The 1987 Nissan Vans Van came from an era when compact vans balanced passenger comfort, utility, and a tidy footprint that suited daily use as well as light-duty hauling. Buyers looking at one today are often trying to keep that practical character intact while choosing a tire that still looks right on a late-1980s vehicle. This model uses 14-inch radial fitments in either 195/70R14 or 205/70R14, so the first step is confirming which size matches the van’s actual setup. From there, the choice centers on brand, sidewall style, and whether a more understated blackwall or a more distinctive period-style look makes the most sense.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Nissan Vans Van
The 1987 Nissan Vans Van uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires built for a 14-inch rim. Because every covered sub-model can use either 195/70R14 or 205/70R14, the real fitment question is confirming which size is on the van now and whether the wheel width and overall setup support that choice before comparing available tire styles.
195/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 195 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Nissan Vans Van, this size keeps the fitment in a modern radial format that matches the vehicle’s era. Available choices in this size lean toward a clean, understated presentation, with a Dunlop Sport Classic blackwall option. It is a useful size to consider when maintaining a restrained late-1980s look and confirming compatibility with the van’s existing 14-inch wheel setup.
205/70R14 is also a metric radial size, with a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1987 Nissan Vans Van, it opens up a broader selection of period-style and enthusiast-oriented tire choices while staying within the vehicle’s documented radial fitment range. Options in this size include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, and raised white letter treatments from brands such as Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. This size deserves a closer look when appearance choice and product variety matter as much as basic fitment.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1987 Nissan Vans Van sub-models because E, GXE, and XE all use the same two radial size options. Checking the exact sub-model still helps keep the search organized, but wheel and current-tire verification are more important than trim level here.
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1987 Nissan Vans Van E
The 1987 Nissan Vans Van E shares the same 14-inch radial tire fitment range used across the rest of the covered lineup. That means the main decision is not trim-specific sizing, but confirming whether the van is currently set up for 195/70R14 or 205/70R14 before choosing among available brands and sidewall styles.
The 1987 Nissan Vans Van GXE uses the same radial tire-size choices as the other covered sub-models, so fitment does not change from GXE to another listed trim. Tire selection comes down to verifying the installed wheel setup and deciding whether a simple blackwall or a more appearance-driven sidewall treatment better suits the van.
The 1987 Nissan Vans Van XE falls into the same tire-size pattern as the E and GXE, with both primary radial sizes applicable on 14-inch wheels. That makes it important to confirm the actual size already on the van, then compare the available product range based on appearance, rim-width suitability, and intended road 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 Nissan Vans Van Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Nissan Vans Van tire choices include radial options from Dunlop, Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. Across 195/70R14 and 205/70R14, buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, and RWL styles along with several distinct tire series.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1987 Nissan Vans Van, how the 14-inch rim fitment works, and how to choose between available radial tires by size, appearance, and vehicle setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Nissan Vans Van?
The 1987 Nissan Vans Van uses two primary tire sizes: 195/70R14 and 205/70R14. Both are radial sizes built for a 14-inch rim, and both appear across the covered E, GXE, and XE sub-models rather than being tied to only one trim.
That means the key step is checking the van’s current wheel and tire setup instead of assuming one trim automatically requires one size. Looking at the size printed on the existing tires, confirming the wheel width, and making sure the van has not been altered with different wheels or suspension parts will help narrow the choice correctly.
What size rim does a 1987 Nissan Vans Van use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1987 Nissan Vans Van are built around a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 195/70R14 and 205/70R14 share that same rim diameter, so the wheel-size question is consistent even though two tire widths are used on this model.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, so it helps to confirm wheel width as well before selecting a tire, especially in 205/70R14 where product specifications vary by approved rim-width range. A 14-inch wheel with the wrong width or a changed offset can affect how the tire sits and how much clearance remains.
Do all 1987 Nissan Vans Van sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1987 Nissan Vans Van sub-models all share the same two radial fitment options. E, GXE, and XE can use 195/70R14 or 205/70R14, so there is no separate trim-specific tire size split within the listed sub-models.
