The 1987 Ford Thunderbird sits in the aerodynamic, technology-minded era that reshaped Ford’s personal luxury coupe into something sleeker and more performance aware. That matters when choosing tires, because this Thunderbird does not use one universal setup across the range. Base, LX, and Sport models use 215/70R14 radial tires, while the Thunderbird Turbo moves to a 225/60R16 radial fitment. That split also changes the look of the car, from traditional whitewall and stripe options to raised-letter performance styling. The right choice starts with the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then comes down to appearance, road use, and how original or personalized the finished car should feel.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Ford Thunderbird
Two tire sizes apply to the 1987 Ford Thunderbird, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Base, LX, and Sport models use a 14-inch radial setup, while the Turbo uses a 16-inch radial setup. Before comparing tires, confirm whether the car is a standard Thunderbird or a Turbo and verify that the wheels on the car still match the original rim diameter.
The 215/70R14 size identifies a radial tire that is 215 millimeters wide, uses a 70-series profile, and mounts on a 14-inch wheel. On the 1987 Ford Thunderbird, this is the primary fitment for Base, LX, and Sport models, giving those versions a distinctly different setup from the Turbo. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Cooper, Michelin, and Maxxis, with sidewall treatments such as blackwall, RWL, pin-white-stripe, narrow whitewall, redline, and wide whitewall. This size is the right starting point for owners who want to keep the standard 14-inch wheel configuration while tailoring the car’s look toward touring, sporty, or restoration-oriented presentation.
The 225/60R16 size denotes a radial tire with a 225-millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On the 1987 Ford Thunderbird, this size belongs to the Turbo sub-model and reflects that car’s separate wheel and tire package. Product choices include Goodyear, BFGoodrich, and Travelstar, with sidewall styles ranging from raised yellow letter to redline, pin-white-stripe, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. This is the size to evaluate when the car retains its Turbo-specific wheel diameter and the goal is to balance proper fitment with either performance-inspired styling or a more traditional sidewall appearance.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Ford Thunderbird because the Turbo uses a different tire size and rim diameter than the rest of the range. Base, LX, and Sport models stay on the same 14-inch radial size, while the Turbo moves to a 16-inch setup that should be confirmed before ordering.
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1987 Ford Thunderbird Base
The 1987 Ford Thunderbird Base uses the 215/70R14 radial size. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing the right sidewall style, brand, and overall appearance for a standard 14-inch wheel setup rather than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
The 1987 Ford Thunderbird LX also uses the 215/70R14 radial size. Owners can concentrate on product style and rim-width compatibility within that size, especially if the goal is either a clean stock-style look or a more personalized period presentation.
The 1987 Ford Thunderbird Sport uses the same 215/70R14 radial tire size as the Base and LX. That makes fitment straightforward as long as the car still has 14-inch wheels, leaving the main choice between raised-letter, blackwall, whitewall, stripe, and redline options.
The 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo uses the 225/60R16 radial size rather than the 14-inch fitment found on other sub-models. Tire selection starts with confirming that 16-inch wheels are still in place, then comparing sidewall style and tire-series choices within the Turbo’s own size range.
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 Ford Thunderbird Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Ford Thunderbird tires span 215/70R14 and 225/60R16 radial sizes from BFGoodrich, Cooper, Michelin, Maxxis, Goodyear, and Travelstar. The product grid gives plenty to compare, including whitewall, pin stripe, redline, RWL, blackwall, and raised yellow letter sidewalls across several distinct tire series.
Common questions for the 1987 Ford Thunderbird usually center on the split between 14-inch and 16-inch fitments, sub-model differences, sidewall choices, and what to inspect before putting a low-use collector-era car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Ford Thunderbird?
The 1987 Ford Thunderbird uses two different radial tire sizes, depending on sub-model. Base, LX, and Sport models use 215/70R14, while the Thunderbird Turbo uses 225/60R16. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they do not share the same rim diameter.
The first step is identifying the exact sub-model and checking the wheel diameter currently on the car. Many older Thunderbirds have seen wheel changes over time, so the correct tire choice depends on whether the car still has its original-type 14-inch or 16-inch wheel setup rather than on the model name alone.
What size rim does a 1987 Ford Thunderbird use?
A 1987 Ford Thunderbird uses either a 14-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on version. Base, LX, and Sport models pair with 14-inch wheels for 215/70R14 tires, while the Turbo uses a 16-inch wheel with 225/60R16 tires.
That difference makes wheel confirmation especially important before ordering tires. A tire must match the actual wheel diameter on the car, and that should be checked directly if the Thunderbird has changed hands, has aftermarket wheels, or has been updated for style or performance at some point in its life.
