1987 Subaru Trucks Brat Tires

The 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat came at the tail end of Subaru’s quirky, compact pickup era, blending passenger-car road manners with light-duty utility and a distinctly 1980s character. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire choice matters as much for stance and drivability as it does for appearance. This exact Brat fitment uses a 185/70R13 radial on a 13-inch rim, so the focus is less about sorting through multiple factory sizes and more about choosing the right tire within that format. Available options range from traditional blackwall radials to redline and wide whitewall treatments, making it possible to balance period-style presentation, road use, and wheel compatibility.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat

The 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat uses one primary tire size: 185/70R13, a radial fitted to a 13-inch rim. The GL sub-model uses this same size, so the main decision is not which size fits, but which 185/70R13 tire best matches the truck’s intended use, appearance, and wheel setup.

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185/70R13Metric radial
Fit(s): GL
Construction: RadialRim: 13 in

In 185/70R13, the 185 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. For the 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat, this is a modern metric radial format that suits the vehicle’s late-1980s fitment without the buyer needing to translate an older bias-ply code. Within this size, choices include blackwall performance-leaning and classic-style radials, along with BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions in redline and wide whitewall form. That makes 185/70R13 a fitment question first, then an appearance and product-character decision second.

Explore 185/70R13 Tires

1987 Subaru Trucks Brat Sub-Model Tires

Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered Brat configuration uses the same primary tire size throughout. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but the GL remains centered on the same 185/70R13 radial fitment and 13-inch rim diameter.

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1987 Subaru Trucks Brat GL

The 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat GL uses the 185/70R13 radial size, keeping tire selection focused on style and product differences rather than alternate fitments. That gives the GL owner room to choose between blackwall radials and more restoration-minded sidewall treatments while still staying within the correct primary size.

Associated Tire Sizes

Important Fitment Notes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 Subaru Trucks Brat Tires for Sale

Available 185/70R13 choices include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with several tire series and both blackwall and specialty sidewall treatments. Buyers can compare traditional-looking radials, sport-oriented options, and rim-width ranges that generally span from 4.5 to 6.5 inches.

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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | Redline | 185/70R13

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Radial

SIDEWALLRedline
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1135@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Avon CR6ZZ | 185/70R13 86H A29

Avon - CR6ZZ

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.5 - 6.0 in
WEIGHT19.31 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R13

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Radial

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1135@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet | 185/70VR13 82V

Dunlop - SP Sport Aquajet

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD1,047 lbs
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Radial Tires

Dunlop Sport Classic | 185/70R13 86V

Dunlop - Sport Classic

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1,168 lbs
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Radial Tires

Michelin XDX-B | 185/70VR13

Michelin - Michelin XDX-B

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT31 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Vredestein

Vredestein Sprint Classic | 185/70VR13 86 V

Vredestein - Sprint Classic

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.5 - 6.5 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1,168 lbs @ 51psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat tire questions usually center on the 185/70R13 size, 13-inch rim fitment, sidewall style choices, and how to choose the right radial for restoration-minded use or regular road driving.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat?

The 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat uses a 185/70R13 radial tire. That size applies to the covered Brat fitment and keeps the vehicle in a modern metric radial format rather than an older numeric or alphanumeric bias-ply size.

That means the key decision is choosing the right tire within 185/70R13 rather than sorting through several primary sizes. Before replacing tires, confirm that the truck still has 13-inch wheels and has not been changed to aftermarket rims or a different suspension setup that could affect clearance or overall fitment.

What size rim does a 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat use?

The primary tire fitment for a 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat is built around a 13-inch rim. The 185/70R13 size itself confirms that rim diameter, and the available products in this fitment are also designed for 13-inch wheels.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, so wheel width should be checked as well before selecting a tire. Several 185/70R13 products in this fitment work across widths that generally fall between 4.5 and 6.5 inches, which is useful if the truck has replacement wheels rather than its original wheel setup.

