1960 Plymouth arrived in one of Detroit's most styling-driven years, with full-size Plymouths wearing dramatic Forward Look-era themes while the compact Valiant carved out its own identity in a changing market. That gave the 1960 Plymouth lineup a wider tire spread than many single-make pages, because the full-size cars and wagons used 14-inch bias-ply sizes while the smaller Valiant used 13-inch bias-ply sizes. Across three model groupings, four tire sizes appear, and the key choice is less about modern versus vintage construction than confirming whether you have a Valiant, a wagon, or another Plymouth model. Start by identifying the model and wheel diameter before narrowing to the correct size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1960 Plymouth
Four tire sizes are available for 1960 Plymouth vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the entire range. The real decision starts with confirming whether your car uses a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel, since the compact Valiant and the full-size Plymouth line do not use the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct model.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): All Models Except:|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
750-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.50 represents the nominal section width and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall styles, all on a 14-inch fitment. On a 1960 Plymouth, this size is specific to the full-size models outside the wagon grouping and suits owners who want an era-correct bias-ply look and driving character.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): All Models Except:, Wagon|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
800-14 is a numeric bias-ply size with an 8.00 nominal section width and a 14-inch wheel diameter. BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire offer this size with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall appearances, all in bias-ply construction. On a 1960 Plymouth, this size is used by the wagon and also appears on other full-size models, making it a full-size Plymouth fitment rather than a Valiant size.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): Valiant|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
650-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 6.50 is the nominal section width and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Coker Classic and US Royal offer it with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styling, all for 13-inch applications. On a 1960 Plymouth, this size is specific to the Valiant and is the right direction for an owner preserving the compact car's original bias-ply feel and period appearance.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): Valiant|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
700-13 is a numeric bias-ply size with a 7.00 nominal section width and a 13-inch wheel diameter. Firestone offers this size in a whitewall bias-ply fitment for 13-inch wheels. On a 1960 Plymouth, this size is specific to the Valiant and appeals to owners who have confirmed that their compact Plymouth calls for the larger of the two 13-inch bias-ply options.
Three 1960 Plymouth model groupings are covered here. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; the Valiant uses 13-inch tires, while the full-size Plymouth line and wagons use 14-inch tires. Select your model below to narrow your fitment history and see the tires that match that specific Plymouth.
1960 Plymouth All Models Except
Plymouth's full-size 1960 cars carried the division's jet-age styling and broad family-car appeal, sitting apart from the compact Valiant in both scale and character. These models use 14-inch tire fitments, with 750-14 and 800-14 both appearing across the non-Valiant full-size range depending on the application.
The 1960 Valiant was Plymouth's entry into the new compact field, with distinctive styling and a smaller footprint than the brand's full-size cars. Its tire fitments mount on 13-inch wheels, and both 650-13 and 700-13 belong to the Valiant rather than the larger Plymouth models.
Plymouth wagons in 1960 blended the division's dramatic styling language with the added utility expected from a family hauler. The wagon grouping uses a 14-inch tire fitment and is associated here with 800-14, separating it from the compact Valiant's 13-inch sizes.
Twenty-three products are available across four tire sizes for 1960 Plymouth vehicles. The 750-14 has 4 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic in narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline; 800-14 has 4 from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire; 650-13 has 4 from Coker Classic and US Royal; 700-13 has 1 from Firestone.
These answers cover the split between full-size 14-inch Plymouth fitments and the Valiant's 13-inch sizes, along with sidewall styling, rim width, storage, and what matters when keeping a 1960 Plymouth authentic.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1960 Plymouth vehicles?
1960 Plymouth vehicles use four bias-ply sizes: 750-14, 800-14, 650-13, and 700-13. The full-size Plymouth group outside the wagon uses 750-14 and 800-14, the wagon uses 800-14, and the Valiant uses 650-13 or 700-13. Rim diameter splits clearly by model family, with full-size Plymouth applications on 14-inch wheels and Valiant applications on 13-inch wheels. Rim width ranges run 5.00 to 5.50 inches for 750-14, 5.00 to 6.00 inches for 800-14, 4.50 to 5.00 inches for 650-13, and 4.00 to 5.00 inches for 700-13.
