1986 Subaru Trucks Brat Tires

The 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat uses a 185/70R13 radial tire. That size combines a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter, making it a modern metric radial format rather than an older alphanumeric or numeric bias-ply size.

Since this Brat uses one primary size, the main task is confirming that the truck still has the correct 13-inch wheels and that no previous owner changed the wheel package. Once the wheel size is verified, selection comes down to choosing among the available radial tires, sidewall styles, and series that suit the truck’s appearance and intended use.

The 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat uses a 13-inch rim with its 185/70R13 tire size. That rim diameter is part of the tire code itself, and the available tires in this fitment are built around that 13-inch wheel size.

Rim diameter is only one part of the check, especially on an older vehicle that may have seen wheel changes over the years. It also helps to confirm actual wheel width, since some available 185/70R13 tires call for different rim-width ranges, and that can affect which product makes sense for your particular Brat.

Yes. The 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat GL uses the same 185/70R13 radial tire size as the core model. There is no alternate primary size tied to the GL here, so tire fitment remains consistent at the sub-model level.

That consistency simplifies the search, but it does not remove the need to inspect the truck itself. A Brat with aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, or replacement wheels in a different width may narrow the range of suitable tire choices, even when the nominal tire size remains 185/70R13.

Start with the correct size and rim diameter, then compare the available 185/70R13 radial tires by intended use, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. The choices here range from traditional-looking BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions to blackwall performance-oriented options from Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein.

A Brat being restored for a period-style presentation may call for a different tire than one driven regularly on modern roads. Sidewall appearance, stated load figures where available, and compatible rim-width ranges are all worth comparing so the tire suits both the truck’s visual character and the wheel setup actually on the vehicle.

The 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat has 185/70R13 tire options in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall. Those choices all stay within the correct primary size, so the difference is visual presentation rather than a change in core fitment.

That makes sidewall style an important appearance decision for owners who want the truck to lean more sporty, more traditional, or more restoration-oriented. The right choice depends on the look of the vehicle, wheel design, and how closely you want the finished presentation to reflect the Brat’s era without assuming every style was used the same way originally.

185/70R13 tires for the 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands cover several distinct tire series, including Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, SP Sport Aquajet, Sport Classic, XDX-B, and Sprint Classic.

Brand choice is most useful when paired with the other selection factors that actually affect the finished result. Comparing series style, sidewall treatment, stated load information where shown, and wheel-width compatibility will tell you more than brand name alone, especially if the Brat is being balanced between collector presentation and regular road use.

A period-style 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat should stay with the correct 185/70R13 size first, then narrow the choice by appearance and intended use. Within that size, there are traditional-looking radial options as well as sportier blackwall choices, so the tire can support either a stock-inspired look or a more driver-focused presentation.

Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented result usually benefit from looking closely at sidewall treatment, tread character, and overall visual balance with the truck’s wheels and trim. Exact originality questions are best settled with marque-specific references or period vehicle documentation, while this size remains the right starting point for a faithful-looking fitment.

The 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat uses radial construction in its primary 185/70R13 fitment, so restoration appearance comes more from the specific radial tire you choose than from deciding between bias-ply and radial. Here, the visual differences are mainly found in sidewall style and the character of the available tire series.

That means a restored Brat can look notably different depending on whether it wears a blackwall, redline, or wide whitewall treatment, even though the underlying size stays the same. Matching the tire’s appearance to the truck’s paint, trim, and wheel style usually matters more than chasing a construction change that is not part of the primary fitment.

Yes. Even though the 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat uses 185/70R13 as its primary tire size, modifications can still affect real-world fitment. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications may change the amount of clearance available around the tire.

A modified Brat should be checked at the wheel, not just by reading the sidewall size. Turning clearance, fender clearance, and actual rim dimensions all matter, especially on a compact vehicle where small changes are noticeable. Verifying those points before mounting new tires helps avoid rubbing, mismatch with the wheel, or an unintended change in stance.

Before driving a 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the rim diameter and width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct 185/70R13 size. It also helps to check valve stems, wheel hardware, and basic alignment-related wear points.

Collector-era vehicles often spend long periods parked, so a broader mechanical look is worthwhile before road use. Tire pressure, steering response, brake condition, and any signs of interference in the wheel wells should be checked during the first short drive. Catching those issues early helps the new tires work as intended and protects the vehicle.

185/70R13 tires on a collector 1986 Subaru Trucks Brat should be kept at appropriate pressure, inspected regularly for cuts, bulges, cracking, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for routine tire attention.

Storage habits matter just as much as miles on a vehicle like this. Periods of inactivity can flatten tires temporarily and can hide slow air loss until the truck is put back into service. Regular pressure checks, occasional movement of the vehicle, and a careful visual inspection before each drive help preserve both safety and tire life.