The 1979 Nissan 510 belongs to the later chapter of the 510 name, when Nissan offered a compact sedan, hatchback, and wagon aimed at practical everyday use rather than the earlier model’s sport-sedan reputation. That makes tire selection on this car especially dependent on the exact body style. The 1979 Nissan 510 uses either a 165R13 radial or a 6.45-13 bias-ply tire, both on 13-inch rims, depending on sub-model. For owners comparing replacement choices, the radial fitment brings modern-style euro-metric sizing, while the bias-ply fitment keeps a more traditional numeric format. The right choice starts with identifying the correct sub-model, then matching the tire’s construction and overall presentation to the car’s intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Nissan 510
Two different tire sizes apply to the 1979 Nissan 510, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, but one is a radial 165R13 and the other is a 6.45-13 bias-ply. Before choosing a tire, the first step is confirming whether the car is a Hatchback, Sedan 2 Dr., or Wagon so the size and construction match the vehicle’s setup.
165R13 is a euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1979 Nissan 510, this size is used on radial-equipped sub-models and gives the car a more modern sizing format than an older numeric bias-ply tire. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop products in blackwall form, with series such as XAS-FF, XAS, and SP Sport Aquajet. This is the size to evaluate when the car is a Hatchback or Wagon and retains its 13-inch radial wheel setup.
6.45-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.45 represents the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1979 Nissan 510, this size reflects a traditional bias-ply fitment rather than the radial sizing used on other sub-models. Numeric bias-ply tires appeal to owners who want to stay close to the car’s original-era construction style and visual character. This size should be considered only after confirming that the vehicle is the Sedan 2 Dr. configuration that uses the 6.45-13 fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1979 Nissan 510 because tire size and construction are not the same across the range. Hatchback and Wagon models use a radial size, while the Sedan 2 Dr. uses a bias-ply size, so identifying the exact body style is the first step before comparing tires.
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1979 Nissan 510 Hatchback
The 1979 Nissan 510 Hatchback uses the 165R13 radial tire size on a 13-inch rim. Tire selection here centers on choosing among the available blackwall radial options and confirming that the wheel setup still matches the car’s radial fitment.
The 1979 Nissan 510 Sedan 2 Dr. uses the 6.45-13 bias-ply tire size on a 13-inch rim. That makes construction choice especially important, since this sub-model follows a traditional numeric bias-ply fitment rather than the radial size used elsewhere in the 510 lineup.
The 1979 Nissan 510 Wagon uses the 165R13 radial tire size on a 13-inch rim. Owners choosing tires for the Wagon can focus on radial product differences such as brand and tire series while still confirming wheel condition and fitment before 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.
Best 1979 Nissan 510 Tires for Sale
Available 165R13 choices focus on radial blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop. The product grid lets buyers compare different series, radial constructions, and rim-width specifications for 13-inch applications on the Hatchback and Wagon.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1979 Nissan 510, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to consider when comparing radial and bias-ply choices, product options, and road-use readiness.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Nissan 510?
The 1979 Nissan 510 uses two different tire sizes depending on sub-model. The Hatchback and Wagon use 165R13 radial tires, while the Sedan 2 Dr. uses 6.45-13 bias-ply tires. Both fitments are built around a 13-inch rim, but the tire construction and sizing format are different.
That means the right answer starts with identifying the exact body style rather than choosing by year and model alone. A Hatchback or Wagon owner should stay within the 165R13 radial fitment, while a Sedan 2 Dr. owner should verify the 6.45-13 bias-ply setup and check that the wheels have not been changed over time.
What size rim does a 1979 Nissan 510 use?
The tire fitments used on the 1979 Nissan 510 are built around a 13-inch rim. Both the 165R13 radial size and the 6.45-13 bias-ply size use the same rim diameter, even though the sizing systems and tire constructions differ.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to confirm the actual wheels on the car before ordering tires. A 13-inch wheel can exist in different widths and may have been replaced over the years, especially on older compact cars that have seen restoration work or aftermarket wheel changes.
Do all 1979 Nissan 510 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1979 Nissan 510 does not use one universal tire size across every sub-model. The Hatchback and Wagon use 165R13 radial tires, while the Sedan 2 Dr. uses a 6.45-13 bias-ply tire. The shared model name does not mean the tire fitment is the same.
That difference affects both sizing format and construction choice. Anyone replacing tires on a 1979 510 should confirm the body style first, then inspect the wheels currently on the car to make sure they still match the expected 13-inch radial or bias-ply setup rather than assuming all versions interchange.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.45-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1979 Nissan 510?
For the 1979 Nissan 510 Sedan 2 Dr., 6.45-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses a traditional numeric format, where the first number represents nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter.
That matters because a bias-ply fitment brings a different construction style and appearance than the 165R13 radial used on other 1979 Nissan 510 sub-models. Before replacing tires, it helps to confirm whether the car still has its original-style wheel and tire setup or has already been converted to something different during its life.
