1979 Opel Opel Tires

A 1979 Opel Opel uses either 155R13 or 175/70R13, depending on the sub-model and wheel setup. Both are radial tire sizes for 13-inch rims. The Coupe & 4 Dr. Sedan can use either size, while the Sport Coupe uses 175/70R13.

That makes sub-model confirmation important before choosing a tire. On a Coupe or 4 Dr. Sedan, it is also worth checking the actual wheels currently on the car, since many older imported cars have been changed over the years. Matching the tire to the wheel diameter and width already in place is just as important as matching the vehicle name.

The 1979 Opel Opel uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both supported tire sizes, 155R13 and 175/70R13. Even though the tire sizes differ in format and section width, both are built around the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still deserves attention before selecting a tire. Some available 155R13 and 175/70R13 products are tied to specific rim-width ranges, and that can influence which tire is most appropriate. Checking the actual wheel dimensions on the car helps avoid choosing a tire that is correct in diameter but mismatched to the rim.

No. The 1979 Opel Opel Coupe & 4 Dr. Sedan can use 155R13 or 175/70R13, while the 1979 Opel Opel Sport Coupe uses 175/70R13. All of these are radial tires for 13-inch rims, but the size application is not identical across the range.

That difference matters because a buyer should not assume every 1979 Opel Opel takes the same tire just because the wheel diameter matches. The safest path is to confirm the exact sub-model first, then verify the wheel dimensions currently on the car. Older vehicles often carry replacement wheels, and that can affect which of the supported tire sizes makes the most sense.

Start with the exact sub-model and tire size: 155R13 or 175/70R13. Both are radial 13-inch fitments, but they differ in sizing convention and intended presentation. A 155R13 keeps a traditional Euro-metric format, while 175/70R13 uses a stated aspect ratio and a more modern metric description.

After size is settled, compare the tire series, wheel-width compatibility, and the type of driving the car will see. A restoration-oriented owner may lean toward the visual character of a Euro-metric radial, while another owner may simply want the correct 175/70R13 setup for the car as equipped. Keeping those priorities clear usually leads to a better final choice than focusing on brand alone.

The available tires for the 1979 Opel Opel are offered in blackwall sidewall styling. That applies across the supported 13-inch radial choices in 155R13 and 175/70R13, including the Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon options associated with those sizes.

Because the sidewall treatment stays consistent, the visual decision is less about stripe color or lettering style and more about the tire's overall shape, sizing format, and series character. For an owner trying to keep the car's appearance clean and understated, blackwall choices suit the compact European look well. The remaining decision points become size, wheel compatibility, and how period-minded the finished presentation should feel.

Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon all offer applicable tires for the 1979 Opel Opel. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 fitment, while Avon appears in 175/70R13. All of these choices use radial construction and fit 13-inch rims.

Brand alone should not drive the decision. It makes more sense to compare which size the car needs first, then look at series character, stated rim-width compatibility, and the kind of appearance the tire gives the vehicle. On this Opel, the main split is between the traditional Euro-metric 155R13 format and the 175/70R13 metric radial used on the Sport Coupe and some other configurations.

A period-style starting point for a 1979 Opel Opel is the tire size that matches the car's actual sub-model and wheel setup. For owners favoring a traditional late-1970s European small-car look, 155R13 has the older Euro-metric radial presentation, while 175/70R13 carries a more modern stated-aspect-ratio format.

Appearance decisions should stay secondary to correct fitment. Once the right size is confirmed, the tire's shape and series character become the main visual factors because the available sidewall treatment is blackwall. If exact originality matters at a show level, period photos, marque references, or vehicle-specific historical material can help narrow the look beyond simply choosing the correct size.

Yes, correct tire fitment has a strong effect on both the appearance and the way a restored 1979 Opel Opel sits on the road. Using the appropriate 13-inch radial size for the exact sub-model helps preserve the car's intended proportions and avoids giving a small European car an obviously mismatched stance.

Fitment also influences practical details beyond appearance. A tire that is right for the wheel and vehicle setup is more likely to maintain proper clearance and steering behavior than one chosen by guesswork. During a restoration, it is worth confirming the current wheels rather than assuming they are original to the car, especially if the project changed hands or was modified years earlier.

Yes. Even though the supported sizes for a 1979 Opel Opel are 155R13 and 175/70R13 on 13-inch rims, changes to wheels, suspension height, or body clearance can affect what works on the car as it sits today. That is especially relevant on older imports that may have received aftermarket wheels over time.

A modified car should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fenders and steering components before a tire is chosen. A size that belongs on the vehicle in general may still be a poor match for a changed setup. Looking at the whole package usually prevents rubbing, awkward stance, or tire-to-wheel mismatch problems that are easy to miss on paper.

Before driving a 1979 Opel Opel on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, verify proper air pressure, and make sure the tires clear the body and suspension through steering travel. It also helps to look over the valve stems, wheel condition, and basic alignment-related wear patterns.

A collector-era car benefits from a broader check before road use. Brake condition, wheel fastener torque, and suspension wear can all influence how the new tires feel once the car is moving. Taking a cautious first drive and rechecking pressure afterward is a smart habit, particularly on a vehicle that may have spent long periods parked between outings.

Tires on a collector 1979 Opel Opel should be kept at the proper pressure, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources. Low-mileage cars still need routine tire checks because age and storage conditions matter as much as tread depth.

Regular movement helps prevent long-term flat spotting, and a stored car benefits from a clean, dry environment. It is also wise to keep an eye on slow air loss, since an older wheel or valve stem can create issues that are blamed on the tire itself. Before a longer drive, a quick visual inspection and pressure check are worthwhile even if the car was not driven much.