The 1981 Nissan 810 sits at an interesting point in Nissan’s transition from straightforward late-1970s sedan design into a more modern, comfort-oriented import experience. Buyers looking after one today are often balancing originality, drivability, and the understated character that makes these cars appealing survivors. The 1981 Nissan 810 uses a 185/70R14 radial tire on a 14-inch rim, so the tire decision is centered less on size changes and more on choosing the right style within that fitment. Available choices include traditional blackwall radials as well as a wide whitewall option. That makes wheel confirmation, intended use, and restoration appearance the key factors before selecting a tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1981 Nissan 810
The 1981 Nissan 810 uses one primary tire size: 185/70R14, a radial fitment for a 14-inch rim. The covered DX sub-model uses that same size, so the main decision is not which primary size fits, but which version of 185/70R14 best matches the car’s appearance, wheel width, and planned road use.
A 185/70R14 size uses a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1981 Nissan 810, that means a modern metric radial fitment rather than an older numeric or alphanumeric sizing system. Within this size, there is meaningful variety in character, including blackwall touring and sport-oriented offerings as well as a 2.25-inch whitewall BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial for a more restoration-minded presentation. Choosing among them comes down to wheel-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, and whether the car is being preserved for period style or regular road use.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1981 Nissan 810 sub-models. The DX uses the same primary 185/70R14 radial size, so selection is mainly about matching the tire’s style and specifications to the car’s wheels and intended use.
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1981 Nissan 810 DX
The 1981 Nissan 810 DX uses the 185/70R14 radial size on a 14-inch rim. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall styling, along with comparing rim-width compatibility and overall product character within the same fitment.
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 1981 Nissan 810 Tires for Sale
Available 185/70R14 choices for the 1981 Nissan 810 include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein radials. Most carry a blackwall presentation, while the Silvertown Radial adds a 2.25-inch whitewall option for a more traditional look.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
Common 1981 Nissan 810 tire questions usually center on the 185/70R14 size, 14-inch rim fitment, product differences within that size, appearance choices, and the checks worth making before putting a collector-era sedan back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1981 Nissan 810?
The 1981 Nissan 810 uses a 185/70R14 radial tire. That is a metric radial size designed for a 14-inch rim, and it is the primary fitment for this model. The covered 1981 Nissan 810 DX uses that same size as well.
That makes the real decision less about choosing between multiple primary sizes and more about selecting the right 185/70R14 tire for the car’s wheels and intended use. Sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and the overall look of the tire matter just as much as the size itself, especially on a preserved or restoration-minded car.
What size rim does a 1981 Nissan 810 use?
The 1981 Nissan 810 tire fitment is built around a 14-inch rim diameter. The 185/70R14 size confirms that wheel diameter, since the final number in the size designation refers to the rim size in inches.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before ordering tires, particularly if the car has changed hands several times or has had aftermarket wheels installed. A tire meant for a 14-inch rim cannot be mounted on a different diameter wheel, and wheel width should also be checked because available 185/70R14 products do not all share the same approved width range.
Does the 1981 Nissan 810 DX use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1981 Nissan 810 DX uses the same 185/70R14 radial tire size as the main 1981 Nissan 810 fitment. That keeps replacement straightforward because there is no separate primary size to sort out for the covered DX sub-model.
Even with the same tire size, it still helps to confirm the actual wheels on the car before making a final selection. If the sedan has replacement wheels, wheel-width differences can influence which 185/70R14 products are appropriate, and sidewall style choices such as blackwall or wide whitewall can change the overall presentation quite a bit.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R14 tire for a 1981 Nissan 810?
Start with the confirmed 185/70R14 size and 14-inch rim, then compare the tire’s construction, approved rim-width range, load specification where stated, and overall style. Every option here is radial, but the character varies from traditional touring-style offerings to more appearance-focused and sport-classic selections.
The right choice depends on how the Nissan 810 is used and how you want it to look. A blackwall tire keeps a clean, understated presentation, while a wide whitewall changes the car’s visual tone significantly. Matching the tire to the actual wheel width on the car is just as important as choosing a brand or series name.
What sidewall styles are available for 1981 Nissan 810 tires?
The available 185/70R14 tires for a 1981 Nissan 810 include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Most of the choices in this fitment are blackwall radials, while the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial offers a 2.25-inch whitewall for a more vintage-inspired appearance.
That sidewall decision affects the car’s overall presentation more than many buyers expect. A blackwall suits a restrained, later-import look, while a wide whitewall gives the car a more traditional restoration-oriented flavor. Either way, the sidewall style should be chosen after confirming the correct size and the wheel-width requirements of the specific tire.
What brands offer tires for the 1981 Nissan 810?
The 1981 Nissan 810 has 185/70R14 tire options from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands cover several tire series, including Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic, all within the same basic fitment.
That variety gives the buyer several ways to narrow the choice without changing the vehicle’s primary size. Some selections lean toward a traditional visual presentation, while others suit a more performance-oriented or European-classic tire character. Comparing sidewall style, wheel-width compatibility, and the overall look of each series is usually more helpful than choosing by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1981 Nissan 810?
A period-style 1981 Nissan 810 should begin with the correct 185/70R14 radial size on a 14-inch rim. From there, the choice depends on how closely the car is being preserved to its era and whether the goal is a restrained blackwall look or a more distinctive traditional presentation.
Blackwall tires usually maintain the cleaner late-1970s to early-1980s import-sedan character, while the available wide whitewall creates a much more stylized impression. Buyers chasing exact originality should compare the tire’s appearance with period photos, showroom literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a sidewall treatment purely for visual impact.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1981 Nissan 810?
On a 1981 Nissan 810, construction is simpler than on many older cars because the primary fitment is already radial. That means the visual difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial shape and more from the sidewall style, tread character, and overall profile of the specific 185/70R14 tire chosen.
A blackwall radial tends to preserve the car’s understated import look, while a wide whitewall makes the car read much more like a restoration statement. Since all of the available options remain within the same radial size family, appearance choice can be made without moving away from the model’s primary construction type.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1981 Nissan 810?
Yes. A 1981 Nissan 810 uses a 185/70R14 radial as its primary fitment, but wheel and suspension changes can still affect what works on the car in practice. Aftermarket wheels may alter diameter or width, and suspension changes can influence clearance even when the nominal tire size remains the same.
That is why the actual wheel setup should be checked before replacing tires, especially on an older car with an uncertain history. Measure the wheel diameter, confirm wheel width, and look at fender and steering clearance at full lock. Those checks become especially important when comparing 185/70R14 products with different approved rim-width ranges.
What should I inspect before driving a 1981 Nissan 810 on new tires?
Before putting a 1981 Nissan 810 back into regular road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tires are seated correctly, and verify inflation pressure against the tire and vehicle requirements being followed. It also helps to check for uneven wear patterns, suspension looseness, and any signs of rubbing during steering movement.
Older collector-era sedans often spend long periods parked, so a broader inspection matters as much as the tires themselves. Look for cracked rubber components, brake drag, aged valve stems, and alignment issues that could shorten tire life quickly. A careful test drive at moderate speed is a smart final step before longer highway use.
How should 185/70R14 tires on a collector 1981 Nissan 810 be maintained?
185/70R14 tires on a collector 1981 Nissan 810 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cuts, bulges, cracking, and irregular wear, and protected from long idle periods on low pressure. Clean, dry storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources also helps preserve tire condition.
Collector cars age tires differently than daily drivers because miles stay low while time and storage conditions still affect the rubber. Rolling the car periodically, checking for slow air loss, and watching for flat spotting after extended parking can help catch problems early. Any older tire with visible deterioration deserves close professional inspection before road use.