1979 Volkswagen Dasher Tires

The 1979 Volkswagen Dasher uses three primary tire sizes: 155R13 radial, 560-13 bias-ply, and 175/70R13 radial. The exact fitment depends on the sub-model, with the Base associated with 155R13 and 560-13, while the Wagon uses 155R13 and 175/70R13.

That makes sub-model identification the first step before choosing a tire. Since all three sizes use a 13-inch rim, the bigger question is not wheel diameter but whether the car is set up for the specific size and construction you plan to run, especially if it has already been changed from its earlier tire style.

Each primary tire size used on the 1979 Volkswagen Dasher is built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That includes the 155R13 radial, the 560-13 bias-ply, and the 175/70R13 radial, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the sizing formats and construction types differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a narrow bias-ply tire with a wider radial option, so it is smart to verify the actual wheel width on the car before selecting a tire, particularly if the Dasher has replacement steel wheels or aftermarket wheels.

No, the covered 1979 Volkswagen Dasher sub-models do not all share the same tire-size combinations. The Base is associated with 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply, while the Wagon is associated with 155R13 radial and 175/70R13 radial.

The shared 155R13 size can make these cars seem more uniform than they are, but the alternate fitments are different. A buyer should confirm whether the car is a Base or Wagon and then check what wheels and tires are actually installed, since an older Dasher may already have been changed from one size or construction type to another.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1979 Volkswagen Dasher. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing system and is offered here in traditional whitewall styles, making it the vintage-construction choice among the Dasher’s primary fitments.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the car’s visual presentation and the way the setup should be evaluated. Owners considering a change to radial construction should confirm wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance first, rather than assuming that any radial with the same 13-inch rim diameter will behave as a simple one-for-one substitute.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These choices give the 1979 Volkswagen Dasher owner several ways to compare a modern radial format against the original numeric bias-ply size.

Each equivalent uses a different sizing convention, so the decision is not just radial versus bias-ply. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, and the actual wheel, tire dimensions, and available fender and steering clearance should all be checked before moving away from the original 560-13 setup.

A 1979 Volkswagen Dasher owner moving from 560-13 bias-ply to a radial equivalent should first confirm the wheel diameter and wheel width, then compare the intended radial size against the car’s actual setup. For the 560-13 fitment, the available radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13.

Clearance at the fenders and during steering travel deserves close attention, especially on an older car that may not still sit at stock ride height. Suspension condition, load needs, and the vehicle’s intended use also matter, because a conversion changes more than appearance and should be treated as a fitment decision rather than a simple size translation.

Start with the correct sub-model and primary tire size, because the 1979 Volkswagen Dasher uses different combinations depending on whether it is a Base or Wagon. From there, the main choice is between radial and bias-ply construction, along with the sizing format and the type of look you want the car to carry.

A practical comparison should include wheel width, sidewall style, and how the car will actually be used. A whitewall bias-ply tire points toward a more traditional presentation, while the radial options stay in blackwall form and suit drivers who want a more modern road-going setup without changing the 13-inch rim diameter.

Sidewall style depends on the size you choose for the 1979 Volkswagen Dasher. The radial options in 155R13 and 175/70R13 are available in blackwall form, while the 560-13 bias-ply size brings whitewall choices, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That makes sidewall treatment an important part of the tire decision, not just a cosmetic detail. Buyers trying to preserve a period-style look may gravitate toward the whitewall bias-ply options, while those focused on a more understated radial presentation will naturally look to the blackwall choices tied to the Dasher’s radial fitments.

Tires for the 1979 Volkswagen Dasher are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Avon. The brand mix changes by size, with Michelin and Dunlop appearing in 155R13, BFGoodrich and Firestone in 560-13, and Avon in 175/70R13.

Brand choice should be considered alongside construction, sidewall treatment, and tire series rather than in isolation. A Dasher owner comparing options is really choosing among different tire personalities within the correct size, from traditional whitewall bias-ply offerings to blackwall radial designs with more modern sizing formats and wheel-width requirements.

A period-style 1979 Volkswagen Dasher usually starts with choosing the correct primary size for the sub-model and then deciding whether the car’s appearance should lean toward bias-ply tradition or radial European character. The 560-13 bias-ply option delivers the most overt vintage presentation, while 155R13 keeps the car in a classic Euro-metric radial format.

The best visual choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and what look the owner wants to preserve. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and period vehicle documentation are worth consulting, since sidewall treatment and construction style can change the Dasher’s overall stance and presence quite noticeably.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1979 Volkswagen Dasher more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire, especially in whitewall form, gives the car a distinctly traditional look, while radial choices such as 155R13 or 175/70R13 present a more modern blackwall appearance.

That difference matters on a car where wheel-and-tire proportion is easy to notice. Even when the rim diameter stays at 13 inches, the construction style and sidewall treatment shape how authentic, understated, or updated the finished car appears, so tire selection should be part of the restoration plan rather than an afterthought.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Volkswagen Dasher even when the nominal tire size looks correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how a 155R13, 560-13, or 175/70R13 tire sits and clears the car.

A Dasher that has been lowered or fitted with replacement wheels should be checked carefully before settling on a tire. Clearance at the fenders, steering movement, and the relationship between the wheel and tire width all matter, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial constructions that may not occupy space in exactly the same way.

Before driving a 1979 Volkswagen Dasher on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify proper inflation, and make sure the tires have even seating and adequate clearance. It is also wise to check lug hardware, valve stems, and visible suspension or steering wear before the car returns to regular road use.

An older Dasher can reveal unrelated issues once fresh tires are installed, especially if the previous tires were aged or underinflated. A short, careful initial drive helps confirm there is no rubbing, pulling, or unusual vibration, and that the selected size and construction work properly with the car’s current wheel and chassis condition.

Tires on a collector 1979 Volkswagen Dasher should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, uneven wear, and slow air loss, since collector cars often spend long periods parked and may age their tires before wearing them out.

Storage conditions make a real difference on a low-use vintage Volkswagen. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire structure, while periodic movement and inspection reduce the chance of discovering a problem only after the car is already headed out for a longer drive.