1979 Pontiac LeMans Tires

A 1979 Pontiac LeMans uses one of three radial tire sizes: 185/75R14, 195/75R14, or 205/75R14. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model, with 6-cylinder cars using 185/75R14 or 195/75R14, and both 8-cylinder and wagon versions using 195/75R14 or 205/75R14.

That means the first step is confirming the exact LeMans configuration rather than choosing by appearance alone. Checking the current wheel and tire combination on the car is also smart, especially if it has been changed over the years, because the right replacement starts with the actual sub-model and wheel setup now in service.

The tire sizes used on the 1979 Pontiac LeMans all mount on a 14-inch rim. That applies across 185/75R14, 195/75R14, and 205/75R14 fitments, so the key wheel-diameter point for this page is consistent even though tire width and profile vary by sub-model.

A shared rim diameter does not mean every 14-inch tire on the market is appropriate. Width, overall proportions, and approved rim-width ranges still matter, so it helps to verify the actual wheel width on the car before selecting between the smaller and larger LeMans tire sizes or comparing brands and sidewall treatments.

The 1979 Pontiac LeMans has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model. The 6-cylinder version uses 185/75R14 or 195/75R14, while the 8-cylinder and wagon versions use 195/75R14 or 205/75R14, so the full LeMans range does not share a single universal replacement size.

That variation matters because moving to a different listed LeMans size without checking the car can change the look and wheel compatibility you are working with. The safest approach is to confirm the specific sub-model and compare the tire already on the car against the intended replacement before narrowing choices by brand or sidewall style.

Start with the correct size for the exact 1979 Pontiac LeMans sub-model, since this car may use 185/75R14, 195/75R14, or 205/75R14. All three are radial 14-inch fitments, so once size is confirmed, the real comparison becomes sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, load capacity, and approved rim-width suitability.

A LeMans kept close to its late-1970s presentation may call for a whitewall style that matches the car’s look, while another owner may prefer a redline option where available. Wheel width and the intended use of the car should guide the final choice, especially if the car sees regular road miles instead of occasional show use.

Sidewall choices for the 1979 Pontiac LeMans include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size. The broadest variety appears in 205/75R14, while 185/75R14 and 195/75R14 center more heavily on narrow whitewall options, with wide whitewalls available in 195/75R14 as well.

That gives the LeMans owner room to shape the car’s overall presentation without moving away from the correct basic fitment. A narrow whitewall generally keeps the look restrained, while a wider whitewall creates a more formal late-1970s feel, and redline adds a sportier visual note in the size where it is offered.

Tires for the 1979 Pontiac LeMans are available from Tornel, Maxxis, Travelstar, Coker Classic, American Classic, and BFGoodrich, depending on the size. Those brands appear across several radial series, including Tornel Classic, Classic Whitewall MA-1, UN106, Star Series, Coker Classic Radial, American Classic Radial, and Silvertown Radial.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the exact size and the sidewall style you want on the car. Some sizes offer a much wider assortment than others, so a buyer comparing tires for a 205/75R14 LeMans will see more visual and series variation than someone shopping within the narrower 185/75R14 range.

A period-style 1979 Pontiac LeMans starts with the correct radial size for the exact sub-model, then narrows down by sidewall treatment. Depending on size, choices include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and in 205/75R14, a redline option, each creating a different late-1970s visual character without changing the vehicle’s basic fitment format.

The right choice depends on whether the car is being restored as a restrained driver, a formal whitewall-equipped cruiser, or a sportier presentation. If exact originality matters down to sidewall width and branding, marque references and vehicle-specific historical documentation are worth checking before settling on the final tire style.

On the 1979 Pontiac LeMans, the primary fitments on this page are already radial, so the construction itself aligns with the car’s later-1970s tire era. The bigger visual difference comes from the size selected for the correct sub-model and the sidewall treatment, especially when comparing narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline offerings.

That means restoration appearance is shaped less by a bias-ply-versus-radial decision and more by proportions and sidewall presentation. A correctly sized radial with the right whitewall width can preserve a very authentic late-1970s feel, while a more assertive sidewall treatment can shift the look toward a different period impression.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Pontiac LeMans even when the tire size itself appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications can all influence how a 185/75R14, 195/75R14, or 205/75R14 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears during steering or suspension travel.

A LeMans that has been changed from its original wheel setup should be checked carefully before replacement tires are chosen by size alone. Wheel width and tire clearance deserve special attention, since the same 14-inch diameter can still produce a different real-world result once non-original wheels or chassis parts enter the picture.

Before driving a 1979 Pontiac LeMans on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm proper tire pressure, and make sure the tire size matches the sub-model and wheel setup. It is also wise to check for adequate clearance at the fenders and suspension, especially if the car uses the larger 205/75R14 fitment.

A short test drive should be followed by another look for rubbing, uneven seating, or unexpected air loss. Collector-era cars often sit for long periods, so it also helps to inspect steering and suspension condition before putting real miles on fresh tires, since worn front-end parts can affect how the car tracks.

1979 Pontiac LeMans tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Even a radial tire with good-looking tread can become a concern if the sidewalls show cracking, bulges, cuts, or repeated air loss, particularly on a collector car that is not driven often.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on an older vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and periodic inspections remain important because a low-use LeMans may age its tires out long before it actually wears them out.