The 1962 Chevrolet lineup covered nearly every corner of the American market, from compact newcomers and rear-engined economy cars to full-size sedans, wagons, and the Corvette sports car. That breadth is exactly why tire selection for 1962 Chevrolet matters at the year-and-make level before narrowing down to a specific model. Seven models use eight different bias-ply sizes, and the choices break out by vehicle family rather than one universal fitment across the brand. Full-size cars, compacts, Corvair models, wagons, and Corvette each follow their own sizing path, so the first step is confirming your exact model and then matching the correct size and sidewall style to your restoration goals.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Chevrolet
Eight tire sizes appear across 1962 Chevrolet models, and they vary by model rather than carrying one shared size across the entire make. Every size here is a bias-ply fitment, so the real decision starts with identifying the correct model and rim diameter first, then choosing the sidewall style and brand character that best suits your car. Understanding those distinctions before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right Chevrolet platform.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Biscayne|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
700-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.00 indicating nominal section width and 14 identifying the wheel diameter; this size is specific to the Biscayne rather than universal across 1962 Chevrolet. It is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall and narrow whitewall form, and the products in this size use a 14-inch rim with a 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim-width range. This is the right direction for a Biscayne owner who wants the correct size family for a full-size Chevrolet while choosing between a plainer blackwall look and a more era-appropriate whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Biscayne, 1962 Chevrolet|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
750-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, where 7.50 denotes nominal section width and 14 is the wheel diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall styles on 14-inch rims, generally suited to 5.00 to 5.50 inch wheel widths. This size fits Biscayne and Chevrolet full-size applications that call for a broader 14-inch bias-ply tire, and it gives buyers some of the widest cosmetic choice on the page.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 1962 Chevrolet|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
800-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 8.00 expressing nominal section width and 14 indicating the wheel diameter; on 1962 Chevrolet it is specific to the Chevrolet full-size model grouping. It is available from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, and BFGoodrich examples call for 14-inch rims in the 5.00 to 6.00 inch width range. This size suits owners of larger full-size Chevrolets who need the widest 14-inch option used in the range and want to choose between understated blackwall and stronger whitewall presence.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Chevy II|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, meaning a nominal 6.00 section width on a 13-inch wheel, and it is a Chevy II-specific size within the 1962 Chevrolet family. BFGoodrich offers it with either a wide whitewall or a narrow whitewall, and the size mounts on 13-inch rims with a 4.00 to 4.50 inch rim-width range. This is the smaller of the Chevy II tire choices and makes sense for owners keeping a compact, lightweight early-1960s Chevrolet in a distinctly stock-looking bias-ply configuration.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Chevy II, Corvair, Nova, Wagon|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
650-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with a nominal 6.50 section width and a 13-inch rim diameter, and it serves several 1962 Chevrolet models rather than the whole make. It is available from Coker Classic and US Royal in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, using 13-inch rims with a 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim-width range. This is the most widely shared small-car Chevrolet size for the year and is a natural choice for owners of Chevy II, Corvair, Nova, and Wagon models who want a stock-era bias-ply look.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Corvair, Wagon|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
700-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, where 7.00 denotes nominal section width and 13 identifies the wheel diameter, and on 1962 Chevrolet it is limited to Corvair and Wagon applications. Firestone offers this size with a wide whitewall sidewall style, and it fits 13-inch rims with a 4.00 to 5.00 inch rim-width range. This size gives those specific models a larger 13-inch bias-ply option and will appeal most to owners aiming for a distinctly period-correct stance and appearance.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Corvette|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, meaning a nominal 6.70 section width on a 15-inch wheel, and it is exclusive to the 1962 Corvette. It is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, with 15-inch rim fits spanning 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on product. This is the Corvette-specific fitment for buyers who want the tire size family associated with Chevrolet's final solid-axle sports car year and who may want to fine-tune appearance by sidewall style.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Nova|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
6.50-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, expressed with the decimal shown, and it indicates a nominal 6.50 section width on a 14-inch wheel; within 1962 Chevrolet it is specific to the Nova. Tire products are not presented here for this size, so the key point is that Nova owners need to confirm whether their car follows the 14-inch 6.50-14 path or the separate 13-inch 650-13 path before moving forward. That model-specific distinction matters more than appearance choice because it determines the basic wheel diameter your car is built around.
