1962 Dodge was a transitional year for the brand, spanning full-size 880 models, compact Lancer models, and the newly restyled Dart in between. That broad range means tire choice is not one-size-fits-all across the make, because Dodge used three distinct model families with seven different bias-ply sizes and two wheel diameters. The practical decision starts with identifying whether you have a 13-inch Lancer, a 14-inch Dart, or a larger 14-inch 880, then narrowing to the exact size used within that model line. Once the model and size are confirmed, the next step is choosing the sidewall look that best matches your restoration goals and driving style.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Dodge
Seven tire sizes are used across 1962 Dodge vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Every size here is a bias-ply design, so the key decision is confirming the correct model and wheel diameter first, then choosing the sidewall style that best suits the car. Understanding those distinctions before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the right Dodge.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 880|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
The 800-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with an 8.00 nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1962 Dodge 880 rather than universal across the year, and it is available from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. It suits an 880 owner who wants the stance and road feel associated with a period-correct full-size bias-ply tire.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 880|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
The 850-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, indicating an 8.50 nominal section width on a 14-inch rim. This size is also 880-specific, and it comes from BFGoodrich in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. It is the larger of the two 880 sizes and is the choice to confirm against the actual car when restoring a full-size Dodge with factory-style bias-ply fitment.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Dart|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
The 6.50-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire with a 6.50 nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1962 Dodge Dart, but no current product range appears here under that exact size code. It is a Dart-only fitment point to verify carefully against the wheel and the car's original tire specification before moving ahead.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Dart|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
The 700-14 is a numeric bias-ply size that denotes a 7.00 nominal section width on a 14-inch rim. Used only on the 1962 Dodge Dart, it is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, with load ratings of 1360 pounds at 32 psi. It is a strong match for Dart owners seeking an era-correct bias-ply appearance without stepping up to the wider 750-14 size.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Dart|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
The 750-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire with a 7.50 nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. This Dart-specific size is available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic in narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline styles, with load ratings ranging from 1500 pounds at 32 psi to 1580 pounds at 32 psi. It gives a 1962 Dodge Dart owner the broadest choice in period-style presentation, especially when the sidewall treatment is an important part of the car's finished look.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Lancer|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
The 650-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, meaning a 6.50 nominal section width mounted on a 13-inch rim. This size is specific to the 1962 Dodge Lancer and is available from Coker Classic and US Royal in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, with load ratings of 1150 pounds at 32 psi. It is well suited to a Lancer restoration where compact-car proportions and authentic early-1960s sidewall styling matter.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Lancer|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
The 700-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire that uses a 7.00 nominal section width and a 13-inch rim diameter. Exclusive to the 1962 Dodge Lancer, it is available from Firestone with a wide whitewall sidewall and a load rating of 1270 pounds at 32 psi. It is the larger Lancer size and makes sense for owners trying to preserve the fuller, period-correct small-car look associated with early-1960s compact Dodge models.
Three 1962 Dodge model lines are covered here: the 880, Dart, and Lancer. They do not share the same tire sizes across the board, so identifying the correct model is essential before choosing a tire. Select a model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tires that apply to it.
1962 Dodge 880
The 1962 Dodge 880 carried Dodge's full-size presence in a year of major lineup reshuffling, and its tire choices reflect that larger, more substantial platform. Both sizes for the 880 mount on 14-inch wheels, with a broader section than the compact and intermediate Dodge lines of the same year.
The 1962 Dodge Dart sat between the compact Lancer and the larger 880, giving buyers a distinctly downsized early-1960s Dodge with broad appeal. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, but the available sizes vary within the Dart line, so the exact fitment should be matched to the individual car.
The 1962 Dodge Lancer was Dodge's compact offering, sharing the clean, space-efficient spirit that defined early compact American cars. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, setting it apart from the 14-inch Dodge lines and giving it a distinctly smaller-scale fitment profile.
Thirty-one products are available across seven tire sizes for 1962 Dodge vehicles. The 800-14, 850-14, 700-14, 750-14, 650-13, and 700-13 sizes are covered by BFGoodrich, Universal Vintage Tire, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Firestone in bias-ply construction, with sidewall choices that include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline.
These FAQs sort out how 1962 Dodge tire sizing changes between 880, Dart, and Lancer models, what the numeric bias-ply size codes mean, and how sidewall style, rim width, and collector-car care affect the final choice.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Dodge vehicles?