Is 165R13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1979 Nissan 510?
On the 1979 Nissan 510 Hatchback and Wagon, 165R13 is a radial tire size. The 165 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R marks radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. This is a euro-metric radial format rather than a vintage numeric bias-ply size.
That means Hatchback and Wagon owners should compare radial products within the 165R13 family rather than treating the car like the bias-ply-equipped Sedan 2 Dr. Checking actual wheel width and current wheel condition is still worthwhile, especially on a late-1970s car that may have seen replacement wheels or tire changes over several decades.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1979 Nissan 510?
The answer depends on the specific 1979 Nissan 510 sub-model and the wheel setup currently on the car. Hatchback and Wagon models use the 165R13 radial fitment, while the Sedan 2 Dr. uses the 6.45-13 bias-ply fitment. Those are different primary constructions, not interchangeable assumptions.
A buyer choosing tires should start with the original fitment for that body style, then consider whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented presentation or has already been altered. Wheel dimensions, clearance, and overall setup should be checked carefully before any construction change, especially when moving away from the size and format the sub-model was designed around.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1979 Nissan 510?
Start with the exact sub-model, because the 1979 Nissan 510 uses either a 165R13 radial or a 6.45-13 bias-ply depending on body style. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare tire construction, rim compatibility, and the kind of use the car will actually see, whether that is casual driving, display, or a restoration-focused presentation.
For 165R13 applications, product differences include brand, tire series, and rim-width specification. For 6.45-13 applications, the key decision is usually whether to retain the traditional bias-ply format. In either case, checking the actual wheels and making sure the car has not been modified will keep the selection process grounded in the vehicle’s real setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Nissan 510 tires?
The available 165R13 radial products for the 1979 Nissan 510 are offered in blackwall form. That gives Hatchback and Wagon owners a clean, understated sidewall presentation while comparing radial products from different brands and tire series within the same overall size family.
Sidewall appearance can matter on a late-1970s compact, especially if the car is being restored or kept in a period-minded style. Even so, appearance should come after confirming the correct size and construction for the sub-model, since a Sedan 2 Dr. follows the 6.45-13 bias-ply fitment instead of the radial 165R13 product group.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Nissan 510?
For the 165R13 radial fitment used on the 1979 Nissan 510 Hatchback and Wagon, available brands include Michelin and Dunlop. Michelin appears in XAS-FF and XAS series offerings, while Dunlop is represented by the SP Sport Aquajet, giving buyers several radial choices within the same basic size.
Brand selection should still be treated as one part of a broader fitment decision. The most important step is matching the tire to the correct sub-model, then comparing details such as tire series, blackwall presentation, and wheel-width suitability rather than assuming every 1979 Nissan 510 uses the same tire or construction.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Nissan 510?
A period-style choice starts with the fitment that matches the specific 1979 Nissan 510 sub-model. The Sedan 2 Dr. uses a 6.45-13 bias-ply tire, which keeps a more traditional late-1970s presentation, while the Hatchback and Wagon use 165R13 radial tires that reflect a more modernized size format for the era.
For a restoration-oriented car, staying with the correct size and construction matters more than chasing a generic vintage look. If exact originality is important, compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific historical references, photos, or marque guidance, then confirm the current wheels still support the intended fitment before making a final selection.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Nissan 510?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1979 Nissan 510 because the radial 165R13 and bias-ply 6.45-13 fitments present the car in different ways. The radial size uses a euro-metric format common to later vehicles, while the numeric bias-ply size gives the Sedan 2 Dr. a more traditional tire profile and naming convention.
That makes construction part of the restoration decision, not just a technical detail. A buyer aiming for an authentic overall impression should choose the fitment that belongs to the specific sub-model first, then consider sidewall appearance and tire series within that framework rather than mixing visual cues from different 510 body styles.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Nissan 510?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Nissan 510 even when the original tire size is known. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body modifications can change how a 165R13 radial or 6.45-13 bias-ply tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance the car has.
That is why an older 510 should be measured and inspected as it exists today, not only by catalog fitment. Wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender space all deserve a quick check before replacement tires go on, especially if the car has passed through several owners or restoration stages.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Nissan 510 on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Nissan 510 on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and general tire seating on the rim. It also helps to check suspension condition, steering components, and basic alignment health so the new tires are not being asked to work with worn or loose front-end parts.
A short clearance check is worthwhile once the car is back on the ground. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for any fender or suspension interference, and monitor air pressure after the first drives. On a collector-era compact, those simple checks can catch setup issues before they become wear or handling problems.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Nissan 510 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 Nissan 510 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cuts, bulges, cracking, and uneven wear, and checked for slow air loss if the car sits for long periods. Low-use vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions as much as through mileage.
Storage habits matter just as much as routine inspection. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and occasional movement can reduce long stationary loading. Before any longer drive, give the tires and wheels a fresh visual inspection rather than assuming limited use means they are road-ready.
