The 1987 Chevrolet Chevette came at the end of a long run as one of Chevrolet’s compact economy cars, valued today for its straightforward mechanical character and distinctly period small-car proportions. Owners restoring or preserving one usually want a tire that keeps that modest, tidy stance intact rather than overpowering the car visually. The 1987 Chevrolet Chevette uses a 155/80R13 radial on a 13-inch rim, so the main decision is less about multiple fitments and more about choosing the right version of that size. Available options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations across several radial series. That makes it worth balancing appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended road use before selecting a set.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Chevrolet Chevette
The 1987 Chevrolet Chevette uses one primary tire size: 155/80R13, a radial fitment for a 13-inch rim. The Chevette CS uses that same size, so the key decision is not which primary size fits, but which version of 155/80R13 best matches the car’s appearance, wheel width, and intended use on the road.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Chevrolet Chevette, that format suits the car’s original late-compact era tire sizing and keeps the fitment centered on a modern radial design. Within this size, choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options in different tire series. Selecting among them comes down to wheel-width compatibility, sidewall look, and the kind of restoration or driver presentation you want.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1987 Chevrolet Chevette sub-model. The Chevette CS uses the same primary tire size, so sub-model identification matters less than confirming that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheel setup.
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1987 Chevrolet Chevette CS
The 1987 Chevrolet Chevette CS uses the same 155/80R13 radial fitment as the model core, keeping tire selection simple at the sub-model level. That lets the decision shift toward sidewall appearance, brand and series differences, and making sure the wheel width still matches the tire you plan to use.
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 Chevrolet Chevette Tires for Sale
Available 155/80R13 choices span Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel radials, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styling. The product grid is most useful for comparing sidewall presentation, tire series, and rim-width specifications within the same primary size.
Common questions for the 1987 Chevrolet Chevette usually center on the 155/80R13 size, 13-inch rim fitment, whitewall choices, and how to choose the right radial for restoration-minded use or regular driving.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Chevrolet Chevette?
The 1987 Chevrolet Chevette uses a 155/80R13 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for the model core, and the 1987 Chevrolet Chevette CS uses the same size, so there is no separate covered sub-model size to sort through here.
That means the main job is confirming that the car still has the proper 13-inch wheel setup and then choosing the version of 155/80R13 that fits your goals. Sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and whether the car is being restored, preserved, or driven regularly are the details that shape the final decision.
What size rim does a 1987 Chevrolet Chevette use?
The 1987 Chevrolet Chevette uses a 13-inch rim with its 155/80R13 tire size. That rim diameter is built into the tire size itself, with the final number, 13, indicating the wheel diameter the tire is designed to mount on.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is also smart to verify wheel width before choosing among available tires. Some 155/80R13 products are intended for specific width ranges, and that matters if the car has replacement wheels, older service wheels, or any changes from its original wheel setup.
Does the 1987 Chevrolet Chevette CS use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1987 Chevrolet Chevette CS uses the same 155/80R13 radial tire size as the model core. For a buyer working specifically with the CS sub-model, there is no alternate covered primary size to account for within this fitment group.
That simplifies selection because the focus stays on choosing the right tire within one known size rather than sorting out multiple fitments. It is still worth checking the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been modified over the years, since wheel width and overall condition can affect which available 155/80R13 tire makes the most sense.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155/80R13 tire for a 1987 Chevrolet Chevette?
Start with the correct primary size, 155/80R13, and confirm that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheels. From there, compare the practical differences among available radial tires, including sidewall style, tire series, and the wheel-width range each tire is intended to support.
A Chevette being restored for a period-style look may call for a different whitewall treatment than one being used as a simple driver. Load specification, tire weight, and the actual width of the wheel on the car are all worth checking, especially when choosing between narrow whitewall and wider whitewall options in the same size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Chevrolet Chevette tires?
The available 155/80R13 tires for the 1987 Chevrolet Chevette include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. That gives the car a choice between a subtler whitewall presentation and a more pronounced traditional look while staying within the same basic radial size.
Sidewall style affects the car’s visual character more than the fitment itself, so the right choice depends on how you want the Chevette to present. A narrow whitewall keeps things understated, while a wide whitewall creates a stronger vintage-style statement. It is still important to compare the tire’s rim-width specification along with the sidewall treatment.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Chevrolet Chevette?
155/80R13 tires for the 1987 Chevrolet Chevette are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel. These choices stay within radial construction, but they differ in tire series, sidewall appearance, and some wheel-width specifications.
Brand choice should be part of a broader fitment decision rather than the only factor. Compare the whitewall style you want, the wheel width on the car, and any useful product details such as weight or load specification where those are given. That approach helps narrow the options without assuming every 155/80R13 tire suits every wheel setup the same way.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Chevrolet Chevette?
A period-style 1987 Chevrolet Chevette starts with the correct 155/80R13 radial size and then moves to appearance details within that fitment. Whitewall options are available in both narrow and wider presentations, so the visual goal often matters as much as the size itself for a restoration-minded selection.
The best approach is to match the tire’s sidewall look to the way the car is being preserved, whether that means a restrained everyday appearance or a more noticeable traditional whitewall treatment. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a final look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Chevrolet Chevette?
On a restored 1987 Chevrolet Chevette, construction is straightforward because the primary fitment is already a radial in 155/80R13. The appearance difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial questions and more from the sidewall treatment and the specific tire series chosen in that size.
That makes visual details especially important. A narrow whitewall can preserve a cleaner late-1980s small-car feel, while a wider whitewall introduces a stronger classic accent that changes the car’s overall presentation. Keeping the correct size and rim fitment in place helps the finished car look proportionate rather than over-tired or visually out of character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Chevrolet Chevette?
Yes. A 1987 Chevrolet Chevette may have originally used 155/80R13 on a 13-inch wheel, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body modifications can alter what actually works on the car today. Even when the tire size stays the same, wheel width and clearance still need attention.
That is especially important on older compact cars that may have seen decades of replacement parts and casual modifications. Check the wheel diameter and width, then look at steering clearance, suspension travel, and any signs of rubbing near the fenders or inner wheelhouse. A tire that is correct on paper still needs to suit the car’s current setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Chevrolet Chevette on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Chevrolet Chevette on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify that the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also worth checking for loose suspension parts, worn steering components, or brake issues that can affect how the car feels on the road.
A careful walkaround matters on older cars that may sit for long periods between drives. Look for sidewall damage, air loss, and any interference at full steering lock once the tires are mounted. A short, cautious test drive can reveal vibration, pulling, or clearance problems early, before the car goes back into regular use.
How should 155/80R13 tires on a collector 1987 Chevrolet Chevette be maintained?
155/80R13 tires on a collector 1987 Chevrolet Chevette should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition. Collector cars often accumulate fewer miles, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, and slow air loss can become more important than tread wear alone.
Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the Chevette away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is a good habit to inspect the tread and sidewalls before each outing, and especially before a longer trip, since a lightly used older car can hide tire condition issues that are easy to miss.
