1979 Nissan 720 Pickup Tires

A 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup can use 185R14, 700-14, G78-15, or 195R14, depending on the exact sub-model. The KM King Cab uses 185R14 radial, the M Reg. Bed and MG Long Bed use 700-14 bias-ply, the MY 4x4 Reg. Bed uses G78-15 bias-ply, and the Sport Reg. Bed uses 195R14 radial.

That means the first step is identifying the exact truck configuration before choosing a tire. Wheel diameter matters just as much, since most versions use a 14-inch rim while the 4x4 uses a 15-inch fitment. If the truck has had wheels changed over the years, confirm the current wheel size before ordering anything.

The 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 185R14, 700-14, and 195R14 fitments are all tied to 14-inch rims, while the G78-15 fitment used on the MY 4x4 Reg. Bed requires a 15-inch rim.

Rim diameter should be confirmed before comparing tires, especially on a vintage truck that may have seen wheel swaps. Rim width also matters once the diameter is correct, because some available tires are intended for narrower wheels than others. Checking both diameter and width helps narrow the choice to tires that suit the truck's actual wheel setup.

No. Tire fitment varies across the 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup lineup. The KM King Cab uses 185R14 radial, the M Reg. Bed and MG Long Bed use 700-14 bias-ply, the MY 4x4 Reg. Bed uses G78-15 bias-ply, and the Sport Reg. Bed uses 195R14 radial.

That variation affects more than just the numbers on the sidewall. It changes construction type, wheel diameter, and the range of products that make sense for the truck. A buyer who starts with the exact sub-model can avoid mixing up a 14-inch street-oriented fitment with a 15-inch 4x4 application or choosing a radial when the truck is currently set up for bias-ply.

On the 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup, 700-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size used on the M Reg. Bed and MG Long Bed. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment on a 14-inch rim, and the available products in this size are bias-ply tires rather than primary radial replacements.

That matters because keeping 700-14 preserves the truck's original-style construction and overall presentation. Radial equivalents do exist for comparison, but changing construction should be approached as a separate fitment decision rather than an automatic substitution. Wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance around the truck all deserve a careful check before moving away from the original bias-ply format.

Radial equivalents for 700-14 include 185R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P195/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P205/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, giving a useful starting point for evaluating whether a radial alternative matches the wheel.

Each of those sizes represents a different sizing convention and profile family, so the decision is not only about choosing a radial instead of a bias-ply. It is also about verifying wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance on the truck itself. That is especially important on an older pickup where wheel changes, suspension work, or years of service may have altered the original setup.

A bias-look radial equivalent is available for one 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup bias-ply fitment. The G78-15 size used on the MY 4x4 Reg. Bed has 710R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent, while the 700-14 fitment does not have a bias-look radial equivalent shown here.

That option can appeal to buyers who want a more traditional visual character while considering radial construction. Even so, it should be treated as an alternative size, not as an automatic interchange. Checking the 15-inch wheel, the recommended rim-width range, and clearance at full steering travel is a smart step before switching the 4x4 from G78-15 bias-ply to 710R15.

Start with the truck's exact sub-model, then confirm the wheel diameter already on it. A 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup may need a 14-inch radial, a 14-inch bias-ply, or a 15-inch bias-ply tire, so choosing by year and model alone is not enough. Construction type and intended appearance both matter once the fitment is confirmed.

From there, compare the details that affect how the truck will look and be used, including sidewall style, tire series, and rim-width compatibility. A King Cab with 185R14 radial tires calls for a different kind of selection process than a 4x4 on G78-15 bias-ply tires. Matching the tire to the truck's current wheels and restoration goals usually leads to the clearest decision.

Sidewall choices for the 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size. The 185R14 radial options include blackwall and narrow whitewall, the 700-14 bias-ply size includes blackwall and narrow whitewall, and G78-15 bias-ply options include blackwall and wide whitewall.

That means sidewall style is closely tied to the exact fitment rather than being a universal choice across the whole truck line. A subtle blackwall usually keeps the look plain and utilitarian, while whitewall treatments create a more styled or restoration-oriented presentation. Once the correct size is confirmed, sidewall appearance becomes one of the easiest ways to shape the truck's final character.

The available tire brands for the 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup include Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA. Brand availability depends on the tire size, with 185R14 radial options coming from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein, 700-14 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich, and G78-15 bias-ply options from Coker Classic and STA.

The practical choice is less about ranking brands and more about matching the brand's available product style to the truck's fitment and intended look. Some sizes have several radial touring-style options, while others lean toward classic bias-ply presentation. Once the correct size is set, comparing sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility usually matters more than the brand name by itself.

A period-style choice starts with the tire size and construction used by the truck's exact sub-model. For the M Reg. Bed and MG Long Bed, that points toward 700-14 bias-ply, while the MY 4x4 Reg. Bed uses G78-15 bias-ply. The KM King Cab and Sport Reg. Bed use radial fitments, so period-style selection there comes from staying with the correct size and a traditional-looking sidewall treatment.

Appearance should be balanced with the kind of truck being preserved or restored. A blackwall can keep the look straightforward, while whitewall options create a more styled presentation. When exact originality matters beyond size and general construction, marque-specific references, period photos, and vehicle history are the best way to narrow down the most convincing finishing details.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup as much as it affects the driving feel. Bias-ply tires such as 700-14 and G78-15 reinforce a more traditional late-1970s truck presentation, especially when paired with blackwall or whitewall sidewalls. Radial sizes such as 185R14 and 195R14 generally give the truck a more modernized look within the correct wheel diameter.

That difference becomes important when the goal is a survivor-style restoration, a clean driver, or a custom build with vintage flavor. Construction should be chosen with the truck's exact sub-model in mind first, then matched to the intended stance and sidewall appearance. A careful visual choice can make the wheels, ride height, and body lines look more coherent without overcomplicating the fitment.

Yes. Modifications can change how a tire fits on a 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup even when the size is correct for the original sub-model. Aftermarket wheels may alter width or offset, and suspension changes can affect clearance at the fender, steering components, or body. That is especially important on trucks that have been lowered, lifted, or converted from their original wheel setup.

A smart check includes wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearances at full steering travel and normal ride height. On a truck with a bias-ply-to-radial conversion under consideration, overall tire dimensions also deserve attention. Confirming the current configuration before choosing a tire helps avoid fitment surprises that have nothing to do with the tire catalog size itself.

Before driving a 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the lug hardware and valve stems are in good condition. The truck should also be checked for rubbing at the fenders and steering components once the tires are mounted and inflated to the appropriate pressure for the tire and application.

A quick road-use inspection should include tread seating, sidewall condition, and any signs of air loss after installation. Older trucks also benefit from a look at suspension wear, alignment condition, and brake components before putting fresh tires into service. Catching those issues early helps the new tires wear more evenly and keeps the truck more predictable on the road.

Tires on a collector 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup should be checked regularly for pressure, cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Low-use vintage vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions as much as through mileage, so sidewall condition and air retention deserve just as much attention as tread depth.

Storage habits make a real difference. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, heat, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the rubber over time. It also helps to move the vehicle periodically or avoid leaving it parked in one position for extended stretches. A brief inspection before each drive is a good routine for any older pickup that sees seasonal or occasional use.