1980 Nissan Trucks 720 Tires

The 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 uses three different primary tire sizes depending on sub-model: 700-14, G78-15, and 185R14. The Base, Deluxe Long Bed, and Deluxe Reg. Bed use 700-14 bias-ply tires, the Deluxe 4x4 Reg. Bed uses G78-15 bias-ply tires, and the Deluxe King Cab uses 185R14 radial tires.

That means the first step is identifying the exact 720 configuration rather than choosing by year and model name alone. Wheel diameter matters just as much, since the truck can be equipped with either 14-inch or 15-inch rims. If the truck has changed hands over the years, checking the wheels already on it is a smart safeguard before selecting a replacement tire.

A 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 can use either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on sub-model and tire size. The 700-14 bias-ply and 185R14 radial fitments use 14-inch rims, while the G78-15 bias-ply fitment uses a 15-inch rim.

Because this truck does not use one wheel diameter across every version, rim confirmation should happen before comparing tires. A 14-inch tire and a 15-inch tire are not interchangeable simply because both may have been used on a 720. Trucks with replacement wheels, 4x4 changes, or long ownership histories deserve an especially careful look at the actual wheel size and width.

The 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 has more than one tire size because the covered sub-models were not all built around the same wheel and tire package. Some versions use 14-inch bias-ply tires, one uses a 14-inch radial fitment, and the Deluxe 4x4 Reg. Bed uses a 15-inch bias-ply size.

That difference changes the tire decision from a simple size lookup into a configuration check. A buyer needs to confirm whether the truck is a Base, King Cab, standard bed version, or the 4x4 Reg. Bed, then verify the wheel diameter on the vehicle. Once that is settled, the next decision becomes construction style, sidewall appearance, and whether a radial equivalent should be considered.

On the 1980 Nissan Trucks 720, 700-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the primary fitment for the Base, Deluxe Long Bed, and Deluxe Reg. Bed sub-models, all of which use this vintage numeric size on a 14-inch rim.

That matters because staying with 700-14 keeps the truck in its original construction style for those sub-models, while moving to a radial means evaluating an equivalent instead of the primary fitment. Buyers comparing that change should look at wheel width, overall vehicle stance, and clearance around suspension and bodywork before treating a radial alternative as a routine swap.

For a 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 using 700-14, the radial equivalents are 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14. For a truck using G78-15, the radial equivalents are 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15, with 710R15 serving as the bias-look radial option.

Those alternatives span different sizing systems and profile families, so the equivalent that looks right on paper still needs to be checked against the truck's actual wheel and chassis setup. Recommended rim-width ranges are 4-6 inches for 700-14 equivalents and 6-8 inches for G78-15 equivalents. Matching rim diameter alone is not enough when evaluating a conversion.

A bias-ply 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 should be checked for the correct wheel diameter, wheel width, and the specific radial equivalent tied to its original size before any conversion. A truck with 700-14 bias-ply fitment has different radial alternatives than one using G78-15, so the original primary size still matters even when changing construction.

Condition and clearance checks are just as important as size choice. The truck should have enough room at the fenders, steering stops, and suspension travel for the selected radial, and any aftermarket wheels should be measured instead of assumed. A careful conversion also takes the truck's intended use into account, whether that means restoration display, light road driving, or regular pickup duty.

Start with the truck's exact sub-model and wheel diameter, because the 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 can use 700-14 bias-ply, G78-15 bias-ply, or 185R14 radial tires. Once the primary fitment is confirmed, the next considerations are construction type, sidewall appearance, and the character of the available tire series.

A buyer looking for a traditional small-truck presentation may stay with the original bias-ply format, while a radial-equipped King Cab owner may focus on brand and sidewall choice within 185R14. Rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and overall use also matter. A truck that sees occasional shows may call for a different choice than one driven more regularly on public roads.

The 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 has blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall tire choices across its applicable sizes. In 700-14, BFGoodrich offers blackwall and narrow whitewall options. In G78-15, Coker Classic appears in wide whitewall form and STA Super Traxion is available as a blackwall. In 185R14, blackwall and narrow whitewall radial choices are available.

Sidewall style affects the truck's presentation more than the fitment itself, so the better choice depends on the look being pursued. Blackwall generally keeps a more straightforward utility appearance, while whitewall treatments can add a stronger period-style visual statement. Matching the sidewall to the truck's trim level, paint, and restoration direction usually produces a more cohesive result than choosing by size alone.

Tires for the 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, STA, Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein. Those brands cover both bias-ply and radial constructions, depending on which of the truck's primary tire sizes applies to the specific sub-model.

Brand choice should be weighed alongside size, construction, series, and sidewall treatment rather than treated as the only decision. BFGoodrich and Coker Classic support vintage-style bias-ply selections, STA adds a truck-oriented blackwall option in G78-15, and Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein cover radial needs in 185R14. Comparing the actual tire format and intended look usually narrows the field quickly.

A period-style 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 usually starts with the truck's original primary fitment for its sub-model: 700-14 bias-ply, G78-15 bias-ply, or 185R14 radial. Keeping the correct size family and wheel diameter does more for the truck's visual authenticity than choosing a tire solely by modern replacement convenience.

After the basic fitment is settled, sidewall treatment becomes the main appearance decision. Blackwall keeps the look simple and work-oriented, while narrow or wide whitewall options create a more styled presentation. For buyers chasing exact originality, the safest next step is to compare the chosen size and sidewall approach with period photos, marque references, or restoration documentation tied to that specific truck configuration.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 as much as it changes the driving feel. A bias-ply tire preserves the older format used on several 720 sub-models, while the 185R14 King Cab fitment already belongs to a radial presentation within this model range.

That distinction matters because a truck restored around a bias-ply fitment may look more traditional when it stays in that construction family, especially with vintage sidewall styling. A radial equivalent can still be worth considering, but it should be treated as an appearance and fitment decision, not just a construction upgrade. Wheel diameter, sidewall shape, and the truck's overall stance all influence the final result.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 even when the tire size is correct for the original sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lifts or lowering, and body or steering alterations can all change how a 700-14, G78-15, or 185R14 tire sits on the truck.

That is especially important on a model range that already uses both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel packages. A modified 720 should have its actual wheel diameter and width measured, then checked for steering clearance, fender room, and suspension travel before a new tire is chosen. A tire that suits one stock configuration should not be assumed to suit a modified truck automatically.

Before driving a 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, confirm proper mounting, and check that the tires have adequate clearance at full steering lock and normal suspension travel. It is also wise to verify valve stems, lug hardware, and inflation pressure before the first road miles.

A collector-era compact truck may also need a broader once-over before regular use. Worn steering parts, tired springs, or brake issues can affect how a new tire feels even when the fitment itself is correct. After a short initial drive, recheck air pressure and look for any sign of rubbing or uneven contact that could point to wheel or alignment concerns.

Tires on a collector 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition as well as tread wear. Bias-ply and radial tires alike deserve close watching for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, or slow air loss, especially on a truck that spends long periods parked.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on an older pickup. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve tire condition over time. An occasional movement schedule, clean wheels, and routine inspection before each outing can catch developing problems early, which is especially valuable on low-use collector vehicles.