want a more traditional presentation, while others may consider a radial alternative for A78-13 without abandoning the overall vintage feel of the car. When exact originality matters, it is smart to compare tire choice against marque references and the car's own historical details.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 Ford Pinto restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters because the 1979 Ford Pinto does not use one universal tire size across all covered versions. Non-air and air-conditioned cars follow different construction patterns, and the Pinto wagon can differ from the standard car as well. Using the proper size family helps the finished vehicle look and sit more like the configuration being restored.
A restoration can lose visual credibility quickly when the tire construction, profile family, or overall presentation is obviously out of step with the vehicle. That does not mean every owner must chase the same result, but it does mean the exact sub-model should guide the decision. Wheel diameter and actual wheel width should also be confirmed before the restoration is finalized.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Ford Pinto?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Ford Pinto even when the original tire size is known. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how a tire sits and clears. That matters on a Pinto because several size families already exist across the model range.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel openings and through the steering range before a tire is selected, especially when considering a shift from bias-ply sizing to a radial equivalent. Diameter alone is not enough. Looking at wheel width, sidewall clearance, and the actual stance of the car helps prevent choosing a tire that only appears correct on paper.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Ford Pinto on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Ford Pinto on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size family, and check inflation, valve stems, and overall installation quality. It is also wise to look over the suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn hardware.
A short, careful road test is the best follow-up once the basics are covered. Pay attention to rubbing, unusual vibration, and any sign that the tires are contacting the body or suspension at full lock. Collector cars that sit for long periods also benefit from a recheck after the first drive to make sure pressures remain stable and everything stays seated properly.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Ford Pinto be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1979 Ford Pinto should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, and protected from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for inspection, because age and storage conditions can matter as much as tread depth.
A Pinto that spends time parked should have its tires checked before any serious road use, not just at routine service intervals. Rolling the car periodically, storing it on a clean dry surface, and watching for flat-spotting can all help. Any tire with questionable age or visible deterioration deserves closer evaluation before the car is trusted on longer drives.