Even with that shared fitment range, an individual van may already be wearing one of those sizes and should usually be matched accordingly unless a deliberate change is being evaluated. Checking the size on the vehicle now, along with wheel width and any past wheel changes, keeps the decision grounded in the van’s actual setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1987 Nissan Vans Van tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the van’s current setup, either 195/70R14 or 205/70R14, and make sure the tire matches the 14-inch wheel diameter. After that, the main comparison points are rim-width suitability, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and the overall look you want on the vehicle.
A van kept close to its original late-1980s appearance may call for a simple blackwall, while a more customized or enthusiast-oriented presentation may point toward whitewall, redline, dual-redline, or raised white letter styling in 205/70R14. It also helps to compare load figures where shown and confirm that the tire suits how the van will actually be used.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Nissan Vans Van tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Nissan Vans Van include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, and RWL, depending on the tire size selected. The broadest range appears in 205/70R14, while 195/70R14 is represented by a blackwall Dunlop Sport Classic option.
That variety makes sidewall style an appearance decision as much as a fitment decision. Blackwall tends to keep the look restrained and era-appropriate for many vans, while whitewall, redline, and raised white letter designs create a more deliberate visual statement. Once the correct size is confirmed, sidewall style becomes one of the easiest ways to tailor the van’s presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Nissan Vans Van?
Available brands for 1987 Nissan Vans Van tire sizes include Dunlop, Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. Brand choice depends partly on size, since 195/70R14 has a more limited selection and 205/70R14 opens access to a wider group of brands and sidewall treatments.
Brand should be considered alongside the tire series and overall style rather than by name alone. A blackwall touring-style presentation points in a different direction than a narrow whitewall, redline, or RWL look, even within the same basic size. Matching the tire to the van’s appearance goals and wheel setup usually matters more than chasing a brand in isolation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Nissan Vans Van?
A period-style choice for a 1987 Nissan Vans Van starts with keeping one of the correct 14-inch radial sizes, either 195/70R14 or 205/70R14, depending on the van’s setup. From there, the decision usually turns on how understated or expressive the finished look should be.
Blackwall tires often suit a clean late-1980s presentation, while narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, or RWL options can create a more personalized period-style effect. Exact originality can vary by vehicle history and market, so buyers chasing a very precise restoration standard should compare the tire choice with period photos, factory literature, or marque-specific references.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Nissan Vans Van?
On a restored 1987 Nissan Vans Van, tire construction is less of an appearance divide than it is on older collector vehicles because the primary fitments are already radial. The visual difference here comes more from sidewall treatment and tire series than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
That makes details like blackwall versus whitewall, redline, dual-redline, or raised white letter especially important when shaping the van’s final look. A simple blackwall keeps the presentation restrained, while brighter sidewall treatments move the van toward a more customized feel. Staying within the correct size range helps preserve the overall stance and proportions.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Nissan Vans Van?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Nissan Vans Van even when the tire size itself is one of the correct listed options. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel offset, suspension lowering, spring replacement, or body modifications can all influence how a 195/70R14 or 205/70R14 tire sits on the van.
A van with non-original wheels may need closer attention to wheel width and clearance than a stock example. Checking steering clearance, inner-fender space, and how the tire sits under load is especially worthwhile before moving from one primary size to the other. Small fitment differences at the wheel can matter more than the trim badge on the van.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Nissan Vans Van on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and the tires themselves for proper inflation and seating. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components, since worn bushings, shocks, or alignment issues can affect how a new set of 195/70R14 or 205/70R14 tires behaves.
A short local test drive can reveal rubbing, vibration, pulling, or unexpected clearance issues before the van is used more seriously. After the first miles, recheck inflation and give the tires another visual inspection. On an older van that may sit for long periods, ongoing checks for air loss, cracking, and uneven wear remain just as important as initial fitment.
How often should tires on a 1987 Nissan Vans Van be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Nissan Vans Van should be inspected regularly, not only by mileage but also by time, especially if the van is used intermittently. Routine checks should include inflation, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any signs of uneven wear that might point to alignment or suspension issues.
Collector and hobby vehicles can age their tires without adding many miles, so a van that looks lightly used can still need close attention. A quick inspection before each drive and a more careful walk-around at regular intervals is a sensible pattern. Storage conditions also matter, since prolonged heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure can shorten tire life.