Seven Chevrolet models are covered for 1962, and they do not all share the same tire size. Size follows the model family, so identifying whether you have a full-size Chevrolet, a Chevy II or Nova compact, a Corvair, a wagon, or a Corvette is the first step before comparing tire options. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the sizes and products that apply to that specific 1962 Chevrolet.
1962 Chevrolet Biscayne
The Biscayne was Chevrolet's no-nonsense full-size line, aimed at buyers who wanted the room and presence of a big Chevrolet without the extra trim of higher series cars. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the choice stays within the full-size bias-ply family rather than crossing into the compact or Corvette sizes.
Chevrolet's full-size passenger-car range for 1962 sat at the heart of the brand's mainstream lineup, balancing family use, style, and broad market appeal. These models use 14-inch tire fitments, with sizing stepping up beyond the Biscayne's smaller option into larger full-size bias-ply territory.
The Chevy II arrived for 1962 as Chevrolet's fresh compact, built to be straightforward, economical, and easy to live with. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and its sizing stays in the smaller bias-ply range that suits an early compact Chevrolet.
The Corvair stood apart from the rest of Chevrolet's lineup with its rear-engine layout and its own engineering character, making it one of the most distinctive American cars of the period. It uses 13-inch tire sizes, but not the same 14-inch fitments found on full-size Chevrolets or the 15-inch Corvette tire.
The 1962 Corvette marked the final year of the first-generation body before the Sting Ray arrived, and it remains a key restoration year for collectors. Its fitment is distinct from every other 1962 Chevrolet model, using a 15-inch bias-ply size rather than the 13-inch and 14-inch applications elsewhere in the lineup.
Nova was the more upscale expression of the Chevy II compact formula, giving buyers a tidier and more polished presentation within Chevrolet's new smaller-car family. Its tire fitments can mount on either 13-inch or 14-inch wheels depending on application, so confirming the car's exact setup matters more here than on many other 1962 Chevrolet models.
Chevrolet wagons in 1962 were built for utility, family duty, and long-roof practicality, but they still followed Chevrolet's strong early-1960s styling cues. Their tire fitments stay in the 13-inch bias-ply range, separate from the 14-inch full-size sedans and the Corvette's 15-inch application.
Fifty-four products are available across eight tire sizes for 1962 Chevrolet vehicles. 700-14 has 2 BFGoodrich bias-ply options in blackwall and narrow whitewall; 750-14 has 11 from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic in narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline; 800-14 has 7 from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 600-13 has 2 BFGoodrich bias-ply options in narrow and wide whitewall; 650-13 has 4 from Coker Classic and US Royal in narrow and wide whitewall; 700-13 has 1 Firestone wide whitewall; 670-15 has 27 from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall and wide whitewall.
These FAQs sort out which 1962 Chevrolet models use which sizes, how Chevrolet's compact, full-size, and Corvette fitments differ, and what sidewall, rim-width, load, and collector-care details matter before choosing a tire.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Chevrolet vehicles?
1962 Chevrolet vehicles use eight sizes across seven model families: 700-14 for Biscayne; 750-14 for Biscayne and Chevrolet full-size models; 800-14 for Chevrolet full-size models; 600-13 for Chevy II; 650-13 for Chevy II, Corvair, Nova, and Wagon; 700-13 for Corvair and Wagon; 670-15 for Corvette; and 6.50-14 for Nova. Rim diameters span 13, 14, and 15 inches, so there is no single year-wide Chevrolet fitment.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident tire choice on a 1962 Chevrolet. The first filter is your exact model, and in a few cases such as Nova, the next step is confirming whether the car uses a 13-inch or 14-inch application before narrowing down sidewall style, brand, and restoration appearance.
