The 1979 Plymouth Champ arrived at a time when compact cars were being judged as much on efficiency and packaging as on style, and its light, practical hatchback layout reflects that late-1970s shift. For owners today, tire selection comes down to confirming the exact Champ configuration, because this model year uses 155R13 and 175/70R13 radial sizes, while some Hatchback versions also appear with 6.15-13 bias-ply fitment. That creates a meaningful choice between vintage-style construction and more modern radial formats. It also makes wheel verification, sub-model identification, and intended use especially important before choosing a restoration-oriented tire or a regular road-going setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Plymouth Champ
The 1979 Plymouth Champ uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. All of them fit a 13-inch rim, but construction varies between radial and bias-ply, and some versions share more than one acceptable size. Identifying the specific Hatchback or Custom Hatchback configuration is the first step before comparing tire style, series, and road-use priorities.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1979 Plymouth Champ, this size suits configurations that use a traditional narrow radial on a 13-inch rim. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet giving the buyer a choice in brand character and product style. This size is worth considering when the goal is to keep the Champ in a narrow, period-appropriate radial format.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size that uses a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch wheel diameter. For the 1979 Plymouth Champ, it represents a more modern radial format than the older numeric bias-ply sizing used on some versions. The available Avon CR6ZZ comes as a blackwall radial and gives this size a distinctly performance-oriented product identity within the Champ fitment range. This size deserves close attention on Sport Package models and on any Champ where the wheel setup matches the intended rim-width range.
6.15-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.15 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1979 Plymouth Champ, this size appears on certain Hatchback configurations and stands apart from the radial choices because it preserves a vintage construction style rather than a modern radial layout. That makes it especially relevant to owners who want to retain an earlier tire presentation or stay closer to a period-style driving feel. Before choosing it, confirm that the Champ still has the wheel and overall setup intended for this bias-ply fitment.
Sub-model fitment on the 1979 Plymouth Champ is not completely uniform, even though every size uses a 13-inch rim. Some versions share two possible tire sizes, while others are tied to a single radial fitment, so identifying the exact Hatchback configuration matters before selecting a tire.
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1979 Plymouth Champ Custom Hatchback
The 1979 Plymouth Champ Custom Hatchback uses radial tire fitments and may be equipped with either 155R13 or 175/70R13. That means the selection process centers on confirming the wheel setup first, then choosing between a narrower Euro-metric radial format and a lower-profile modern metric radial.
The 1979 Plymouth Champ Custom Hatchback w/aluminum wheels also uses radial fitments in 155R13 or 175/70R13. Tire choice here should focus on matching the installed wheel dimensions and deciding whether the car is being kept in a more traditional narrow-radial look or a sportier metric radial presentation.
The 1979 Plymouth Champ Hatchback can use either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply, making construction choice a major part of the decision. Owners should verify whether the car is being maintained with a restoration-minded bias-ply setup or updated around a radial format before selecting a tire.
The 1979 Plymouth Champ Hatchback w/Sport Pkg. uses 175/70R13 radial fitment. That keeps the decision more focused on comparing the available radial product characteristics and confirming that the current wheels still match the tire's intended rim-width range.
The 1979 Plymouth Champ Hatchback w/Sport Pkg. & aluminum wheels also uses 175/70R13 radial tires. Selection is more straightforward here, with attention shifting from size identification to wheel compatibility, road-use goals, and the kind of blackwall radial presentation desired.
The 1979 Plymouth Champ Hatchback w/aluminum wheels may use either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply. That makes it important to confirm both the wheel setup and the intended character of the car, especially when choosing between vintage-style bias-ply construction and a narrower radial alternative.
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 Plymouth Champ Tires for Sale
Available 1979 Plymouth Champ tire choices focus on radial fitments in 155R13 and 175/70R13, with blackwall options from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon. The product range spans Michelin XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, and CR6ZZ series, with differences in brand, radial type, and rim-width compatibility.
Common 1979 Plymouth Champ tire questions usually come down to the right size for the exact sub-model, whether the car uses radial or bias-ply construction, and how to compare available blackwall tire options before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Plymouth Champ?
The 1979 Plymouth Champ uses three primary tire sizes: 155R13, 175/70R13, and 6.15-13. The exact fitment depends on the sub-model, with radial sizes used across much of the range and 6.15-13 bias-ply appearing on certain Hatchback versions.
The key is to match the tire to the exact Champ configuration and the wheels currently on the car. Since more than one size can apply within this model year, check the sub-model name, confirm the 13-inch wheel setup, and make sure the car has not been changed with aftermarket wheels or suspension parts before choosing a replacement.
What size rim does a 1979 Plymouth Champ use?
The tire fitments used on the 1979 Plymouth Champ are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies across 155R13, 175/70R13, and 6.15-13, even though the construction and sizing format differ from one fitment to another.
Rim diameter is only part of the check, because wheel width still matters when comparing actual tire choices. A Champ that has kept its original-style wheel setup is simpler to sort out, while a car with replacement steel or aluminum wheels should have both diameter and width confirmed before mounting a new tire.
Why does the 1979 Plymouth Champ have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears on the 1979 Plymouth Champ because fitment varies by sub-model and, in some cases, by wheel package. Some versions use radial sizes such as 155R13 or 175/70R13, while certain Hatchback configurations also use the 6.15-13 bias-ply size.
