The 1979 Nissan 200 sits in the late-1970s import coupe era, when compact Japanese cars were gaining attention for sharp styling, lighter weight, and more modern road manners than many larger domestic cars. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire choice has a direct effect on both appearance and the way the car feels in everyday driving. This model uses a 175/70R13 radial tire on a 13-inch rim, so the focus is less about sorting through multiple factory-type sizes and more about choosing the right tire within that fitment. With a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ available, the decision centers on road use, wheel compatibility, and maintaining the car’s intended stance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Nissan 200
The 1979 Nissan 200 uses one primary tire size: 175/70R13, a radial fitment for a 13-inch rim. The covered sub-model uses that same size, so the main decision is not between multiple primary fitments, but between the available tire options in that size and making sure the wheel width and overall setup still match the car.
A 175/70R13 size is a metric radial tire with a nominal section width of 175 millimeters, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1979 Nissan 200, that means a modern radial-format tire sized for the car’s compact late-1970s chassis and wheel package. In this fitment, the available choice is an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, giving the car a clean, understated presentation rather than a decorative sidewall treatment. This size is the right place to start when the goal is preserving proper proportions, confirming wheel compatibility, and keeping the tire selection aligned with the car’s intended fitment.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, because the covered 1979 Nissan 200 sub-model uses the same primary tire size. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but tire selection remains centered on the same 175/70R13 radial fitment and the wheel setup on the car.
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1979 Nissan 200 SX Hardtop
The 1979 Nissan 200 SX Hardtop uses the 175/70R13 radial tire size, keeping fitment simple for owners working from a stock-style wheel diameter. That makes the selection process more about choosing the right radial tire for the car’s use and confirming the wheel width still suits the intended 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 Nissan 200 Tires for Sale
Available 175/70R13 options for the 1979 Nissan 200 center on a radial blackwall tire from Avon in the CR6ZZ series. The product grid is where to compare details such as rim-width compatibility, load and speed specification, and overall fit with the car’s 13-inch wheel setup.
These FAQs focus on 1979 Nissan 200 tire size, 13-inch rim fitment, radial-tire selection, restoration-minded appearance, and the basic checks worth making before driving or changing wheel and tire combinations.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Nissan 200?
The 1979 Nissan 200 uses a 175/70R13 radial tire. That size is the primary fitment for this vehicle, and the covered 1979 Nissan 200 SX Hardtop uses the same size as well.
For most owners, the key step is confirming that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheel setup and a wheel width that suits the tire being considered. If the car has been changed with aftermarket wheels, suspension alterations, or a different overall tire diameter, the best choice is to verify wheel width, clearance, and the car’s current stance before selecting a replacement.
What size rim does a 1979 Nissan 200 use?
The 1979 Nissan 200 uses a 13-inch rim with its 175/70R13 tire size. The available radial option in this fitment is built for a 13-inch wheel and carries a recommended rim-width range of 4.5 to 6.0 inches.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still matters when replacing tires. A 13-inch wheel with the wrong width can affect the way the tire seats and presents on the car, especially on a compact coupe where proportions are easy to notice. Checking the stamped wheel size or measuring the wheel is worthwhile before mounting a new set.
Does the 1979 Nissan 200 SX Hardtop use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1979 Nissan 200 SX Hardtop uses the same 175/70R13 radial tire size as the covered 1979 Nissan 200 fitment. That keeps tire selection fairly simple because there is no separate primary size to sort out for that sub-model.
Even with shared fitment, it is still smart to inspect the actual wheel and tire package on the car before replacing anything. Older vehicles are often changed over the years, and a hardtop that now carries different wheels may need a more careful review of wheel width, tire clearance, and overall dimensions rather than assuming the current setup matches the intended fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 175/70R13 tire for a 1979 Nissan 200?
Start with the correct size, which is 175/70R13, and confirm that the tire is intended for a 13-inch wheel with a compatible rim-width range. On this application, construction is straightforward because the primary fitment is already radial rather than a vintage bias-ply size.