What does 700-14 mean on a 1962 Chevrolet tire?
On a 1962 Chevrolet, 700-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 7.00 figure refers to nominal section width in inches, while 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. Within the 1962 Chevrolet range, that size belongs to the Biscayne and uses products built for 14-inch rims, with examples here fitting 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim widths.
Numeric bias-ply sizing is common on early-1960s American cars, so the code looks simple but still carries important fitment information. For a Biscayne owner, 700-14 places the car in the smaller full-size 14-inch group, and the next decision is usually whether you want blackwall or whitewall presentation rather than changing to a different tire construction family.
Do all 1962 Chevrolet models use the same tire size?
No, 1962 Chevrolet models do not use the same tire size. Full-size Biscayne and Chevrolet passenger cars stay in 14-inch sizes, Chevy II and several compact-related models use 13-inch sizes, Corvette uses 670-15 on a 15-inch wheel, and Nova can fall into either a 13-inch or 14-inch application depending on the car.
That spread reflects how broad Chevrolet's lineup was in 1962. A compact Chevy II, a rear-engined Corvair, a long-roof wagon, and a Corvette all place different demands on wheel diameter and overall tire sizing, so identifying the exact model is far more important here than assuming all 1962 Chevrolet passenger vehicles share one interchangeable fitment.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Chevrolet tires?
1962 Chevrolet tire choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline depending on size. Full-size 750-14 offers the broadest visual range with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline options, while 800-14 adds blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Smaller 13-inch sizes lean toward narrow or wide whitewalls, and Corvette's 670-15 is available in both blackwall and wide whitewall forms.
Sidewall style has a strong effect on how authentic a 1962 Chevrolet looks even when the base size is correct. A plain Biscayne often looks right with blackwall or modest whitewall treatment, while many restored early-1960s Chevrolets wear whitewalls for a showroom-era appearance. Redlines can be appealing on certain enthusiast builds, but owners concerned with event-specific originality should compare against period photos and marque guidance.
What brands make tires for 1962 Chevrolet vehicles?
1962 Chevrolet tire sizes are covered by BFGoodrich, US Royal, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Universal Vintage Tire. BFGoodrich appears in 700-14, 750-14, 800-14, and 600-13; US Royal appears in 750-14, 650-13, and 670-15; Coker Classic appears in 750-14, 650-13, and 670-15; Firestone covers 700-13 and 670-15; and Universal Vintage Tire appears in 800-14 and 670-15.
Brand choice on a collector Chevrolet usually comes down to the exact size you need and the sidewall look you want to achieve. Some sizes offer only one brand and one visual treatment, while others open the door to several period-style interpretations. Once the model and size are confirmed, comparing brands becomes a meaningful step instead of a guess.
What is the difference between Firestone and Coker Classic in 670-15 for a 1962 Chevrolet?
In 670-15 for the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette, Firestone appears here as a blackwall bias-ply rated at 1450 pounds at 32 psi and intended for 4.50 to 5.00 inch rims, while Coker Classic appears as a wide whitewall bias-ply rated at 1550 pounds at 32 psi and intended for 5.00 to 6.00 inch rims. Both mount on 15-inch wheels, but they differ in sidewall appearance, load figure, and rim-width range.
That makes the comparison less about one tire being universally better and more about matching the product to your wheel and presentation goals. A Corvette owner chasing a blackwall sports-car look may lean toward Firestone, while a wide-whitewall restoration direction points toward Coker Classic. Wheel width should be confirmed before choosing between them because the acceptable ranges do not completely overlap.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Chevrolet tires require?
