The 1980 Subaru GL came from a period when Subaru was building a reputation for compact, practical cars with a loyal following among drivers who valued efficiency, light weight, and everyday usability. Today, these cars appeal to owners who appreciate their straightforward engineering and distinct late-1970s to early-1980s character. The 1980 Subaru GL uses a 175/70R13 radial tire on a 13-inch rim, making the fitment question refreshingly direct. Tire choice within that size centers more on construction details, brand, and road-use intent than on sorting through multiple factory sizes. For a stock GL, the goal is confirming the wheel setup and choosing a tire that suits both the car's appearance and how it will actually be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1980 Subaru GL
The 1980 Subaru GL uses one primary tire size: 175/70R13, a radial tire for a 13-inch rim. That same size carries across the covered GL sub-models here, so the main decision is not which size fits, but which tire in that size best matches the car's wheel width, driving plans, and overall presentation.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1980 Subaru GL, that means a modern radial-format fitment rather than an older numeric or alphanumeric bias-ply size. Available choices in this size include Avon’s CR6ZZ in a Blackwall design, giving the buyer a focused but useful option within the correct fitment. The practical step is confirming that the car still has the proper 13-inch wheels and a compatible wheel width before making the final selection.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1980 Subaru GL sub-models, because both use the same primary tire size. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the car remains on the expected wheel and tire setup before selecting a replacement.
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1980 Subaru GL Base
The 1980 Subaru GL Base uses the same 175/70R13 radial fitment as the other covered GL configuration. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing the right radial tire for the car's actual wheel setup, condition, and intended road use rather than sorting between multiple factory sizes.
The 1980 Subaru GL Wagon also uses 175/70R13 radial tires, so the fitment remains consistent. For a wagon that has seen years of use or owner changes, the sensible next step is verifying the 13-inch wheels and selecting a tire that matches both clearance needs and the vehicle's intended character.
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 Subaru GL Tires for Sale
For the 1980 Subaru GL, the current 175/70R13 choice centers on an Avon CR6ZZ radial with a Blackwall sidewall and a 4.5- to 6.0-inch rim-width range. That keeps the product comparison focused on correct sizing, wheel compatibility, and intended use.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire size used by the 1980 Subaru GL, how that size relates to the car's 13-inch wheels, and what to consider when selecting, inspecting, and maintaining tires on a survivor or restored example.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1980 Subaru GL?
The 1980 Subaru GL uses a 175/70R13 radial tire. That size applies to the covered GL Base and GL Wagon models, so the primary fitment question is fairly simple compared with vehicles that changed sizes across trims or wheel packages.
The important follow-up is confirming that the car still wears its correct 13-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different aftermarket setup over the years. Once that is verified, the selection process becomes a matter of choosing the right tire within 175/70R13 for wheel-width compatibility, intended driving, and the overall look you want.
What size rim does a 1980 Subaru GL use?
The 1980 Subaru GL tire fitment uses a 13-inch rim diameter. That matches the 175/70R13 sizing format, where the final number identifies the wheel diameter the tire is built to mount on.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment check, though. It is also worth confirming the actual wheel width on the car, especially if the GL has been modified or has replacement wheels from another Subaru or aftermarket source. Staying with the proper wheel dimensions helps preserve clearance, bead seating, and overall fitment security.
Do all 1980 Subaru GL sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1980 Subaru GL sub-models here share the same tire size. Both the GL Base and GL Wagon use 175/70R13 radial tires, so there is no split fitment between those two versions in this application.
That consistency makes replacement easier, but it still helps to inspect the car before choosing a tire. Older vehicles often pick up wheel changes, suspension wear, or nonstandard replacements over time. Verifying the current wheel diameter and overall condition keeps a simple one-size fitment from turning into an avoidable mounting or clearance issue.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 175/70R13 tire for a 1980 Subaru GL?
Start with the basics: correct size, radial construction, and 13-inch wheel compatibility. For the 1980 Subaru GL, the next meaningful factors are wheel-width suitability, intended road use, and whether the tire's appearance matches the car's overall style and condition.
A car kept close to stock usually benefits from staying with the proper 175/70R13 fitment and checking that the wheel falls within the tire's approved width range. It also helps to think about how the GL will be used. A lightly driven collector car and a regularly exercised survivor may lead you to prioritize different tire characteristics within the same size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1980 Subaru GL tires?
The available 175/70R13 tire choice for the 1980 Subaru GL uses a Blackwall sidewall style. That gives the car a clean, understated presentation that suits the compact, functional look many owners want from an early-1980s Subaru.
Sidewall style matters because it changes the car's visual character even when the size stays the same. On a GL, a Blackwall tire tends to keep the focus on the wheel and body lines rather than adding extra visual detail. It is still wise to treat appearance as a secondary decision behind correct fitment and wheel compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 1980 Subaru GL?
Avon offers a tire for the 1980 Subaru GL in the correct 175/70R13 size. The available option is part of the CR6ZZ series and keeps the selection focused on proper radial fitment rather than sorting through a long list of mixed-size alternatives.
With a narrower product range, the comparison becomes more about whether the tire suits the car's actual wheel setup and intended use. Checking the wheel width, general condition of the car, and how often it will be driven helps make better sense of the available choice than simply looking for the largest brand list.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1980 Subaru GL?
A period-style 1980 Subaru GL starts with the correct 175/70R13 size and radial construction. That keeps the tire visually and proportionally aligned with the car's compact early-1980s character, instead of moving to a larger wheel or a noticeably different profile without a clear reason.
From there, the appearance decision is more subtle than on many older domestic cars because the available sidewall treatment is Blackwall. Owners pursuing a careful restoration or survivor-style presentation should also verify the actual wheel setup on the car and consult marque-specific references if exact historical appearance details matter beyond the basic fitment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1980 Subaru GL restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters because it affects both the look and the stance of a restored 1980 Subaru GL. Staying with the proper 175/70R13 size helps preserve the car's intended proportions and avoids the visual mismatch that can come from an incorrect diameter or profile.
Fitment also influences how the car sits and clears its bodywork during normal driving and steering. On an older restoration, it is worth checking the actual wheels on the car rather than assuming they are original to the vehicle. That simple step helps keep a restoration-oriented tire choice consistent with the rest of the build.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1980 Subaru GL?
Yes. A 1980 Subaru GL may have had wheel, suspension, or ride-height changes over the years, and any of those can affect how a 175/70R13 tire fits in actual use. Even when the tire size itself is correct, a different wheel width or offset can change clearance.
That is why it helps to inspect the car before choosing replacement tires. Check the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the space around the tire at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel. A stock-size tire remains the right starting point, but the current vehicle setup still deserves confirmation.
What should I inspect before driving a 1980 Subaru GL on new tires?
Before putting a 1980 Subaru GL back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should also be set correctly, and the new tires should be checked for even seating on the rims.
An older GL can also benefit from a close look at wheel bearings, alignment condition, and any signs of rubbing from past tire or wheel changes. After the first few drives, recheck air pressure and look for uneven wear or contact marks. Catching those issues early helps protect both the tire and the car.
How should 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1980 Subaru GL be maintained?
Maintain 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1980 Subaru GL by keeping them properly inflated, inspecting them regularly, and watching for age-related issues such as sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, or recurring air loss. Low-use collector cars often need condition checks more than they need tread-depth checks.
Storage habits matter as much as mileage on a lightly used Subaru. Keeping the car away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. It is also smart to look at the tires before any longer drive, since a car that sits can develop condition issues even when it is rarely used.
