The 1980 Nissan 810 sits in an interesting moment for Nissan, bridging late-1970s comfort, import-sedan sophistication, and the more modern road manners buyers expected by the start of the 1980s. For owners preserving one today, tire choice matters as much for stance and character as it does for everyday drivability. The 1980 Nissan 810 uses a 185/70R14 radial tire on a 14-inch rim, so the fitment question is straightforward and the real decision shifts to tire style and intended use. Available choices include traditional blackwall designs as well as a wide whitewall Silvertown Radial. That makes it important to balance appearance, wheel compatibility, and how original or road-oriented the car is meant to feel.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1980 Nissan 810
The 1980 Nissan 810 uses one primary tire size: 185/70R14, a radial fitment for a 14-inch rim. The Base model uses that same size, so the main decision is not which size fits, but which version of 185/70R14 best matches the car's appearance, wheel width, and driving plans.
A 185/70R14 size identifies a metric radial tire with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. On the 1980 Nissan 810, that means a modern radial-style size format rather than an older numeric or alphanumeric bias-ply designation. Available choices in this size include blackwall tires from Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, along with a BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial in a wide whitewall style. Selecting within this size usually comes down to desired appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being kept more restoration-oriented or driven more regularly.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1980 Nissan 810. The covered sub-model uses the same 185/70R14 radial size, so once the wheel setup is confirmed, tire selection centers more on style and product differences than on sub-model-specific sizing.
1
1980 Nissan 810 Base
The 1980 Nissan 810 Base uses the 185/70R14 radial tire size on a 14-inch rim. That keeps the fitment simple and lets the choice focus on blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, brand preference, and making sure the tire suits the actual wheel width on the car.
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.
Best 1980 Nissan 810 Tires for Sale
Available 185/70R14 choices span BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall and wide whitewall presentations. The product grid is most useful for comparing series, radial construction details, and rim-width compatibility within the same core size.
Showing 5 of 5
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
Owners of a 1980 Nissan 810 usually want clear answers on 185/70R14 fitment, 14-inch wheel compatibility, blackwall versus whitewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era sedan back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1980 Nissan 810?
The 1980 Nissan 810 uses a 185/70R14 radial tire. That is the primary size for this model year and it matches a 14-inch wheel, giving the car a straightforward modern metric radial fitment rather than an older bias-ply sizing system.
Since there is only one primary size, the decision usually shifts to choosing the right 185/70R14 tire rather than sorting through multiple fitments. It is still worth confirming the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the car, especially if it has replacement wheels, before selecting among blackwall or wide whitewall options.
What size rim does a 1980 Nissan 810 use?
The 1980 Nissan 810 uses a 14-inch rim with its 185/70R14 tire size. The final number in the tire size, 14, indicates the wheel diameter the tire is built to mount on.
Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so checking wheel width remains important when comparing available tires in this size. Some 185/70R14 products suit slightly different rim-width ranges, which can matter on a car that has been restored, modified, or fitted with wheels other than the original 14-inch setup.
Does the 1980 Nissan 810 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1980 Nissan 810 Base uses the same 185/70R14 radial tire size as the core model fitment. That makes sub-model identification simple because there is no separate alternate size to sort through for the Base version.
With size differences out of the way, the practical choice becomes which 185/70R14 tire best suits the car. A Base model owner can focus on appearance, such as blackwall or wide whitewall, along with brand, series, and wheel-width compatibility instead of chasing a different sub-model-specific tire size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R14 tire for a 1980 Nissan 810?
Start with the correct size, which is 185/70R14, then compare the tire's radial construction, intended appearance, and wheel-width suitability. For a 1980 Nissan 810, the available choices include both traditional blackwall tires and a wide whitewall option, so the look of the finished car can vary quite a bit.
The next step is matching the tire to how the car will be used. A more restoration-oriented sedan may call for a whitewall presentation, while a road-use car may lean toward a blackwall classic radial. Checking the wheel width already on the car helps narrow the selection and avoid choosing a tire outside the wheel's usable range.
What sidewall styles are available for 1980 Nissan 810 tires?
The 1980 Nissan 810 has 185/70R14 tire options in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Most of the available tires in this size use a blackwall sidewall, while the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial offers a 2.25-inch whitewall for a more traditional presentation.
That choice changes the car's visual character more than the size itself, since the fitment remains 185/70R14 either way. A blackwall usually keeps the appearance more restrained and period-sporting, while a wide whitewall creates a more restoration-minded look. Sidewall style should still be chosen alongside wheel-width compatibility and the car's intended use.
What brands offer tires for the 1980 Nissan 810?
Tires for the 1980 Nissan 810 in 185/70R14 are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands cover several distinct tire series, including Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic.
Brand choice matters less as a ranking exercise than as a way to compare style and specification differences within the same size. Some options emphasize a vintage appearance, some remain blackwall-only, and some carry different wheel-width ranges. Looking at brand, series, and sidewall treatment together gives a clearer path than choosing by name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1980 Nissan 810?
A period-style 1980 Nissan 810 tire choice starts with the correct 185/70R14 size and then moves to appearance. Blackwall tires keep a restrained late-1970s to early-1980s import-sedan look, while the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial wide whitewall gives the car a more traditional restoration-oriented presentation.
The right answer depends on the way the car is being preserved rather than on one universal style rule. Owners pursuing exact originality should compare surviving photos, sales literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a sidewall treatment. For many cars, staying with the proper size and an era-appropriate overall look is the most useful starting point.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1980 Nissan 810 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because tire size and sidewall treatment strongly influence how a restored 1980 Nissan 810 sits and presents. Using the proper 185/70R14 size helps preserve the car's proportions, while the choice between blackwall and wide whitewall shapes the finished appearance.
Appearance is only part of the picture, since the tire also has to suit the wheel it mounts on. A restoration can look right and still run into avoidable issues if wheel width is overlooked or replacement wheels have been installed over the years. Verifying the actual wheel setup keeps the restoration visually coherent and mechanically sensible.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1980 Nissan 810?
Yes. Even though the standard fitment is 185/70R14, modifications can change whether a particular tire is suitable for the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or body work can all affect clearance and the way a tire sits on the rim.
A modified 1980 Nissan 810 should be checked at the wheel and car level before a tire is chosen simply by size. Confirming wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and clearance at the fender and steering positions helps avoid problems. That is especially important when comparing classic-style tires that may have different recommended rim-width ranges.
What should I inspect before driving a 1980 Nissan 810 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall suspension condition, then make sure the new 185/70R14 tires are mounted on appropriate 14-inch rims. A collector-era sedan also deserves a quick look for alignment issues, brake drag, or worn steering components that can affect how fresh tires behave.
Tire condition should still be monitored after installation. Watch for air loss, uneven tread wear, sidewall damage, and any sign of rubbing at full steering lock or over suspension movement. A short test drive followed by a second inspection is a sensible way to confirm the car is ready for regular local use or a longer outing.
How should 185/70R14 tires on a collector 1980 Nissan 810 be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 185/70R14 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure. Even on a lightly driven 1980 Nissan 810, age and storage conditions can matter as much as tread wear.
Regular checks help catch cracking, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss before they become road-use problems. Moving the car periodically, keeping the suspension in sound condition, and checking the tires before any extended drive all make sense for a low-use vintage sedan. Tire maintenance is especially important when the car spends more time parked than driven.