That means the buying decision is less about the model name alone and more about the exact version of the car in front of you. A Sport Package Champ is not approached the same way as a standard Hatchback that may have bias-ply fitment, so sub-model identification should come before comparing brands or tire series.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.15-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1979 Plymouth Champ?
6.15-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1979 Plymouth Champ. It appears on certain Hatchback and Hatchback w/aluminum wheels configurations, while other Champ versions use radial sizes such as 155R13 or 175/70R13.
That distinction matters because bias-ply and radial tires differ in construction as well as appearance and driving character. A Champ that still uses 6.15-13 should have its wheel setup and restoration goals considered carefully before any change, especially if the owner is thinking about moving away from a period-style bias-ply presentation.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1979 Plymouth Champ?
The right choice depends on which tire size belongs on the specific 1979 Plymouth Champ and what the owner wants from the car. Some Champ versions use radial fitments as their primary setup, while certain Hatchback configurations also carry a 6.15-13 bias-ply option.
Bias-ply usually appeals to owners focused on vintage presentation, while radial construction is often chosen for a more modern road-going format. The decision should still start with the exact sub-model and wheel arrangement, because selecting the wrong construction without confirming the intended fitment can complicate handling, clearance, and overall appearance.
What should I check before converting my 1979 Plymouth Champ from bias-ply to radial tires?
A 1979 Plymouth Champ being changed from 6.15-13 bias-ply to a radial setup needs careful wheel and vehicle checks first. The most important items are wheel diameter, wheel width, and the exact sub-model, since radial fitments on this model year include both 155R13 and 175/70R13.
Overall dimensions, steering clearance, and fender clearance should also be reviewed before making the change. A car that still has original-style wheels may need a different evaluation than one already altered with aluminum wheels or suspension changes, so the conversion should be treated as a fitment decision rather than a simple construction swap.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 tire for a 1979 Plymouth Champ?
Choosing a 155R13 tire for a 1979 Plymouth Champ starts with confirming that 155R13 is the correct fitment for the specific sub-model. Once that is established, the main comparisons are radial construction details, brand choice, blackwall appearance, and whether the wheel width matches the intended range for the tire.
Michelin and Dunlop both offer 155R13 choices, but they are still best compared by the car's intended use rather than by name alone. A Champ kept in a period-style narrow-radial presentation may point one way, while regular road use may lead the owner to focus more closely on wheel compatibility and product format.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Plymouth Champ?
Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon all have applicable tire offerings for the 1979 Plymouth Champ. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while Avon offers a 175/70R13 radial option through the CR6ZZ series.
Brand alone should not drive the decision, because each offering also sits within a particular size and tire series. The better approach is to confirm the correct Champ fitment first, then compare the available products by size, construction, wheel compatibility, and the kind of blackwall presentation that best suits the car.
What tire series are available for the 1979 Plymouth Champ?
The available tire series for the 1979 Plymouth Champ include Michelin XAS-FF, Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, and Avon CR6ZZ. These series are tied to the Champ's radial fitments, with Michelin and Dunlop in 155R13 and Avon in 175/70R13.
Series names help separate the product choices, but they do not replace the need to confirm the correct size and wheel setup. A Champ that uses 155R13 presents a different selection path from a Sport Package car using 175/70R13, so the series comparison should come only after the fitment question is settled.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Plymouth Champ?
A period-style 1979 Plymouth Champ should begin with the tire size and construction that belong to its exact sub-model. That may mean a narrow radial such as 155R13, a 175/70R13 radial on Sport Package versions, or 6.15-13 bias-ply on certain Hatchback configurations.
Construction choice influences the overall impression of the car, especially when the owner wants a more vintage presentation rather than a purely modern road-use setup. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque-specific references and vehicle history should guide the final decision before narrowing the choice to a specific tire.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Plymouth Champ?
Tire construction can noticeably change the appearance of a restored 1979 Plymouth Champ even when the wheel diameter stays at 13 inches. A 6.15-13 bias-ply presents a more traditional vintage look, while radial sizes such as 155R13 and 175/70R13 usually give the car a more modern tire profile.
That visual difference matters on a compact car because the tire makes up a large part of the stance and side view. Owners restoring a Champ for period flavor often weigh appearance and construction together, while owners planning more routine driving may place greater emphasis on keeping the car in the correct radial fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Plymouth Champ?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1979 Plymouth Champ. Even though the original fitments stay within the 13-inch rim family, changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body modifications can change how a 155R13, 175/70R13, or 6.15-13 tire sits on the car.
A modified Champ should be checked for wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before a new tire is selected. That is especially important on cars that have aluminum wheels or a different stance than stock, because the right tire size on paper can still need closer scrutiny on the actual vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Plymouth Champ on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Plymouth Champ on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and general clearance around the tire. It also makes sense to confirm inflation, look for any contact points through the steering range, and make sure the chosen size matches the sub-model and wheel setup.
A collector-era compact that has spent time parked deserves extra attention beyond the new tires themselves. Brake condition, suspension wear, alignment symptoms, and uneven ride height can all affect how the car tracks and how the tires wear, so a careful once-over helps the new set perform as intended.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Plymouth Champ be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 Plymouth Champ should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss are all worth watching closely, especially on a car that sees limited seasonal use.
Storage habits matter as much as mileage on a lightly driven Champ. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires, and occasional inspections remain important even when the car is not driven often because age and environment affect collector tires over time.