Rim-width requirements vary by size on 1962 Chevrolet applications. 700-14 fits 5.00 to 5.50 inch rims, 750-14 fits 5.00 to 5.50, 800-14 fits 5.00 to 6.00, 600-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50, 650-13 fits 4.50 to 5.00, 700-13 fits 4.00 to 5.00, and 670-15 spans 4.50 to 6.00 depending on product. Those ranges matter just as much as the diameter stamped on the wheel.
A 14-inch or 15-inch wheel can still be the wrong match if its width falls outside the tire's intended range. Before choosing a tire for any 1962 Chevrolet, verify the actual wheel width rather than assuming every factory-style wheel in the same diameter is interchangeable. That becomes especially important on Corvette and full-size cars where products within one size can span different width ranges.
Do 1962 Chevrolet tires require inner tubes?
The 1962 Chevrolet tire products here do not carry tube-type or tubeless markings in their size descriptions, so tube choice should be confirmed against the exact tire and the wheel being used. Because every size on this page is a bias-ply application for early-1960s vehicles, tube questions often come down to wheel design, wheel condition, and the sidewall and casing details of the specific tire.
That is worth checking before final selection, especially on original steel wheels or restored wheels that may not match modern sealing expectations. If your 1962 Chevrolet still uses original-style wheels, confirm with the tire maker and inspect the wheel condition carefully rather than assuming every bias-ply product should be mounted the same way.
Can the original 1962 Chevrolet wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1962 Chevrolet wheels can only be used with the tire sizes that match the vehicle's wheel diameter and acceptable rim width. The lineup spans 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch applications, so a Corvette wheel cannot simply interchange with a Chevy II tire, and a full-size 14-inch wheel does not automatically suit a compact 13-inch fitment.
Even within the same diameter, wheel width still needs to match the tire's intended range. That means a correct-looking original wheel can still be the wrong foundation if the width is outside the tire's recommendation. For a 1962 Chevrolet project that has changed hands or been modified over time, measuring the wheel is smarter than relying on memory or appearance alone.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Chevrolet when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1962 Chevrolet should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from electric motors and ozone-producing equipment, and on a dry surface with stable temperatures when possible. Bias-ply tires can flat-spot more readily during long static storage than modern radial owners may expect, so keeping the car clean, properly inflated, and moved periodically helps reduce stress on the casing and sidewalls.
Collectors who store a 1962 Chevrolet for seasons at a time often use tire cradles or place the vehicle on stands when storage becomes prolonged, especially if the car will not be moved for months. Whether the car is a Corvette, Biscayne, or compact Chevrolet, protecting the tires from UV, ozone, and constant static load does more for longevity than simply covering the car.
How long do tires on a 1962 Chevrolet typically last?
Tires on a 1962 Chevrolet should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector vehicles often accumulate relatively few miles, so a tire can look usable while still aging out internally. A practical rule is to begin evaluating closely once tires reach the five- to seven-year range and to give serious replacement consideration as they approach ten years, using the DOT date code and overall condition as guides.
That approach matters because a lightly driven show car can still carry old rubber with hardening, cracking, or reduced flexibility. If your 1962 Chevrolet sees occasional road use, age-based evaluation is safer than waiting for tread wear alone. Annual inspection by a knowledgeable vintage-tire professional is a smart move once the tires are no longer relatively fresh.
How often should tires on a 1962 Chevrolet be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Chevrolet should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure. On older collector cars, valve stems and wheel condition deserve attention too because age-related issues often start there rather than in the tread itself.
A five-minute walkaround can prevent a ruined tour or roadside problem, especially on a car that may sit between drives. If the 1962 Chevrolet has been stored for a while, roll it slightly and inspect the part of each tire that was resting on the ground. Small warning signs are easier to address in the garage than after the car has been driven at speed.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette?
A 1962 Chevrolet Corvette originally belongs in a bias-ply tire discussion, not a modern radial one, because bias-ply construction was the standard American passenger-car practice of the period. The Corvette's year-specific fitment here is 670-15, which places it on a 15-inch wheel and aligns with the era's original construction style. Original-equipment brand can vary by factory practice, market, and production timing, so the safer authenticity target is the correct size, construction, and sidewall character.
