1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe Tires

The 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe does not use one universal tire size. Depending on the exact sub-model, the primary fitments are 185R14, 700-14, 195R14, E78-14, GR78-15, and G78-15, with both radial and bias-ply applications across 14-inch and 15-inch wheels.

The first step is identifying the truck's exact configuration, including 4x2 or 4x4, cab style, bed style, and whether it falls into one of the 15-inch applications. Once that is confirmed, the tire decision becomes much easier, because the remaining choices are construction, sidewall appearance, brand, and whether a radial-equivalent size is worth considering for the bias-ply fitments.

A 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe can use either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 185R14, 700-14, 195R14, and E78-14 fitments use 14-inch wheels, while GR78-15 and G78-15 are 15-inch applications.

That makes wheel diameter one of the most important checks before ordering tires, especially on older trucks that may have seen wheel changes over time. Reading the size off the current tire can help, but it is still smart to confirm the wheel itself, because a 14-inch and 15-inch setup can exist within the same 720 Deluxe family.

The 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe was offered in several configurations, including 4x2 and 4x4 layouts, King Cab and regular-bed variations, and different wheel applications. Those differences lead to multiple primary tire sizes rather than one shared fitment across the entire model line.

For a buyer, that means tire selection starts with the exact sub-model instead of the model name alone. A 4x2 Long Bed, a 4x4 King Cab, and a 4x4 H.D. truck can each point to a different size and even a different construction type, so confirming the truck's actual configuration prevents choosing the right-looking tire in the wrong fitment.

On the 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe, 700-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is used on certain 4x2 bed configurations and represents one of the truck's traditional 14-inch fitments rather than a radial application.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and replacement strategy. Staying with 700-14 keeps the original sizing format intact, while moving to a radial means evaluating one of the recognized equivalent sizes and checking wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance instead of assuming every 14-inch radial will behave the same on the truck.

Radial equivalents for 700-14 are 185R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P195/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P205/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The recommended rim-width range attached to those equivalents is 4 to 6 inches.

Those options give different sizing formats while staying in the same general fitment conversation. A buyer should still confirm the actual wheel width on the truck, then compare the equivalent size against current clearance at the fender and suspension before changing construction, especially on a truck that may no longer be on its original wheels or ride height.

That depends on the truck's actual primary fitment and on the goal for the vehicle. Some 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe sub-models already use radial sizes such as 185R14, 195R14, or GR78-15, while others use bias-ply sizes such as 700-14, E78-14, or G78-15.

A buyer keeping a period-style presentation may prefer to retain the original construction type used by that sub-model, especially on a restoration-minded truck. Owners more focused on road use often compare radial equivalents for the bias-ply sizes, but that step should include checking wheel compatibility and physical clearance rather than treating construction changes as automatic.

Start with the exact sub-model and the correct primary size, because the 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe spans six different tire sizes and two wheel diameters. After that, the main decision points are construction type, intended use, sidewall appearance, and whether the truck is staying in a period-style format or moving toward a radial alternative.

Once the fitment is confirmed, compare the available tires within that size rather than across the entire model family. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall offerings create very different visual results, and truck-oriented series can present a different character from passenger-style radials even when both are appropriate to the truck's basic size.

Sidewall choices for the 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size. The exact style availability changes by fitment, so a 14-inch radial, a 14-inch bias-ply, and a 15-inch bias-ply setup do not all offer the same visual choices.

That makes sidewall selection an appearance decision only after the correct size has been confirmed. A narrow whitewall can give a milder vintage look, while a wide whitewall creates a more pronounced traditional presentation, and a blackwall keeps the focus on a simpler truck-oriented finish without implying that one treatment is universally right for every 720 Deluxe.

Tires for the 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe are available from Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA, depending on the size. Brand choice varies by fitment, with some sizes represented by multiple radial touring-style options and others by traditional bias-ply or truck-duty designs.

The practical way to compare brands here is within the correct tire size for the truck, not across different fitments. Once the size is settled, look at factors such as construction, sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width specification, and the intended look of the finished truck rather than expecting every brand to cover every 720 Deluxe application.

A period-style choice starts with the exact primary size used by the truck's sub-model, then stays mindful of the original construction type. On a 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe, that could mean retaining a bias-ply size such as 700-14, E78-14, or G78-15, or choosing the proper radial size where the truck already uses one.

Appearance details should come after fitment, not before it. A blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall can all shift the visual impression of the truck, but exact historical originality can vary by configuration and market, so buyers pursuing a highly exact restoration should compare the truck against marque references and period documentation before making a final styling choice.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe as much as it changes the replacement path. A bias-ply tire usually preserves a more traditional vintage truck presentation, while a radial of the proper size often gives the truck a slightly more modern visual and functional impression.

That difference matters most on trucks where a bias-ply primary fitment also has radial-equivalent options. A restoration-minded owner may keep the original sizing style and construction, while a driver-focused owner may accept a different look in exchange for a radial format, provided the wheel diameter, rim width, and overall fit on the vehicle are checked carefully first.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe even when the chosen tire size is otherwise appropriate for the sub-model. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lifts or lowering, and body or steering modifications can all influence how much room the tire actually has.

That is especially important on a model family that already spans both 14-inch and 15-inch applications. A buyer considering a radial equivalent or replacing wheels should confirm not only diameter but also actual wheel width and clearance at full steering lock and suspension travel so the finished setup matches the truck rather than just the catalog size.

Before driving a 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm that the tires are properly mounted and inflated. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the truck is not trying to run fresh tires with worn hardware.

A short clearance check is worthwhile before regular road use, especially if the truck has a different tire construction than before or if the wheel setup has changed. Watch for any rubbing at turns, check that the tires hold pressure evenly, and recheck the truck after the first few drives to catch settling, contact marks, or balance issues early.

Tires on a collector 1981 Nissan Trucks 720 Deluxe should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and sensible storage habits. Collector trucks often cover limited mileage, so sidewall aging, cracking, flat spotting, and slow air loss can become more important than simple tread wear.

Routine inspection is best done before every meaningful drive and again after longer periods of storage. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and any sign of bulges, cuts, repeated pressure loss, or unusual wear deserves attention before the truck returns to the road.