The 1987 Pontiac T1000 came at the end of GM’s long-running subcompact era, when simple front-wheel-drive economy cars were built for everyday practicality rather than excess. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire choice is less about novelty and more about matching the car’s light, efficient character with the right 13-inch radial fitment. This model uses 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 tires, both in modern metric radial sizing. Available choices range from blackwall to narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles across several brands and tire series. The key is confirming which size is on the car now and choosing a tire that suits either preservation-minded appearance or regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Pontiac T1000
The 1987 Pontiac T1000 uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires for a 13-inch rim. Since the Base model can use either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, the first step is confirming which size is already fitted to the car or which wheel-and-tire setup is intended before comparing brands, sidewall style, and product specifications.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1987 Pontiac T1000, this size supports the car’s original small-car, 13-inch fitment with a tall-profile radial layout. Available choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with blackwall-style alternatives absent here but narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations offered across several tire series. This size is the one to evaluate if maintaining a traditional small-car stance and period-style whitewall appearance matters.
175/70R13 is also a metric radial size, with 175 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 70 identifying the aspect ratio, R for radial construction, and 13 for wheel diameter. For the 1987 Pontiac T1000, it remains a 13-inch radial fitment but with a different width-and-profile combination than 155/80R13. The available product selection in this size centers on Avon’s CR6ZZ series in a blackwall configuration rather than whitewall presentation. This size deserves a careful look when the car already carries 175/70R13 tires or when wheel width and overall tire presentation point toward that setup.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1987 Pontiac T1000 Base can use the same two 13-inch radial tire sizes found on the main model listing. Even so, checking the exact size already on the car still matters before selecting a tire, since the available products and sidewall styles differ by size.
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1987 Pontiac T1000 Base
The 1987 Pontiac T1000 Base uses 13-inch radial fitments and can be equipped with either of the two primary sizes associated with this model. That makes size confirmation the real first step, followed by choosing between a more traditional whitewall-oriented option in 155/80R13 or the blackwall performance-oriented availability in 175/70R13.
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 Pontiac T1000 Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Pontiac T1000 tires cover both primary 13-inch radial sizes, with choices from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. Shoppers can compare whitewall and blackwall presentations, along with series such as UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, Tornel Classic, and CR6ZZ.
Common 1987 Pontiac T1000 tire questions usually center on which 13-inch radial size the car uses, how the two fitments differ, and how to choose between whitewall and blackwall options for road use or a period-style look.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Pontiac T1000?
The 1987 Pontiac T1000 uses two primary tire sizes: 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. Both are radial tires designed for a 13-inch wheel, and the covered Base model can use either size depending on the setup on the car.
That means the first job is not choosing a brand but confirming which size is already mounted or which wheel setup the car currently has. Since product selection differs between the two sizes, checking the sidewall marking on the existing tire and verifying wheel width helps avoid choosing a tire that does not match the intended fitment.
What size rim does a 1987 Pontiac T1000 use?
The 1987 Pontiac T1000 uses a 13-inch rim with both primary tire sizes. Both 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 are built around that same wheel diameter, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire size can vary.
Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth checking the actual wheel width before final selection. Some available tires include specific rim-width ranges, and that matters when the car has replacement wheels, older aftermarket rims, or a setup that has changed over time.
Why does the 1987 Pontiac T1000 have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Pontiac T1000 can use either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, which gives this model more than one primary fitment choice on the same 13-inch wheel diameter. The difference is not construction type, since both sizes are radial, but the size and profile combination itself.
In practical terms, that means owners should confirm the exact size on the car instead of assuming every T1000 used the same tire. Looking at the current tire sidewall, wheel width, and overall presentation of the car helps determine which size makes sense before moving on to brand, series, or sidewall style.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 tire for a 1987 Pontiac T1000?
Start with the correct tire size for the car’s current setup, since the 1987 Pontiac T1000 can use either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. After size, the next considerations are wheel width, radial construction, sidewall appearance, and the character of the available tire series in that specific fitment.
A whitewall-oriented presentation is available in 155/80R13, while the 175/70R13 option here is a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ. Buyers comparing options should also look at rim-width compatibility and load details where stated, especially if the car has replacement wheels or is being returned to a more period-style appearance.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Pontiac T1000 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Pontiac T1000 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and product line. The 155/80R13 fitment offers the broadest appearance range, while the available 175/70R13 product is presented as a blackwall.
That makes sidewall style an important part of choosing a tire for this car, especially if appearance matters as much as simple fitment. A narrow or wide whitewall can support a more period-style small-car look, while a blackwall keeps the presentation cleaner and more understated on a driver-focused setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Pontiac T1000?
Tires for the 1987 Pontiac T1000 are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. Brand availability depends on size, with 155/80R13 carrying the broadest selection and 175/70R13 represented here by Avon in the CR6ZZ series.
Brand choice should be compared alongside size, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as the only decision. A buyer looking for whitewall presentation will naturally focus on the 155/80R13 offerings, while someone matching an existing 175/70R13 setup may be choosing within a much narrower product range.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Pontiac T1000?
A period-style 1987 Pontiac T1000 usually starts with selecting the correct primary size already suited to the car, then choosing a sidewall presentation that matches the look you want. In this application, 155/80R13 offers the strongest restoration-oriented visual options through narrow whitewall and wide whitewall radial choices.
That does not automatically make 155/80R13 the right choice for every car, because the T1000 can also use 175/70R13. The best approach is to confirm the actual wheel-and-tire setup first, then decide whether the goal is preserving a modest original-era appearance or simply keeping the car roadworthy with a cleaner blackwall look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Pontiac T1000?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 1987 Pontiac T1000 because the primary fitments here are radial, not bias-ply. The visual effect comes less from construction changes and more from the tire’s profile, sidewall treatment, and series, especially when comparing whitewall and blackwall options.
For a restoration-minded owner, the choice often comes down to whether the car should look more like an everyday late-1980s survivor or carry a stronger period-style whitewall presentation. When exact originality matters, appearance should be checked against vehicle-specific historical references rather than assumed from tire size alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Pontiac T1000?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Pontiac T1000 even though both primary tire sizes use a 13-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, or body repairs can influence how either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 sits in the car.
A modified car should be checked for wheel width, tire clearance, steering travel, and general suspension condition before settling on a new tire. Even when the sidewall size looks correct, differences in wheel setup or ride height can change how comfortably the tire works in real driving conditions.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Pontiac T1000 on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Pontiac T1000 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the mounted size matches the intended fitment, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for service. It is also wise to check for rubbing at full steering lock and during normal suspension movement.
A car that has spent long periods parked deserves extra attention to wheel condition, brake drag, alignment behavior, and any signs of uneven clearance. A short, careful test drive can reveal vibration, pull, or contact issues early, giving you a chance to correct them before regular road use.
How should tires on a collector-era 1987 Pontiac T1000 be maintained?
Tires on a collector-era 1987 Pontiac T1000 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition rather than tread depth alone. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss all matter on low-use cars that may spend more time parked than driven.
Storage conditions also play a role, so keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Routine inspection is especially important on a lightweight car like the T1000, where small changes in pressure or condition can noticeably affect ride quality and overall road manners.