That means the first fitment question for a 1960 Plymouth owner is identifying the model and confirming wheel diameter, not choosing a sidewall style or brand first. A Valiant owner should stay within the 13-inch sizes, while a full-size Plymouth or wagon owner should stay within the 14-inch sizes tied to those cars. Once the model and wheel diameter are confirmed, the next choices become size, whitewall treatment, and restoration goals.
What does 750-14 mean on a 1960 Plymouth tire?
On a 1960 Plymouth, 750-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 7.50 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because there is no radial construction letter in the size, it is a traditional bias-ply format typical of American cars from this era. On 1960 Plymouth applications, 750-14 belongs to the full-size models outside the wagon grouping rather than to the Valiant.
For a buyer, that matters because 750-14 is not just a styling choice; it is tied to a specific part of the 1960 Plymouth range. It also carries a narrower nominal width than 800-14, even though both mount on 14-inch wheels. If your car is a full-size Plymouth and the wheel diameter is correct, 750-14 becomes one of the period-correct directions to evaluate before comparing whitewall width or brand preference.
Do all 1960 Plymouth models use the same tire size?
No, 1960 Plymouth models do not all use the same tire size. The compact Valiant uses 650-13 or 700-13 on 13-inch wheels, while the larger Plymouth line uses 750-14 or 800-14 on 14-inch wheels. The wagon is narrower in fitment coverage here, using 800-14. All of these are bias-ply sizes, but they are not interchangeable across the model range because wheel diameter changes between the compact and full-size platforms.
That difference makes model identification essential before moving any farther in the tire search. A buyer who only knows the car is a 1960 Plymouth still has two very different fitment families to sort through. If the car is a Valiant, focus on the 13-inch options; if it is a wagon or another full-size Plymouth, focus on the 14-inch options. The model-specific page is the right next step once you know which Plymouth you own.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Plymouth tires?
1960 Plymouth tires come in several period-friendly sidewall styles depending on size. The 750-14 is available with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline treatments. The 800-14 adds blackwall alongside narrow whitewall and wide whitewall. The 650-13 comes in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall, while the 700-13 appears in a whitewall version. All of these options stay within bias-ply construction, which suits the era of the car.
Sidewall style often affects the visual character of a restoration as much as the size itself. A full-size 1960 Plymouth can lean more formal with a wide whitewall, more restrained with a narrow whitewall, or more sporting in appearance with a redline where available. A Valiant owner may also want to think about whether the compact car should wear a cleaner narrow whitewall or a more pronounced wide whitewall look consistent with early-1960s tastes.
What brands make tires for 1960 Plymouth vehicles?
1960 Plymouth tire coverage includes BFGoodrich, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Firestone. BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic appear in 750-14; BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire appear in 800-14; Coker Classic and US Royal appear in 650-13; and Firestone appears in 700-13. All of those offerings are bias-ply products matched to the period fitment style of the vehicle.
Brand choice on a 1960 Plymouth usually comes down to which size your model uses and what visual treatment you want on the sidewall. Some sizes have broader brand overlap and more whitewall variation than others, while others are much narrower in selection. Once the correct size is confirmed, comparing brand families makes more sense because you are looking at products that share the same basic fitment rather than crossing between Valiant and full-size Plymouth applications.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Coker Classic in 750-14 for the 1960 Plymouth?
Within the 750-14 fitment for 1960 Plymouth, BFGoodrich appears in a narrow whitewall version rated at 1,580 pounds at 32 psi and weighing 23 pounds, while Coker Classic appears in a wide whitewall version rated at 1,580 pounds at 32 psi and weighing 22 pounds. Both mount on 14-inch wheels and share the same 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim width range. The practical difference is visual presentation first, with a small variation in tire weight between the two products.
That makes the decision less about basic fitment and more about how you want the car to look when finished. A buyer restoring a 1960 Plymouth with a wide-whitewall presentation may prefer the Coker Classic option, while someone pursuing a narrower whitewall profile may gravitate to the BFGoodrich offering. Since load and rim-width figures align closely, matching the sidewall look to the character of the car becomes the main deciding factor.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1960 Plymouth tires require?
