The 1987 Buick Skyhawk sits in the final stretch of Buick’s compact front-wheel-drive era, when smaller domestic cars balanced everyday practicality with trim-level styling differences that could change the tire look and stance noticeably. On this exact model, tire fitment centers on three radial sizes: 175/80R13, 195/70R13, and 205/60R14. That means the key decision is not just choosing a tire brand, but confirming the right sub-model and wheel diameter first. Available options also bring different whitewall presentations, including narrow and wide whitewall styles. For a clean driver or a restoration-minded car, getting the right size and sidewall treatment matters as much as simply matching the rim.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Buick Skyhawk
The 1987 Buick Skyhawk uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two sizes fit 13-inch wheels, while the sportier 205/60R14 uses a 14-inch wheel, so the first step is confirming both the trim level and the wheels currently on the car before choosing a tire.
175/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 175 represents nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Buick Skyhawk, this size is one of the 13-inch fitments used on select sub-models. Available choices include Maxxis and BFGoodrich offerings, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations in different tire series. This size suits buyers who want a taller-profile compact radial and who need to stay with the proper 13-inch wheel setup.
195/70R13 is a metric radial size that uses a 195 millimeter nominal width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim. For the 1987 Buick Skyhawk, it is another 13-inch fitment and gives a broader footprint than 175/80R13 while remaining in the same wheel diameter. Available product choice in this size includes a BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial with a narrow whitewall sidewall treatment. This is the size to evaluate when the car is set up for 13-inch wheels but requires the lower-profile 13-inch fitment rather than the taller 175/80R13.
205/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 205 millimeter nominal width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1987 Buick Skyhawk, this size belongs to the 14-inch wheel fitment used on specific sub-models rather than the 13-inch-wheel versions. Its shorter profile and larger wheel diameter make wheel confirmation especially important before selection. This is the correct size to focus on when the car retains the 14-inch setup, particularly on trims where tire fitment differs from the Custom and Limited models.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Buick Skyhawk because tire size is not the same across the full range. Custom and Limited models use 13-inch tire fitments, while Sport and T-Type models move to a 14-inch setup, so identifying the exact trim is the first step.
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1987 Buick Skyhawk Custom
The 1987 Buick Skyhawk Custom uses 13-inch radial tire fitments, with either 175/80R13 or 195/70R13 associated with this sub-model. Tire selection starts with confirming which 13-inch wheel setup is on the car, then choosing the preferred whitewall style and tire series within that correct size.
The 1987 Buick Skyhawk Limited also uses 13-inch radial tire fitments, sharing the same size pattern as the Custom with 175/80R13 or 195/70R13. That makes wheel and existing tire verification important before replacement, especially for buyers trying to preserve a particular whitewall look.
The 1987 Buick Skyhawk Sport uses the 205/60R14 radial tire size on a 14-inch wheel. For this sub-model, the main fitment question is confirming that the car still has its 14-inch wheel setup rather than a later wheel change or downgrade.
The 1987 Buick Skyhawk T-Type uses the 205/60R14 radial tire size and follows the 14-inch fitment pattern rather than the 13-inch setup used elsewhere in the lineup. That means replacement decisions should begin with the wheel diameter first, then move to tire dimensions and overall clearance.
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 1987 Buick Skyhawk Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Buick Skyhawk tire choices center on 13-inch radial options from Maxxis and BFGoodrich, with Silvertown Radial and Classic Whitewall MA-1 series options. The main comparison points are size, rim-width compatibility, and sidewall presentation, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles.
These FAQs focus on the 1987 Buick Skyhawk’s exact tire sizes, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, available radial choices, whitewall selection, and the inspection points that matter before putting a compact collector-era Buick back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Buick Skyhawk?
The 1987 Buick Skyhawk uses three radial tire sizes: 175/80R13, 195/70R13, and 205/60R14. The correct size depends on the sub-model and wheel package. Custom and Limited models use 13-inch fitments, while Sport and T-Type models use 205/60R14 on a 14-inch wheel.
Choosing the right replacement starts with verifying the trim level and checking the wheels actually installed on the car today. A Skyhawk that has had wheel changes over the years may no longer match its original fitment pattern, so the safest approach is to confirm both current rim diameter and the existing tire size before ordering.
What size rim does a 1987 Buick Skyhawk use?
A 1987 Buick Skyhawk can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 175/80R13 and 195/70R13 tire sizes are both built for 13-inch wheels, while 205/60R14 requires a 14-inch wheel.
That distinction matters because the tire size cannot be chosen separately from the wheel diameter. Before replacing tires, check the wheel stamping or the size currently mounted on the car. This is especially important on older compact cars that may have been modified, had wheels swapped, or moved between trim-style appearances over time.