1962 Dodge vehicles use seven sizes across three model lines: 800-14 and 850-14 for the Dodge 880, 6.50-14, 700-14, and 750-14 for the Dodge Dart, and 650-13 plus 700-13 for the Dodge Lancer. The 880 and Dart both use 14-inch rims, while the Lancer uses 13-inch rims. Rim width ranges appear for several of these sizes, including 5.00 to 6.00 inches for 800-14, 5.50 to 6.00 inches for 850-14, 5.00 to 5.50 inches for 700-14 and 750-14, 4.50 to 5.00 inches for 650-13, and 4.00 to 5.00 inches for 700-13.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly on a 1962 Dodge. The first step is identifying whether the car is an 880, Dart, or Lancer, then confirming the exact size used on that model and wheel combination. A Dart owner especially should verify the car's original size before selecting between the three 14-inch options, while Lancer and 880 owners should also confirm whether the car uses the smaller or larger size offered within each model line.
What does 800-14 mean on a 1962 Dodge tire?
On a 1962 Dodge, 800-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The first number refers to a nominal section width of 8.00 inches, and the second number is the wheel diameter in inches, so it mounts on a 14-inch rim. That size belongs to the Dodge 880, and it appears in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions from more than one brand.
Numeric sizing is typical of American bias-ply fitments from the period, so the code is really a width-and-rim shorthand rather than a modern metric description. For a 1962 Dodge 880, 800-14 places the car in the full-size portion of the lineup and should be matched against the actual wheel and the car's original specification. Once that size is confirmed, the remaining decision is usually sidewall appearance rather than construction type, since all current offerings in that size are bias-ply.
Do all 1962 Dodge models use the same tire size?
No, 1962 Dodge models do not use the same tire size. The full-size 880 uses 800-14 or 850-14, the Dart uses 6.50-14, 700-14, or 750-14, and the compact Lancer uses 650-13 or 700-13. Even where two model lines share a 14-inch wheel diameter, the actual tire sizes are different and should not be assumed interchangeable without further confirmation.
This matters because 1962 was a varied year in the Dodge lineup, with compact, intermediate, and full-size cars all under the same make umbrella. A buyer who skips the model step can easily end up comparing the wrong tires. If the car has changed wheels over the years, check the sidewall currently on the car, measure the rim diameter directly, and compare that information with the original fitment before moving to a final tire selection.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Dodge tires?
1962 Dodge tires span several period-style sidewall treatments depending on size. The 800-14 comes in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; the 850-14 in narrow and wide whitewall; the 700-14 in blackwall and narrow whitewall; the 750-14 in narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline; the 650-13 in narrow and wide whitewall; and the 700-13 in wide whitewall. Every one of those choices stays within the early-1960s bias-ply vocabulary, but the visual effect changes substantially from one sidewall treatment to another.
For a restoration-minded owner, sidewall style can be nearly as important as size because it strongly affects the finished personality of the car. Full-size Dodges often look at home with whitewalls, compact Lancers can suit either narrow or wider whitewall depending on the build, and a redline 750-14 gives a Dart a more sporting period presentation. If show accuracy matters, compare your intended sidewall style with period photography, marque references, and the trim level of the specific car.
What brands make tires for 1962 Dodge vehicles?
1962 Dodge tire coverage comes from BFGoodrich, Universal Vintage Tire, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Firestone, depending on size. BFGoodrich appears in 800-14, 850-14, 700-14, and 750-14; Universal Vintage Tire appears in 800-14; US Royal appears in 750-14 and 650-13; Coker Classic appears in 750-14 and 650-13; and Firestone appears in 700-13. Brand availability is therefore closely tied to the exact model and tire size rather than to 1962 Dodge as a whole.
That brand spread gives some sizes much broader cosmetic choice than others. A Dart running 750-14 has access to several historic nameplates and multiple sidewall looks, while a Lancer on 700-13 has a far narrower range. The practical takeaway is to confirm size first and then compare brands within that size, since the available whitewall widths, redline option, and load figures can vary meaningfully from one brand family to another.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and US Royal in 750-14 tires for 1962 Dodge vehicles?
For 1962 Dodge vehicles using 750-14 tires, Coker Classic and US Royal differ most clearly in sidewall style and load rating. Coker Classic appears in a wide whitewall version rated at 1580 pounds at 32 psi, while US Royal appears in a narrow whitewall version and a redline version rated at 1500 pounds at 32 psi. All of them mount on 14-inch rims with a 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim width range, and all remain bias-ply tires.