Does the 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat GL use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat GL uses the same 185/70R13 radial tire size. That keeps fitment simple for GL owners because the question is not which primary size applies, but which version of that size best suits the truck.

With the size staying consistent, selection usually comes down to appearance and intended use. A GL owner can compare blackwall radials for a more understated look or consider specialty sidewall treatments such as redline or wide whitewall when aiming for a more individualized or restoration-oriented presentation.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R13 tire for a 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat?

Start with the correct size, which is 185/70R13, and confirm that the tire is suited to a 13-inch wheel on the truck. From there, compare construction details within the available radial choices, along with rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, load figures where stated, and the overall character of the tire series.

A Brat used for casual cruising may call for a different presentation than one driven more regularly on modern roads. It also helps to verify whether the truck still wears stock-type wheels, since wheel width and any prior modifications can influence which 185/70R13 option makes the most sense.

What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat tires?

The 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat has 185/70R13 tire options in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall. Blackwall choices appear across multiple tire series, while BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial also offers redline and 2-inch whitewall versions in this size.

That variety gives the truck a noticeably different visual character without changing the primary fitment size. Blackwalls tend to preserve a more restrained late-1980s look, while redline or wide whitewall treatments create a more customized or restoration-minded presentation, so appearance should be weighed alongside wheel compatibility and how the Brat will be used.

What brands offer tires for the 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat?

The 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat has 185/70R13 tire choices from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands cover several radial tire series, including Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, SP Sport Aquajet, Sport Classic, XDX-B, and Sprint Classic.

Brand choice should be treated as part of the broader selection process rather than the whole answer by itself. A buyer will still want to compare sidewall style, wheel-width compatibility where stated, and the type of driving or display use the truck sees, since those factors often matter more than the name on the sidewall alone.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat?

A period-style 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat should begin with the correct 185/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch wheel. Within that fitment, the available choices range from understated blackwall radials to BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions with redline or wide whitewall sidewalls, depending on the look being pursued.

For many owners, the decision comes down to whether the truck is being preserved with a restrained late-1980s presentation or given a more personalized collector-vehicle look. If exact originality matters, tire appearance should be cross-checked with period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a sidewall treatment.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat?

On a restored 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat, construction has less of a visual impact than it would on an earlier collector vehicle because the primary fitment is already radial. The bigger appearance differences here come from sidewall style and tire-series character within the 185/70R13 radial size.

That means a restored Brat can stay within the proper fitment format while still looking noticeably different from one tire choice to another. Blackwall radials keep the presentation closer to a typical 1980s light truck or sporty compact look, while redline or wide whitewall options create a stronger custom or show-oriented impression.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat?

Yes. Even though the 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat uses a 185/70R13 radial as its primary fitment, modifications can change whether that size remains the right practical choice. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body and fender work can all influence clearance and tire selection.

A modified Brat should be checked carefully before new tires are mounted. Confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the truck, then inspect steering clearance, suspension travel, and fender space at full lock and under load so the selected 185/70R13 tire works with the vehicle as it sits today.

What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat on new tires?

Before putting a 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat into regular road use on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm proper inflation, and look over the suspension and steering components for looseness or wear. It also makes sense to verify lug torque and check that the tires seat correctly on the rims.

Roadworthiness involves more than fresh rubber, especially on a collector-era compact truck that may sit for long periods. A short initial drive followed by a recheck for air loss, rubbing, vibration, and uneven contact can help catch wheel or chassis issues before they turn into a larger fitment or handling problem.

How should 185/70R13 tires on a collector 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat be maintained?

Tires on a collector 1987 Subaru Trucks Brat should be kept at appropriate pressure, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and checked for air loss if the truck is not driven often. Age and condition matter just as much as tread depth on a lightly used collector vehicle.

Storage also plays a major role in preserving 185/70R13 tires. Keeping the Brat away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls, while moving or driving the truck periodically can reduce flat spotting and make it easier to catch developing issues before a longer trip.