Do all 1987 Buick Skyhawk sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1987 Buick Skyhawk does not use one tire size across every sub-model. Custom and Limited models use 13-inch tire fitments in 175/80R13 or 195/70R13, while Sport and T-Type models use 205/60R14 on a 14-inch wheel.
That means sub-model identification is a real fitment step, not just a trim detail. Even if two cars look similar at a glance, the wheel diameter changes the tire choice completely. Looking at the current tire sidewall, checking wheel size, and confirming the exact sub-model will help avoid selecting a 13-inch tire for a 14-inch application or the reverse.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Buick Skyhawk?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, since the 1987 Buick Skyhawk uses both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments. After that, compare construction, rim-width range, sidewall style, and the type of appearance you want, especially if the car is being kept in a more original-looking presentation.
A Custom or Limited owner may be deciding between a taller 175/80R13 and a lower-profile 195/70R13 setup already associated with that trim, while Sport and T-Type owners need to stay focused on 205/60R14. Once the size is confirmed, the next decision is whether a narrow or wider whitewall better matches the car’s intended look and use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Buick Skyhawk tires?
Available sidewall styles for applicable 1987 Buick Skyhawk tires include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall designs. In 175/80R13, both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options are available, while 195/70R13 is offered with a narrow whitewall treatment.
That gives the buyer an appearance choice as well as a fitment choice. A narrow whitewall usually keeps the presentation subtle and closer to many late-1980s everyday-car looks, while a wider whitewall creates a more traditional styling statement. The best choice depends on the exact trim, the car’s finish, and whether the goal is a clean driver look or a more restoration-oriented presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Buick Skyhawk?
Applicable 1987 Buick Skyhawk tire options are available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in the sizes currently covered. BFGoodrich appears in both 175/80R13 and 195/70R13, while Maxxis is available in 175/80R13 through the Classic Whitewall MA-1 series.
Brand choice should come after the size and wheel diameter are confirmed. Once that is settled, compare each tire by sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and load figure at its stated pressure rather than choosing by brand name alone. That approach keeps the selection focused on fitment and appearance, which matter most on a compact collector-era Buick.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Buick Skyhawk?
A period-style 1987 Buick Skyhawk tire choice starts with the correct size for the sub-model and wheel diameter, then moves to sidewall presentation. For 13-inch fitments, 175/80R13 and 195/70R13 both offer whitewall-based options that can suit a restoration-minded or preserved-driver look.
The most convincing appearance usually comes from matching the tire size and wheel setup already associated with the car, then selecting a whitewall style that complements the trim and overall finish. If exact originality matters, compare the car against Buick literature, surviving original examples, or marque-specific references before settling on a particular whitewall width.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Buick Skyhawk?
On the 1987 Buick Skyhawk, primary fitment is radial, so the construction itself already aligns with the car’s late-1980s character. Appearance differences are more likely to come from the tire’s profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment than from a choice between bias-ply and radial construction.
That makes details such as 13-inch versus 14-inch wheels, taller versus lower-profile sizing, and narrow versus wide whitewall styling especially important. A restored Skyhawk can look noticeably different when the proportions change, even if the tire still mounts properly. Keeping the correct size family for the sub-model helps preserve the car’s intended stance and visual balance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Buick Skyhawk?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Buick Skyhawk. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or brake and hub changes can all change the wheel diameter, width, or available clearance, even when the car originally used one of the stock radial sizes.
A modified Skyhawk should be checked at the wheel and the car, not just by the original application. Verify current rim diameter and width, then inspect clearance at the fender, strut, and steering range before selecting a replacement tire. That extra step matters most when moving between the car’s original 13-inch and 14-inch fitment patterns.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Buick Skyhawk on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Buick Skyhawk on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the lug hardware is correct, and check that the tire size matches the wheel diameter on the car. It is also smart to look over alignment condition, steering components, and brake parts while the tires are being installed.
After installation, check inflation pressure, look for any signs of rubbing at full steering lock, and recheck clearances once the car is on the ground. On an older compact Buick that may sit for long periods, it also helps to inspect for dry cracking, air loss, or uneven wear on the existing tires so the replacement decision is not made in isolation.
How often should tires on a 1987 Buick Skyhawk be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Buick Skyhawk should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long stretches. A visual check before each drive is a good habit on older vehicles, with closer inspections for pressure, cracking, tread wear, and sidewall condition performed on a routine basis.
Collector-era cars often age their tires by time as much as by mileage, so condition matters just as much as remaining tread. Looking for bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss helps catch problems early. Storage conditions also matter, since prolonged heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure can shorten tire life even when the Skyhawk is rarely used.
