1980 Plymouth Volare Tires

The 1980 Plymouth Volare uses two primary tire sizes: 195/75R14 and 205/75R14. Both are radial sizes designed for 14-inch rims, and both appear on the Volare Base and Volare Wagon. That means the car does not rely on an older bias-ply or alphanumeric format, but on modern metric radial sizing.

Choosing between them starts with confirming what is already on the car, especially if the wheels have ever been changed. A 205/75R14 is wider than a 195/75R14, so wheel width and clearance still matter even though both are correct Volare fitments. Matching the tire to the actual wheel setup will keep the selection process much more straightforward.

Both primary tire sizes for the 1980 Plymouth Volare use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to 195/75R14 and 205/75R14, so the critical diameter match is straightforward. In practical terms, the final number in each size code, 14, is the wheel diameter the tire is built to mount on.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm wheel width before selecting between the two sizes or among different tire products. Some 195/75R14 and 205/75R14 options carry different recommended rim-width ranges, which can influence the best match for the wheel currently on the car.

The covered 1980 Plymouth Volare sub-models share the same tire-size choices. Both the Base and Wagon use 195/75R14 and 205/75R14 radial tires on 14-inch rims, so there is no separate sub-model-only fitment split between those two versions. That makes size selection more consistent than on many older vehicles.

Even with shared fitment, the right choice still depends on the exact wheel and tire combination on the individual car. A Volare that has remained stock in wheel diameter may still differ in wheel width or prior replacement-tire choice. Checking the current setup before replacing one tire or a full set helps keep appearance and fitment aligned.

Start with the correct primary size, either 195/75R14 or 205/75R14, and make sure the tire matches the car's 14-inch wheel diameter. From there, compare radial construction details that affect selection, such as rim-width suitability, load specification, sidewall treatment, and the overall look you want for the car.

A Volare being kept close to a traditional late-1970s and early-1980s appearance may point toward a whitewall treatment, while another car may suit a different visual presentation. It also helps to compare how the tire will be used, whether for occasional cruise nights, regular fair-weather driving, or a restoration-focused build where appearance matters as much as the size.

1980 Plymouth Volare tires are available with several sidewall styles, depending on size and product line. The main choices include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline. That gives the Volare owner a meaningful appearance decision even while staying within the correct 14-inch radial fitment family.

The sidewall style can change the car's visual character more than many buyers expect, especially on a late-classic Mopar with substantial wheel opening and body side length. Wide whitewalls lean toward a fuller traditional look, while narrow whitewalls and redlines create a different period-style impression. The most useful approach is to choose the sidewall after confirming the proper size.

Tires for the 1980 Plymouth Volare are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. Brand availability depends on size, with the broader spread appearing in 205/75R14 and a somewhat narrower but still varied selection in 195/75R14. All of the primary fitments here are radial tires.

Brand choice is most useful when it helps narrow the type of tire you want rather than serving as a ranking exercise. Some options differ more by tire series and sidewall presentation than by the brand name alone, so compare the complete package: size, rim-width suitability, sidewall style, and the look that fits the Volare's intended finish.

A period-style 1980 Plymouth Volare tire choice usually starts by staying with one of the correct primary radial sizes, 195/75R14 or 205/75R14, on a 14-inch rim. From there, the most important visual decision is often sidewall treatment, since narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline options can all change the car's presentation.

A restoration-oriented Volare does not automatically point to one sidewall or brand, because exact original appearance can vary by how the car was delivered and later equipped. The safest path is to choose the correct size first, then compare classic-style radial series against period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific references if originality matters closely.

On a restored 1980 Plymouth Volare, construction is less of a visual divide than it would be on an earlier bias-ply-era car because the primary fitments here are already radial. The appearance difference comes more from section width, sidewall profile, and sidewall style than from switching between bias-ply and radial construction.

That makes the real appearance choice more focused: 195/75R14 versus 205/75R14, plus narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline. A slightly different width can subtly change how full the wheel opening looks, while the sidewall treatment sets the period mood. Matching those details to the car's trim, stance, and wheel style usually matters most.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1980 Plymouth Volare even when the tire size falls within the correct 195/75R14 or 205/75R14 range. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, offset changes, suspension lowering, or bodywork differences can all change how much room the tire has at the fender, frame, and steering components.

That is why the actual car should be checked before assuming either primary size will suit a modified setup. A Volare with replacement wheels may still use a 14-inch diameter but want a different rim width than the original arrangement. Looking at clearance with the steering turned and the suspension loaded is a sensible final step.

Before driving a 1980 Plymouth Volare on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 14-inch diameter and suitable width, then confirm proper mounting and inflation. It also helps to check the suspension, steering parts, and brake components for obvious wear, since old collector cars often reveal unrelated issues once fresh tires are installed.

A careful walkaround should include sidewall clearance, tread-to-body clearance, and a quick check for rubbing during low-speed steering lock in both directions. On a car that has sat for long periods, verify that the wheel hardware is secure and that the tires are not losing air after installation. A short test drive can confirm that the setup is settling correctly.

Collector-car tires on a 1980 Plymouth Volare should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition even if tread wear remains low. Both 195/75R14 and 205/75R14 radials can look serviceable on a low-mileage car while still developing cracking, flat spotting, or air-loss issues over time.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage, so the car benefits from being kept away from prolonged sun, moisture, and ozone sources. Rolling the vehicle periodically, keeping inflation consistent, and inspecting for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear will help catch problems early. Any sign of rubbing or abnormal wear should trigger a wheel and alignment check.