Rim width requirements for 1960 Plymouth tires depend on the size. The 750-14 fits 5.00 to 5.50 inch rims, and the 800-14 fits 5.00 to 6.00 inch rims. For Valiant sizes, 650-13 fits 4.50 to 5.00 inch rims and 700-13 fits 4.00 to 5.00 inch rims. All four sizes are conventional bias-ply applications, but each size has its own rim-width window that should be respected.
That means wheel diameter alone is not the only checkpoint before choosing a tire for a 1960 Plymouth. Two tires may share the same rim diameter yet call for slightly different wheel widths, especially when comparing the 14-inch full-size fitments or the two 13-inch Valiant sizes. Measuring the actual wheel and checking its width against the tire's approved range is the best way to avoid an avoidable mismatch.
Do 1960 Plymouth tires require inner tubes?
The 1960 Plymouth products here are all bias-ply tires, but the size markings do not show tube-type or tubeless designations in a way that separates one product from another by that detail. On cars of this era, tube use often depends on the wheel design, wheel condition, and the specific tire's sidewall marking rather than the size alone. A 13-inch Valiant wheel and a 14-inch full-size Plymouth wheel should each be evaluated on their own merits before a tube decision is made.
The safest approach is to inspect the wheel carefully and confirm the specific tire's sidewall marking before installation. Restored original wheels, wheels with rivets, or wheels with corrosion issues may call for a different setup than freshly refinished rims in excellent condition. If your 1960 Plymouth is being prepared for regular road use, this is a good point to involve an installer or marque specialist familiar with older wheel and tire combinations.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1960 Plymouth when the tires are fitted?
A 1960 Plymouth stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, furnaces, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber prematurely. Because the tire options here are bias-ply, long periods of static storage can encourage temporary flat-spotting more readily than many modern radial designs. Clean floors, stable temperatures, and protection from standing moisture all help preserve the tire casing and sidewall finish.
For a collector Plymouth that sits for extended periods, move the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces constant loading on one section of the tread. Keep inflation checked even during storage so the sidewalls are not left under-supported. If the car wears wide whitewalls, clean them gently and avoid harsh dressings that can stain the white rubber or accelerate cosmetic deterioration.
How long do tires on a 1960 Plymouth typically last?
On a 1960 Plymouth, tire life is usually governed more by age than by mileage, especially on collector cars that are driven occasionally. A sound rule is to begin careful evaluation around five to seven years and to treat about ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age, while sidewall cracking, hardening, and persistent air loss often matter more than miles traveled.
That age-based approach is especially important on a car that may spend months between outings. A bias-ply tire can still look presentable from a distance while the rubber has already aged beyond what you want for dependable road use. If a 1960 Plymouth has an older spare, include it in the same timeline rather than treating it as exempt simply because it has seen little service.
How often should tires on a 1960 Plymouth be inspected?
Tires on a 1960 Plymouth should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Check for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and changes in air retention, and make sure the valve stems are in good condition. Because these are collector-era bias-ply applications, signs of age can matter as much as tread depth. The spare should be inspected on the same schedule rather than ignored in the trunk.
Regular inspection helps catch small problems before they become trip-ending failures on an older car. A quick visual check in the garage is useful, but a closer inspection with the wheels turned and pressures verified is a better habit before touring events or highway driving. If your 1960 Plymouth has been stored for a while, expect the first post-storage inspection to be more thorough than a routine local-use check.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1960 Plymouth Valiant?
A 1960 Plymouth Valiant would have been fitted in bias-ply form from the factory era, not with a modern radial construction. The Valiant fitment family here uses 650-13 and 700-13 on 13-inch wheels, which aligns with the compact car's smaller wheel package compared with full-size Plymouth models. Original-brand selection could vary by market and production practice, so the most dependable factory-correct starting point is the size and bias-ply construction rather than assuming one universal brand name.
