The 1979 Plymouth Volare came from an era when American family cars were balancing traditional sizing conventions with a growing shift toward radial construction. As a practical rear-wheel-drive Mopar from the late 1970s, the Volare often appeals today to owners who want the right road-going stance without losing its period character. For this exact model, the primary fitment centers on 14-inch tires in either D78-14 bias-ply or DR78-14 radial form. That creates a meaningful choice between vintage bias-ply presentation and a period-style radial size in the same basic rim diameter. The right selection depends on how the car is equipped now, how original you want it to look, and how you plan to drive it.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Plymouth Volare
The 1979 Plymouth Volare uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to construction rather than wheel diameter. Both D78-14 and DR78-14 fit a 14-inch rim, so the first step is confirming whether your car is being kept in a bias-ply-style setup or uses the radial-size format that was also available on this model.
D78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the letter identifies the general size class, the 78 designates the profile family, and the 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1979 Plymouth Volare, this size represents the traditional bias-ply fitment path and suits owners who want a more period-style construction. Bias-ply choices in this type of application are often selected as much for visual character and restoration direction as for basic fitment. It is the size to evaluate when preserving the car's older tire presentation matters as much as keeping the proper 14-inch wheel relationship.
DR78-14 uses the same vintage alphanumeric system, but the added R indicates radial construction rather than bias-ply. For the 1979 Plymouth Volare, this keeps the familiar 14-inch fitment while moving into a radial-format tire size that aligns with the transition many late-1970s cars were making. The practical appeal is not just the size code itself, but the fact that it lets an owner stay within a period-appropriate radial designation for the car. It is the size to consider when the Volare is already set up around radial tires or when maintaining a radial-format fitment is part of the plan.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered Volare configuration shares the same pair of 14-inch tire size choices. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so you can confirm whether the car is being kept with bias-ply construction or radial construction.
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1979 Plymouth Volare Base
The 1979 Plymouth Volare Base uses the same two primary 14-inch fitment paths found on this model family: D78-14 in bias-ply form and DR78-14 in radial form. That means the real selection issue is not sub-model variation, but deciding which construction matches the car's current wheels, setup, and appearance goals.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common 1979 Plymouth Volare tire questions usually come down to the meaning of D78-14 versus DR78-14, whether the Base model shares the same fitment, and what to check before choosing bias-ply or radial construction for road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Plymouth Volare?
A 1979 Plymouth Volare uses two primary 14-inch tire sizes: D78-14 and DR78-14. D78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, while DR78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric radial size. Both belong to this exact year and model, so the correct choice depends more on the car's tire construction setup than on a change in wheel diameter.
The practical step is to confirm what is currently on the car and whether the wheels and overall setup are intended for bias-ply or radial tires. A Volare that has been restored, modified, or fitted with different wheels over the years should be checked carefully before replacing tires by size name alone.
What size rim does a 1979 Plymouth Volare use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1979 Plymouth Volare both use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to D78-14 bias-ply tires and DR78-14 radial tires, so the rim diameter remains consistent even though the tire construction changes between the two fitment paths.
Rim diameter is only one part of the check before choosing replacement tires. A Volare with later wheels, aftermarket steel wheels, or other changes should also have its wheel width and overall clearance reviewed so the selected tire matches the car's actual wheel and suspension setup.
Does the 1979 Plymouth Volare Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1979 Plymouth Volare Base uses the same two primary sizes associated with this model: D78-14 in bias-ply construction and DR78-14 in radial construction. The sub-model does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a different primary size family here.
That keeps sub-model fitment simple, but the car still needs to be matched to the correct construction choice. If the Base model has been converted over time, the safest approach is to inspect the existing wheel and tire setup first, then choose the replacement size that matches how the car is currently configured.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is D78-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1979 Plymouth Volare?
D78-14 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1979 Plymouth Volare. In this alphanumeric system, the size uses the older bias-ply format, while the radial counterpart for this model is DR78-14. Both are 14-inch fitments, but the construction is not the same.
That difference matters because construction affects both tire character and selection strategy. A buyer preserving a more traditional late-1970s presentation may stay with D78-14, while a car already running radial tires may be better matched to DR78-14. Wheel condition, suspension condition, and the actual setup on the car should all be checked before changing constructions.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1979 Plymouth Volare?
A 1979 Plymouth Volare can be found with either D78-14 bias-ply or DR78-14 radial primary fitment. The right choice depends on whether the goal is to retain a more traditional bias-ply-style setup or to stay with the radial construction path already associated with this model and wheel diameter.
Appearance, restoration direction, and the car's current wheel setup all matter here. Mixing assumptions can cause problems, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. Matching the selected construction to the actual rim, tire clearance, and intended road use is more important than choosing one construction by habit alone.