For most restoration work, getting the 670-15 size right matters first, then choosing whether the car's presentation should be blackwall or whitewall. Owners building for marque judging should compare against period photos, factory literature, and Corvette club guidance, especially if they are chasing a precise delivery-date or class-correct appearance rather than a broadly period-appropriate restoration.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Chevrolet?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1962 Chevrolet. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, wheel diameter, and sidewall presentation because tires strongly affect stance and period accuracy. A Corvette wearing the wrong wheel diameter, a compact Chevrolet carrying an oversized full-size tire, or a car presented in a sidewall style that clashes with its restoration theme can all stand out immediately.
That does not mean every show uses identical standards, but it does mean tire choice should be part of the restoration plan rather than an afterthought. For a serious 1962 Chevrolet build, compare your intended tire against event rules, factory photos, and marque-club experience. Those sources help settle details such as whether a modest whitewall, wide whitewall, blackwall, or redline best suits the class and presentation.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and US Royal in 750-14 for a 1962 Chevrolet?
In 750-14 for a 1962 Chevrolet full-size application, BFGoodrich appears as a narrow whitewall with a 1580-pound load rating at 32 psi, while US Royal appears as both a narrow whitewall and a redline with a 1500-pound load rating at 32 psi. Both use 14-inch rims with a 5.00 to 5.50 inch width range, and both stay within the same bias-ply size family.
That makes the difference largely one of sidewall presentation and brand preference, with a modest variation in rated load. If your 1962 Chevrolet restoration calls for a conservative early-1960s full-size look, narrow whitewall options from either brand fit the theme. If you want a more distinctive period performance flavor within the same base size, the US Royal redline offers a different visual direction.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Chevrolet tires safe for highway driving?
1962 Chevrolet tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, properly mounted, correctly inflated, and in sound condition, but these products do not show modern speed-letter markings in the size descriptions here. That means the broader safety conversation is less about chasing a published speed symbol and more about respecting the character of a bias-ply collector tire and the age and design of the vehicle itself.
A well-sorted 1962 Chevrolet often reaches the limits of its brakes, steering feel, suspension design, or general vintage-mechanical condition before a casual collector drive approaches extreme speed territory. Highway use should be approached with realistic expectations, smooth inputs, and careful inspection beforehand. If the car will be driven regularly at sustained speeds, tire condition and wheel setup deserve especially close attention.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Chevrolet tires?
Several 1962 Chevrolet tire sizes here carry load ratings at 32 psi, including 700-14 at 1360 pounds, 750-14 at 1500 to 1580 pounds, 800-14 at 1620 pounds, 600-13 at 1010 pounds, 650-13 at 1150 pounds, 700-13 at 1270 pounds, and 670-15 at 1450 to 1550 pounds. Those figures describe the tire's rated load at that pressure, not necessarily the exact pressure Chevrolet recommended for every model in regular service.
The right working pressure for a 1962 Chevrolet should be checked against the original owner's literature and then compared with the tire maker's guidance for the specific reproduction tire chosen. Pressure should not be transferred from one size to another just because the cars are from the same year. Full-size Chevrolets, compacts, and Corvette all deserve to be set up according to their own size and use.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Chevrolet on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1962 Chevrolet, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and stable inflation, and make sure the spare is usable as well. Because these are vintage-style bias-ply applications, it is also wise to check valve stems, wheel condition, and any signs of age-related sidewall hardening. Tire readiness should be treated as one part of a full mechanical pre-drive inspection.
A longer trip in a collector Chevrolet also calls for checking brakes, steering play, fluid levels, lights, and cooling-system condition. Tires matter most when they are ignored, so a careful inspection before departure is much more valuable than trying to troubleshoot on the roadside. If the car has sat for an extended period, a short local test drive before the main trip is a smart final check.