After that, compare the details that affect how the car will be used and presented. A blackwall radial gives the Nissan 200 a clean, restrained appearance, while product specifications such as load index, speed rating, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility help determine whether a given tire suits light road use, regular driving, or a more performance-oriented setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Nissan 200 tires?
The available sidewall style in 175/70R13 for the 1979 Nissan 200 is blackwall. That gives the car a simple, functional look that suits many late-1970s import coupes without adding a more decorative stripe or whitewall treatment.
Sidewall appearance matters more than many owners expect because it changes the visual character of the whole wheel and tire package. A blackwall generally keeps attention on the car’s lines and wheel design rather than the tire itself. For a driver-oriented or understated restoration, that can be a very natural choice, provided the size, wheel width, and overall proportions remain correct.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Nissan 200?
Avon offers a tire for the 1979 Nissan 200 in the correct 175/70R13 size. The available product is part of the CR6ZZ series and uses radial construction with a blackwall sidewall treatment.
When there is a focused product selection rather than a long list of brands, the decision becomes more about whether that tire’s specifications match the car and the way it will be driven. Checking rim-width compatibility, load and speed markings, and the overall look of the tire on a 13-inch wheel is more useful here than trying to compare brands that are not offered in this fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Nissan 200?
A period-style approach starts with the correct 175/70R13 fitment and a tire that preserves the compact proportions of the 1979 Nissan 200. The available blackwall radial is a sensible match for the car’s late-1970s import character and keeps the presentation clean rather than overly ornate.
Owners aiming for a highly exact restoration should treat size and construction as the starting point, then verify finer appearance details through model-specific historical references. Even when the size is right, wheel design, ride height, and sidewall appearance all shape the finished look. Keeping those elements in balance usually matters more than chasing a generic vintage style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 Nissan 200 restoration?
Yes. Correct tire fitment has a major effect on how a restored 1979 Nissan 200 looks and drives, especially because a compact coupe can appear noticeably different when tire height or width is off. Staying with the proper 175/70R13 size helps preserve the car’s intended proportions on a 13-inch wheel.
Fitment also affects practical details such as steering feel, wheelwell appearance, and how naturally the tire sits on the rim. A restoration can lose its visual balance when oversized or incorrect-profile tires are used, even if they physically mount. Verifying wheel width and checking the car’s current suspension height will help keep the finished result more consistent and better resolved.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Nissan 200?
Yes. Modifications can change how a 175/70R13 tire works on a 1979 Nissan 200, even when the original size is still being used. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel offset, suspension changes, or body modifications can all affect clearance, tire position in the wheel opening, and how the tire sits on the rim.
That is why a modified car should be checked as it actually sits rather than by size alone. Turning clearance, fender clearance, and wheel width become especially important on smaller cars where space is limited. Measuring the current wheel setup and inspecting the suspension before replacing tires helps avoid choosing a combination that looks right on paper but creates clearance problems in use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Nissan 200 on new tires?
Before driving, inspect basic installation and condition items such as tire pressure, bead seating, valve stems, lug-nut torque, and visible clearance around the suspension and body. On a 1979 Nissan 200, it is also wise to confirm that the tires are mounted on the correct 13-inch wheels and that wheel width falls within the tire’s intended range.
A short, careful test drive is the next step, with attention paid to rubbing, vibration, pull, or any unusual steering feel. Older cars often reveal unrelated issues once fresh tires are installed, including worn bushings, alignment problems, or wheel damage. Catching those early helps protect the new tires and makes the car more confidence-inspiring on regular road use.
How should 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1979 Nissan 200 be maintained?
Collector-car tire care starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and keeping the tires clean and protected from long exposure to sun, heat, and ozone sources. Even when a 1979 Nissan 200 is driven only occasionally, its 175/70R13 tires should still be examined for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss.
Low annual mileage can make owners focus on tread depth, but age and condition are often more important on an older car. Moving the vehicle periodically, storing it on a clean dry surface, and checking alignment if unusual wear appears will help preserve both the tire and the way the car drives. A collector car still benefits from routine inspection before every meaningful road outing.