What should I check before converting my 1979 Plymouth Volare from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel diameter and the car's present tire sizing, since the 1979 Plymouth Volare uses D78-14 for bias-ply and DR78-14 for radial fitment. A construction change should also prompt a close look at wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and whether the car has any suspension or wheel changes from stock-type configuration.
Road clearance and steering clearance are the next concerns, especially on an older car that may have replacement springs, altered ride height, or aftermarket wheels. A careful inspection helps prevent choosing a radial simply because it shares a 14-inch rim diameter while overlooking the rest of the vehicle's setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a D78-14 or DR78-14 tire for a 1979 Plymouth Volare?
The main decision is construction. D78-14 keeps the Volare in a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size, while DR78-14 uses the alphanumeric radial format on the same 14-inch rim diameter. That means the first priority is matching the replacement tire to the car's current wheel and tire setup rather than treating the two sizes as interchangeable by name alone.
After confirming the fitment path, think about how the car will be used and presented. A restoration-oriented Volare may call for a more traditional look, while a driver-focused car may be set up around radial construction already. The existing wheels, suspension condition, and any prior modifications should guide the final choice.
How do I choose between the available 14-inch tires for a 1979 Plymouth Volare?
Choosing among 14-inch Volare tires starts with identifying whether the car belongs on D78-14 bias-ply or DR78-14 radial fitment. Even though both sizes share the same rim diameter, they represent different construction types and should be selected with the car's current setup and overall tire strategy in mind.
Once that is settled, the buyer's focus shifts to use and appearance. A car built around period-style presentation may point toward one direction, while a car intended for regular road use may point toward the other. Wheel width, tire age on the remaining set, and visible clearance around the suspension and fenders are all worth reviewing.
What does D78-14 mean on a 1979 Plymouth Volare?
D78-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size. The D identifies the general tire size class, the 78 refers to the profile family used in that sizing system, and the 14 indicates a 14-inch rim diameter. On a 1979 Plymouth Volare, it represents the bias-ply version of the model's primary tire fitment.
That matters because modern buyers often recognize metric radial sizes more easily than older alphanumeric ones. Reading the code correctly helps prevent confusion between D78-14 and DR78-14, which adds radial construction to a similar naming pattern. Checking the sidewall on the current tires is a simple way to confirm which fitment path the car is using now.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Plymouth Volare?
For a period-style 1979 Plymouth Volare, the choice usually starts with deciding whether the car should retain a traditional bias-ply presentation with D78-14 or stay within the period radial format of DR78-14. Both belong to the model's 14-inch fitment story, but they create a different visual and historical impression on the car.
Restoration priorities should guide the decision more than habit alone. Some owners want the older bias-ply look, while others want a late-1970s radial-era presentation that still suits the car. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references, build documentation, and the way the car is being restored overall.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Plymouth Volare?
Tire construction influences the visual character of a restored 1979 Plymouth Volare because D78-14 bias-ply and DR78-14 radial represent two different period tire presentations. Even on the same 14-inch wheel diameter, a bias-ply selection and a radial selection can change how authentic or era-specific the finished car appears.
That is why restoration-minded buyers should think beyond size code alone. The tire needs to support the intended look of the car, whether that means a more traditional late-1970s stance or a radial-era presentation. Choosing construction with the car's trim, wheels, and restoration goal in mind usually leads to a more cohesive result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Plymouth Volare?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Plymouth Volare even when the intended replacement size is one of the correct 14-inch options. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, and body repairs can all change the space available around the tire and influence whether a replacement choice suits the car's actual setup.
A Volare that has been lowered, fitted with non-original wheels, or repaired after years of use should be inspected carefully before ordering tires. Wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance are all worth checking. That extra step helps keep a correct size from becoming a poor fit on a modified car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Plymouth Volare on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Plymouth Volare on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct diameter, confirm the lug hardware is in good shape, and make sure the selected tire size matches the car's setup. It is also wise to check for suspension wear, uneven alignment-related tire wear patterns, and any signs of rubbing at full steering lock.
Collector and survivor cars often spend long periods parked, so a basic road-use inspection matters just as much as the new tires themselves. Tire pressure, air retention, brake condition, and the general condition of steering components should be reviewed before putting the car back into regular use or taking it on a longer drive.
How should D78-14 or DR78-14 tires on a collector 1979 Plymouth Volare be maintained?
D78-14 and DR78-14 tires on a collector 1979 Plymouth Volare should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and signs of slow air loss. A low-use collector car can age its tires significantly even when the tread still looks usable.
Keeping the Volare away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve tire condition between drives. It also helps to move the car periodically or store it in a way that avoids long-term stress on one contact patch. Any tire showing visible age-related deterioration deserves professional inspection before road use.