Do all 1987 Ford Thunderbird sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1987 Ford Thunderbird Base, LX, and Sport share the 215/70R14 radial size, but the Thunderbird Turbo uses 225/60R16. The Turbo’s tire fitment is separate not only in size, but also in rim diameter.
That means tire selection is straightforward only after the exact sub-model is confirmed. Owners of Base, LX, and Sport cars can compare different sidewall and brand choices within one size, while Turbo owners need to stay focused on the 16-inch fitment and check that the wheel setup has not been altered.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 215/70R14 tire for a 1987 Ford Thunderbird?
For a 1987 Ford Thunderbird Base, LX, or Sport, the first priority is staying with the correct 215/70R14 radial size on a 14-inch wheel. After that, the main differences are brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and details such as load capacity and tire weight.
The available choices cover a broad visual range, from blackwall and raised white letter to pin-white-stripe, narrow whitewall, redline, and wide whitewall. That makes this size less about finding a fitment and more about matching the tire to the car’s intended personality, whether the goal is a restrained stock-style appearance or a more period-custom presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Ford Thunderbird tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Ford Thunderbird include blackwall, RWL, pin-white-stripe, narrow whitewall, redline, wide whitewall, and raised yellow letter, depending on tire size and product line. The 215/70R14 fitment offers especially broad variety, while the 225/60R16 Turbo size also includes both traditional and performance-style presentations.
That variety can change the car’s character even when the size stays correct. Whitewall and pin stripe options lean toward a more formal or restoration-oriented look, while RWL and raised yellow letter styles create a more performance-minded appearance. The best choice depends on the Thunderbird’s trim, wheels, and the overall look the owner wants to preserve.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Ford Thunderbird?
Tires for the 1987 Ford Thunderbird are available from BFGoodrich, Cooper, Michelin, Maxxis, Goodyear, and Travelstar, depending on size. The 215/70R14 fitment includes several brands and series, while the 225/60R16 Turbo size draws from a smaller but still varied mix of products.
Brand choice should come after confirming the correct size and wheel diameter. Once fitment is settled, compare each tire by sidewall style, tire series, rim-width range, and other specifications that matter to the car’s intended use. That approach keeps the decision grounded in compatibility and appearance rather than in brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Ford Thunderbird?
A period-style 1987 Ford Thunderbird tire choice starts with the correct sub-model size: 215/70R14 for Base, LX, and Sport, or 225/60R16 for the Turbo. From there, the best match depends on whether the goal is a more formal personal-luxury look, a sporty late-1980s appearance, or something closer to a customized presentation.
Whitewall, pin-white-stripe, and blackwall options tend to suit a restrained original-era look, while redline, RWL, and raised yellow letter styles push the car in a sportier direction. Exact originality can vary by trim, market, and owner preference, so buyers with strict restoration goals should compare tire appearance against period photos or marque-specific reference material.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Ford Thunderbird?
Construction is simple on the 1987 Ford Thunderbird because both primary fitments are radial. That means the visual difference comes less from choosing between bias-ply and radial, and more from the tire’s profile, sidewall treatment, and the specific wheel diameter tied to the sub-model.
A 14-inch 215/70R14 setup gives Base, LX, and Sport cars a different stance and sidewall proportion than the Turbo’s 16-inch 225/60R16 fitment. Keeping the proper size for the specific version helps preserve the car’s intended look, while changing wheel diameter can alter the Thunderbird’s visual balance even before the car starts moving.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Ford Thunderbird?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1987 Ford Thunderbird even when the original size is known. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowering, or body modifications can all affect clearance and can make a factory-type size a less certain choice than it appears on paper.
A careful check should include actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering components. That is especially important on a Thunderbird because the model range already splits between 14-inch and 16-inch fitments, so any past wheel swap can easily blur the line between stock sizing and the setup now on the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Ford Thunderbird on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Ford Thunderbird on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that the tires are inflated properly, and look over the suspension and steering for worn parts that could affect tracking or clearance. It also helps to confirm that the car’s alignment is in good shape.
A short road test should be paired with another visual check for rubbing, unusual sidewall contact, or uneven stance. Collector-era cars often sit for long periods, so it is wise to look beyond the new tires themselves and examine brake condition, wheel fasteners, and any signs of fluid leaks or deterioration before returning the car to regular road use.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Ford Thunderbird be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Ford Thunderbird should be checked regularly for air pressure, tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of age-related hardening. Even a car that sees limited mileage can develop tire problems simply from time, storage conditions, and long periods of sitting.
Storage habits matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use Thunderbird. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the sidewalls, and moving the car periodically can reduce flat spotting. Regular inspection is especially important when the tire’s appearance still looks good but the car has not been driven often.
