1979 Toyota Pickup Tires

A 1979 Toyota Pickup does not use one universal tire size across every version. Primary fitments include H78-15, HR78-15, 750-14, E78-14, 205/70R14, ER78-14, and 700-14, depending on the exact sub-model. The 4x4 uses 15-inch sizes, while the other covered configurations use 14-inch sizes.

The important next step is matching the tire to the truck's exact sub-model and wheel diameter rather than choosing by year and make alone. A Short & Long Bed Standard, an SR5, and a Cab & Chassis Commercial can all require different tires, and construction also changes between bias-ply and radial depending on the version.

A 1979 Toyota Pickup uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 4x4 Short & Long Bed uses 15-inch tire sizes such as H78-15 and HR78-15, while the other covered configurations use 14-inch sizes including 750-14, E78-14, 205/70R14, ER78-14, and 700-14.

That makes wheel confirmation one of the most important fitment checks on this truck. If the pickup has had wheels changed over the years, the current rim diameter and width need to be verified before selecting tires, especially when comparing bias-ply sizes with radial alternatives that may share a similar visual footprint but require different wheel considerations.

The 1979 Toyota Pickup has more than one tire size because fitment changes across the covered sub-models. The 4x4, Cab & Chassis Commercial, Deluxe, SR5, and Standard versions do not all use the same wheel diameter, tire construction, or sizing format, so multiple primary sizes are correct within the model range.

That means tire selection starts with identifying the exact truck configuration rather than comparing only by appearance. Two tires may both be correct for a 1979 Toyota Pickup in general, yet still be wrong for a specific truck because of differences in wheel diameter, bias-ply versus radial construction, or the sub-model's original fitment pattern.

A 1979 Toyota Pickup can call for either bias-ply or radial tires depending on the sub-model. H78-15, 750-14, E78-14, and 700-14 are bias-ply primary sizes, while HR78-15, 205/70R14, and ER78-14 are radial primary sizes. The right starting point is the truck's actual sub-model and wheel setup.

Bias-ply tires suit owners trying to preserve a more traditional period look and original-style sizing language, while radial choices may appeal to owners whose trucks already use a radial primary size or who are evaluating an equivalent. Construction changes should always be checked against wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and clearance before moving away from the truck's primary fitment.

H78-15 has four radial-equivalent paths: 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and the bias-look 760R15. The 750-14 size crosses to 195R14, P205/75R14, P215/70R14, and 750R14. E78-14 and 700-14 both map to 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14 as radial alternatives.

Those options differ by sizing format and profile family, not just by construction. The 80-series metric sizes stay closer to older sizing conventions, the P-metric 75- and 70-series options move into modern passenger-style sizing, and the bias-look radial is aimed at a more traditional visual presentation. Rim width, wheel diameter, and vehicle clearance still need to be confirmed before conversion.

Start by confirming the truck's exact primary bias-ply size, current wheel diameter, and actual wheel width. A 1979 Toyota Pickup can use several different bias-ply sizes, and each one has its own radial-equivalent path. For example, H78-15 uses a different rim-width recommendation than the 14-inch bias-ply sizes.

After the wheel is confirmed, compare the chosen radial equivalent against the truck's available fender, steering, and suspension clearance. It also helps to inspect whether the pickup still has stock wheels and ride height, since aftermarket wheels, altered stance, or commercial-use hardware can change what works comfortably even when the equivalent size itself is appropriate on paper.

The first decision is always the exact fitment: sub-model, wheel diameter, and whether the truck uses a primary bias-ply or radial size. A 1979 Toyota Pickup can require anything from a 700-14 bias-ply to an H78-15 or a 205/70R14 radial, so selecting by appearance alone can lead in the wrong direction.

Once the correct size is established, compare the available tire series, sidewall treatments, rim-width requirements, and load figures where they are relevant. A work-oriented truck may point toward a blackwall truck tire series, while a restoration-minded build may lean toward a whitewall or redline. The right choice depends on how the pickup is set up and how it will be used.

Sidewall choices for the 1979 Toyota Pickup vary widely by tire size. Depending on the fitment, available styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, dual redline, and raised white letter. Not every style is offered in every size, so appearance options need to be considered within the correct sub-model fitment first.

That variety matters because the same truck can take on a very different character depending on the sidewall presentation. A blackwall can keep the look simple and utilitarian, while whitewall and redline versions add more visual emphasis. On SR5 radial fitments, raised white letter and redline treatments create a more distinctly late-1970s performance-oriented appearance.

Brand availability depends on the tire size used by the truck. Across the 1979 Toyota Pickup fitments, available brands include Coker Classic, STA, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Firestone, Goodyear, Maxxis, Michelin, and Universal Vintage Tire. Some sizes have only a few product paths, while others offer much broader brand and style variety.

Brand comparison is most useful after the correct size has been confirmed. A Cab & Chassis Commercial using 750-14 has a very different product spread than a Standard with 700-14 or an SR5 with 205/70R14. Once the fitment is right, brand choice becomes a matter of comparing sidewall style, tire series, and other product details that suit the truck's purpose.

A period-style 1979 Toyota Pickup usually starts with the truck's primary fitment rather than a modern substitute. That means matching the correct sub-model to its original-style sizing language, whether that is a bias-ply size such as 700-14, E78-14, 750-14, or H78-15, or a radial fitment such as HR78-15 or ER78-14.

From there, the visual goal helps narrow the choice. A simple blackwall can preserve a work-truck feel, while whitewall, redline, or raised white letter treatments create a more styled presentation where available. If exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque references or historical documentation for the truck's specific trim and wheel package before making a final appearance decision.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1979 Toyota Pickup in ways that go beyond tread alone. Bias-ply tires preserve older sizing conventions and a more traditional vintage truck presentation, while radial tires often bring a more contemporary visual character, especially when the sidewall uses modern metric markings such as 205/70R14.

That difference is especially noticeable on trucks where both older-style and radial paths are part of the fitment conversation. Choosing between an alphanumeric bias-ply size, an alphanumeric radial, a metric radial, or a bias-look radial can shift how authentic or updated the truck feels at a glance. The best visual result usually comes from matching construction, sidewall style, and wheel setup to the restoration goal.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Toyota Pickup even when the selected tire is correct for the truck's original sub-model. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, ride-height adjustments, and body modifications can all influence whether a given size has adequate clearance at full steering lock or over suspension travel.

That is especially important on a truck with multiple valid factory-style fitments across 14-inch and 15-inch wheels. If the pickup has aftermarket wheels, verify not only diameter but also width before choosing a tire. Clearance around fenders and steering components should be checked any time the current setup differs from the truck's original-style wheel and suspension layout.

Before putting a 1979 Toyota Pickup back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, then confirm proper air pressure, valve-stem condition, and basic clearance around suspension and body components. It also makes sense to look over wheel bearings, brakes, and alignment on a truck that may have spent long periods parked.

A short test drive should follow any tire change, especially if the truck has changed construction type or wheel setup over the years. Listen for rubbing during turns, check that the steering centers normally, and recheck pressure after the first miles. On older pickups, tire fitment and general chassis condition often need to be evaluated together rather than separately.

Collector-vehicle tire care for a 1979 Toyota Pickup starts with regular pressure checks and routine inspection even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss can develop with age and storage time, not just mileage. Older trucks also benefit from periodic wheel and valve-stem inspection.

Storage conditions matter as much as road use. Keeping the pickup away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also smart to inspect the tires before any longer trip rather than assuming low miles mean low risk, since vintage trucks often sit for extended periods and then return to service suddenly.