1979 Plymouth Wagon Tires

A 1979 Plymouth Wagon can use several different tire sizes depending on the exact B100, B200, or B300 Voyager or Maxi configuration. The covered 15-inch sizes are ER78-15, FR78-15, GR78-15, HR78-15, LR78-15, L78-15, J78-15, and H78-15, while the 16.5-inch sizes are 8.75R16.5, 800-16.5, and 875-16.5.

That wide spread means there is no one-size answer for the whole model line. The most important step is confirming the exact sub-model, along with any GVWR or wheelbase detail that applies, and then checking whether the van is on 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheels before selecting a tire.

The 1979 Plymouth Wagon uses either a 15-inch or 16.5-inch rim, depending on the specific configuration. Most B100 and B200 Voyager applications stay in the 15-inch family, while heavier B300 Voyager and Maxi versions move into 16.5-inch fitments such as 8.75R16.5, 800-16.5, and 875-16.5.

Rim diameter needs to be confirmed before anything else, because a 15-inch tire and a 16.5-inch tire are not interchangeable. The safest approach is to check the wheel itself and match the existing diameter to the appropriate tire family before comparing construction, sidewall style, or equivalent options.

The 1979 Plymouth Wagon covers a broad range of van configurations, so tire fitment changes with sub-model, GVWR, wheelbase, and duty level. Lighter B100 versions use smaller 15-inch radial sizes, some B200 models add bias-ply and radial 15-inch choices, and the heavier B300 range introduces larger 16.5-inch truck-style fitments.

That means tire selection is tied to the van's exact role and chassis setup, not just the year and model name. An owner should confirm the specific Voyager or Maxi version first, then verify wheel diameter and the current wheel package before treating any similarly named Plymouth Wagon as a match.

A 1979 Plymouth Wagon can legitimately fall into either bias-ply or radial territory, depending on the sub-model and tire size. Some B100 applications use radial sizes such as ER78-15 through LR78-15, certain B200 versions appear with both bias-ply and radial fitments, and B300 models can use either radial 8.75R16.5 or bias-ply 800-16.5 and 875-16.5.

The right direction depends on the exact van, the wheels already on it, and whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance or a radial-based driving setup. A construction change should always be evaluated alongside wheel width, wheel diameter, and clearance rather than chosen only because another Plymouth Wagon used it.

L78-15 has radial equivalents in 235R15, P235/75R15, P255/70R15, and 820R15. J78-15 maps to 225R15, P235/75R15, P235/70R15, and 800R15, while H78-15 maps to 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15. In each group, the first is an 80-series metric radial, the next two are P-metric 75-series and 70-series radials, and the last is a bias-look radial.

Those options give owners different sizing formats while staying in the same general fitment conversation, but they are still alternatives that need to be checked against the van's actual wheel and body setup. A recommended 6- to 8-inch rim-width range applies to these equivalent paths, which is useful when confirming wheel compatibility.

A bias-look radial is available as an equivalent for several 15-inch bias-ply sizes used on the 1979 Plymouth Wagon. The available bias-look radial equivalents are 820R15 for L78-15, 800R15 for J78-15, and 760R15 for H78-15, giving certain B200-style fitments a radial option with a more traditional visual presentation.

That can be appealing when the goal is to keep a vintage side profile without staying strictly with bias-ply construction. Even so, the owner should still confirm wheel width, overall compatibility with the van's exact sub-model, and fender and steering clearance before making the change from the original tire format.

Start with the van's exact sub-model, because a 1979 Plymouth Wagon can use eleven different tire sizes across B100, B200, and B300 configurations. After that, confirm whether the wheels are 15-inch or 16.5-inch, and whether the correct fitment path for that van is bias-ply, radial, or a radial equivalent tied to a bias-ply size.

Once the basic fitment is settled, compare the products within that size around construction type, sidewall appearance, intended use, and rim-width suitability. A heavy-duty B300 on 16.5-inch truck-style tires calls for a different kind of selection than a B200 Voyager where whitewall bias-ply styling may be part of the appeal.

Sidewall choices for the 1979 Plymouth Wagon include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and dual-white-stripe styles. The broader cosmetic variety appears in the 15-inch passenger-style sizes such as L78-15, J78-15, H78-15, and LR78-15, while the 16.5-inch B300-oriented products stay focused on blackwall truck-style presentation.

That makes sidewall selection part of the overall character of the van, not just a visual afterthought. A restoration-oriented B200 may call for a whitewall or dual-stripe look, whereas a work-style or heavy-duty B300 often lines up more naturally with blackwall tires and utility-focused series.

Tires for the 1979 Plymouth Wagon are available from Coker Classic, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and STA. Brand spread varies by size, with some fitments offering multiple choices and others remaining more specialized, especially in the heavier-duty 16.5-inch sizes where the product focus shifts toward truck-style blackwall tires.

The useful comparison is not simply brand name but how each option lines up with the van's size, construction, appearance goal, and intended use. Once the correct fitment is pinned down, the owner can compare available series and sidewall treatments within that brand mix instead of trying to force one brand across every Plymouth Wagon setup.

A period-style 1979 Plymouth Wagon starts with the exact tire size and construction used by that specific sub-model. Many B200 applications point toward 15-inch bias-ply sizes such as H78-15, J78-15, or L78-15, while some heavier or later-style fitments use radial sizing like LR78-15 or the larger B300 truck-type sizes.

After the fitment is confirmed, appearance can be shaped by sidewall treatment and tire series rather than by chasing a generic van look. Owners concerned with strict originality should compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific historical references or marque guidance, especially when whitewall width or stripe style is important.

Tire construction changes the visual stance of a restored 1979 Plymouth Wagon as much as it changes the fitment path. Bias-ply tires generally preserve a more traditional period presentation, while radial and bias-look radial options can keep a vintage flavor but still look different in profile and sidewall character depending on the size chosen.

That is why construction should be chosen with the restoration goal in mind, not treated as a hidden technical detail. A B200 Voyager being restored for era-specific appearance may point toward one of the bias-ply 15-inch sizes, while an owner seeking a traditional look with radial construction may want to study the bias-look radial equivalents.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1979 Plymouth Wagon, even when the tire size is otherwise correct for the sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered ride height, suspension updates, and body modifications can all affect how a 15-inch or 16.5-inch tire sits within the wheel opening and steering range.

That matters especially on a model line with both passenger-style and heavy-duty van fitments. A van that has been changed from its original wheel package should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, turning clearance, and body interference before settling on any bias-ply, radial, or equivalent tire choice.

Before driving a 1979 Plymouth Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating, then confirm that the size and construction match the exact sub-model. It is also wise to look over the suspension and steering for looseness or wear, especially on an older van that may have spent long periods parked.

A short, careful road test helps reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or clearance issues before the van goes on a longer trip. Air pressure should be checked regularly from the start, and any sign of contact at full steering lock or over bumps deserves attention before the vehicle is used normally.

Collector-vehicle tires on a 1979 Plymouth Wagon should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, even if the van is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not prevent aging, and older vans often spend enough time parked that pressure loss or storage-related deterioration can go unnoticed.

Good maintenance also includes keeping the van stored away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone-producing sources when possible. Tires should be checked before seasonal use and before any longer drive, with extra attention paid to heavier B300 models or vans still wearing work-style wheel and suspension setups.