For restoration work, that means a Valiant owner should first confirm whether the car calls for 650-13 or 700-13 and then choose the sidewall appearance that best suits the build. If the goal is judged authenticity, consult factory literature, period photography, and a Valiant or Plymouth marque club for market-specific details. Getting the wheel diameter and bias-ply format right is the foundation before finer points such as whitewall width are debated.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1960 Plymouth?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1960 Plymouth because size, construction, and sidewall style all shape how authentic the car appears. A Valiant wearing a 14-inch full-size Plymouth tire, or a full-size Plymouth wearing a 13-inch Valiant fitment, would be an obvious mismatch. Even within the correct size family, judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the sidewall treatment suits the era and character of the car.
That does not mean every event applies the same standard, but it does mean tire choice is part of the restoration story rather than an afterthought. Cars prepared for concours judging usually benefit from staying with the proper bias-ply construction and an era-appropriate sidewall look. If your 1960 Plymouth is headed for marque judging, check the event's standards and speak with club experts before settling on blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline details.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and US Royal in 650-13 for the 1960 Plymouth?
In 650-13 for the 1960 Plymouth Valiant, both Coker Classic and US Royal offer wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions, and both carry a 1,150 pound load rating at 32 psi. They also share the same 13-inch rim diameter, the same 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim width range, and the same 18-pound weight in the products shown here. The biggest distinction between them is brand identity and the exact whitewall presentation you prefer within a size that otherwise tracks very closely.
For a Valiant restoration, that means the decision can stay focused on appearance and brand preference without worrying about major differences in basic fitment specs. If your goal is a very specific period look, compare the whitewall style that best matches the car's intended finish and reference period photos where possible. Since the core measurements are so similar, this is one of those cases where authenticity often comes down to visual nuance more than hard dimensional differences.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1960 Plymouth tires safe for highway driving?
1960 Plymouth tires can be safe for highway driving when they are in good condition, correctly fitted, and used within the capabilities of both the tire and the car. The sizes here are all bias-ply applications, and no speed-rating letter appears in the size descriptions for these products. On a car from 1960, the overall mechanical condition of the steering, suspension, brakes, and wheel bearings is often just as important to highway confidence as the tire itself.
A bias-ply 1960 Plymouth will not feel exactly like a modern car at speed, so expectations should match the design era. Before extended highway use, confirm tire age, inflation, tread condition, and wheel condition, then make sure the rest of the chassis is equally ready. If the car has been dormant or recently restored, a short local shakedown drive is a smart step before committing to a longer highway run.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1960 Plymouth tires?
Several 1960 Plymouth tire sizes here show load ratings at 32 psi: 750-14 ranges from 1,500 to 1,580 pounds at 32 psi, 800-14 reaches 1,620 pounds at 32 psi, 650-13 carries 1,150 pounds at 32 psi, and 700-13 carries 1,270 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures describe the tire's rated load at that pressure, not automatically the pressure your particular Plymouth should always run. Factory vehicle recommendations and the tire manufacturer's guidance should be read together.
The practical takeaway is not to borrow one pressure across all four sizes or across all 1960 Plymouth models. A Valiant on 650-13 should not be treated the same as a full-size Plymouth on 800-14 simply because both are bias-ply tires from the same year. Start with the owner's manual or factory placard for the car, then verify that your chosen reproduction tire's pressure guidance is being interpreted correctly for that size.
What should I check before taking a 1960 Plymouth on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1960 Plymouth, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper air pressure, and do not forget the spare. Check valve stems, wheel condition, and the age of the tires in addition to tread appearance. Because fitment differs between Valiant and full-size Plymouth models, it is also worth confirming that all four tires are the same correct size family for the car. Tire readiness is only one part of preparing an older vehicle for distance use.
A smart touring checklist also includes brakes, steering play, cooling system health, lighting, and fluid levels so the whole car is ready, not just the tires. If the Plymouth has spent long periods parked, the first miles may reveal flat-spotting or vibration that deserves attention before heading farther from home. A careful pre-drive inspection is often the difference between a pleasant vintage road trip and a preventable roadside interruption.
