1980 Volkswagen Dasher Tires

The 1980 Volkswagen Dasher uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 13-inch rims, but they are not just two ways of writing the same tire. They represent different sizing systems and different tire constructions.

The practical step is to confirm what is actually on the car now, especially if it has been driven, restored, or modified over the years. Check the current tire size, wheel width, and overall setup before choosing a replacement, because the correct decision is less about the model name alone and more about whether the Dasher is using the radial or bias-ply fitment path.

The primary tire fitments for the 1980 Volkswagen Dasher both use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 155R13 radial size and the 560-13 bias-ply size. Even though the rim diameter matches, the tire constructions and the wheel-width requirements can differ between those two fitment choices.

Rim diameter is only the first check. A 13-inch wheel still needs to be the right width for the specific tire being considered, and that becomes especially important when comparing the Dasher's radial and bias-ply options. Looking at the wheel itself before ordering helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the diameter but does not suit the actual wheel width on the car.

Yes. The 1980 Volkswagen Dasher Base follows the same fitment pattern as the model overall, using either a 155R13 radial or a 560-13 bias-ply tire. Both are 13-inch rim fitments, so the sub-model does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a third tire size to sort out.

That keeps sub-model confusion to a minimum, but the actual car still needs to be checked before replacement. A Base model may be wearing radial tires now, or it may have been set up with bias-ply tires for restoration appearance. Identifying the present wheel-and-tire combination is the best way to choose the correct replacement rather than assuming every Dasher Base is using the same construction.

On the 1980 Volkswagen Dasher, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system commonly seen on vintage applications, and it is separate from the Dasher's 155R13 radial fitment. That means 560-13 is part of a traditional bias-ply setup rather than a radial version of the same size.

That distinction matters because changing from a bias-ply setup to a radial setup is more involved than matching the 13-inch rim diameter. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance all need attention, especially on a car that may have changed over time. Buyers who want to preserve a more period-style look often stay with 560-13, while others compare the available radial equivalents carefully first.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series option, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series option. These are comparison sizes for owners evaluating a radial alternative to the original bias-ply fitment, not alternate names for the same tire.

The equivalent comparison also points to a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches, which is an important checkpoint before changing sizes. Beyond wheel width, it is smart to verify the actual wheel, suspension clearance, and how the car sits and steers. A radial equivalent can be a useful option, but it still needs to be matched to the Dasher's real-world setup.

Start by confirming the existing wheel diameter and wheel width, then compare the intended radial equivalent to the current 560-13 bias-ply setup. For this Dasher fitment, the radial-equivalent comparison includes 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches tied to that equivalent path.

A conversion should also include clearance checks at the fenders and steering, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or a long service history. The choice is not only about size code; it affects how the tire sits on the wheel and how the car presents visually. Verifying the full setup before purchase helps keep the change from becoming a fitment surprise.

The first decision is whether the car is set up for 155R13 radial tires or 560-13 bias-ply tires. That choice shapes everything else, including wheel-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, and the overall character of the replacement. Once the correct size path is established, the remaining comparison is between available brands, tire series, and visual style.

A Dasher kept for regular driving may lead a buyer toward the radial side of the fitment picture, while a restoration-oriented car may lean toward the bias-ply size and its whitewall options. It also helps to compare load figures where they are given and to make sure the wheel itself suits the tire. Correct size and wheel match should come before appearance preferences.

The 1980 Volkswagen Dasher tire choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles, depending on size and construction. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. That gives the Dasher noticeably different visual directions even within correct-size fitments.

Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct tire size and construction have been confirmed. Blackwall tires usually suit a more understated European presentation, while whitewalls create a stronger period-style visual statement on a bias-ply setup. Since appearance can change the character of the car quickly, it makes sense to decide whether the goal is subtle authenticity, a restoration-inspired look, or simply the style already on the vehicle.

Tires for the 1980 Volkswagen Dasher are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 bias-ply fitment. Those brands also bring different tire series and sidewall presentations to the Dasher's two fitment paths.

Brand should be part of a broader comparison rather than the only deciding factor. It is more useful to look at which brand appears in the correct size, whether the construction matches the car's setup, and how the series and sidewall style align with your goal for the vehicle. On a Dasher, choosing the right fitment path matters more than simply preferring one brand name over another.

For a period-style 1980 Volkswagen Dasher, the 560-13 bias-ply fitment is the more traditional-looking starting point. It uses an older numeric size format and is available in classic bias-ply tire series from BFGoodrich and Firestone. That combination generally suits a vintage presentation more closely than a modern-looking radial substitute.

The final choice still depends on how the car is equipped and how strictly the appearance goal is being interpreted. Some owners want a traditional sidewall and construction, while others want a vintage look with more modern road manners from a radial alternative. If exact originality matters, compare the car against marque references or restoration documentation before settling on a tire style.

A period-style 1980 Volkswagen Dasher can take on very different visual character depending on sidewall treatment. The available bias-ply 560-13 options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices, while the radial 155R13 options are blackwall. That means the sidewall decision is closely tied to the construction and size path chosen for the car.

The most suitable look depends on whether the goal is a restrained European presentation or a more stylized restoration-oriented appearance. Whitewalls create the strongest vintage statement, while blackwalls keep the look simpler and closer to many later-period driver presentations. It helps to evaluate the wheel design, ride height, and overall finish of the car so the tire appearance complements the rest of the Dasher.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1980 Volkswagen Dasher even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body and fender work can all affect how a 155R13 or 560-13 tire sits on the car and how much clearance remains in motion.

That is why the actual vehicle should be inspected before replacement rather than relying only on the model year. A Dasher with non-original wheels may need closer attention to wheel width, while lowered or altered suspension can reduce clearance at the fender or during steering. Verifying the real setup helps keep a correct-size tire from becoming a clearance problem after installation.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and the basic condition of the suspension and steering components. The new tires should be checked for proper inflation, visible seating on the rims, and adequate clearance around the fenders and steering range. On an older Dasher, those simple checks matter as much as the tire size itself.

A short, careful test drive is a smart follow-up, especially if the car has not been driven regularly or has changed from one tire construction to another. Pay attention to rubbing, pull, vibration, or unusual settling after the first few miles. Collector and hobby cars often sit for long periods, so it is worth checking pressure again and giving the installation a second visual inspection.

Tires on a collector 1980 Volkswagen Dasher should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of age-related deterioration. Low-mileage cars can still develop tire problems simply from time, storage conditions, and long periods of sitting. That applies whether the car is on 155R13 radials or 560-13 bias-ply tires.

Storage habits matter almost as much as road use on a hobby vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and moving the vehicle periodically can reduce flat spotting from extended parking. Before any longer drive, give the Dasher a fresh walk-around and verify that the tires still look sound for the trip ahead.