That makes the choice less about basic fitment and more about the character you want the car to present. A wide whitewall Coker Classic leans toward a traditional upscale early-1960s look, while US Royal gives a Dart owner the option of a more restrained narrow whitewall or a sportier redline treatment. Since the physical fit is similar, the comparison comes down to visual style and the exact load figure appropriate to the car's intended setup.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Dodge tires require?
Several 1962 Dodge tire sizes carry clear rim width ranges. The 800-14 fits 5.00 to 6.00 inch rims, the 850-14 fits 5.50 to 6.00 inch rims, the 700-14 and 750-14 fit 5.00 to 5.50 inch rims, the 650-13 fits 4.50 to 5.00 inch rims, and the 700-13 fits 4.00 to 5.00 inch rims. Those ranges show how the full-size 880, mid-range Dart, and compact Lancer each sit in a different wheel-width envelope even when some models share the same basic rim diameter.
Rim width matters because a tire that is too wide or too narrow for the wheel can affect profile shape, ride quality, and steering feel. Before choosing a replacement for a 1962 Dodge, confirm the actual wheel width on the car rather than relying only on the sidewall size. That is especially useful on older restorations, where wheels may have been swapped long ago even if the car still appears stock at a glance.
Do 1962 Dodge tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube status is not called out as a uniform feature across the 1962 Dodge tire range here, so the safest approach is to treat tube use as product-specific and wheel-specific rather than assuming one answer for every size. All of these fitments are bias-ply, and many collector-car applications still depend on the design of the wheel as much as the tire itself. That makes the exact sidewall marking and the wheel construction more important than the size code alone.
A 1962 Dodge owner should check the individual tire's sidewall designation and confirm whether the original wheel is intended for tube-type or tubeless service before final installation. If the car is wearing original steel wheels, inspect the wheel condition and valve stem area at the same time. Matching the tire correctly at this stage prevents setup issues later and is particularly important on a car that sees occasional rather than daily road use.
Can the original 1962 Dodge wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1962 Dodge wheels cannot be treated as universal across the whole make because the Lancer uses 13-inch tires while the Dart and 880 use 14-inch tires, and the rim width ranges also differ. Within each model line, the wheel diameter may support more than one tire size, but the final answer still depends on the actual wheel width. A 14-inch wheel from one Dodge model family is not automatically correct for another simply because the rim diameter matches.
That means wheel reuse should be evaluated inside the correct model family, not across all 1962 Dodge vehicles. An 880 owner can compare 800-14 and 850-14 against 14-inch full-size wheels, and a Dart owner can compare the available 14-inch Dart sizes against the wheel width on the car. A Lancer owner should stay focused on 13-inch fitments. Measuring the wheel before mounting is the cleanest way to avoid fit and appearance surprises.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Dodge when the tires are fitted?
A 1962 Dodge should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing sources that accelerate rubber aging. Because every fitment here is bias-ply, extended static storage can also encourage temporary flat-spotting more readily than many later radial designs. Keeping the tires clean and maintaining proper inflation during storage helps preserve both shape and sidewall condition.
For a collector car that sits for long periods, it helps to move the car periodically so the same section of the tread is not carrying the load month after month. Some owners also use stands to reduce weight on the tires during very long storage intervals, though the suspension should still be supported appropriately. If the car is stored with full wheel covers or skirts, make a habit of visually checking the sidewalls occasionally rather than leaving them hidden for an entire season.
How long do tires on a 1962 Dodge typically last?
Tire life on a 1962 Dodge is usually judged more by age and condition than by mileage, since many collector cars cover relatively few miles each year. A good working rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are about five to seven years old and to treat the ten-year point as a serious replacement threshold even if the tread still looks usable. The DOT date code, along with visible aging and stored-air retention, matters more than odometer readings alone.
That age-based approach is especially important for an older Dodge that may appear roadworthy after long periods of low use. Sidewall cracking, hardening, repeated loss of pressure, or long-standing flat spots can all shorten real service life before the tread wears out. If the car's tire age is unclear, checking the date code is one of the fastest ways to understand whether the tires still belong in active road service or should be retired as part of a safe recommissioning plan.
How often should tires on a 1962 Dodge be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Dodge should be inspected before every drive, with a more thorough check before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, embedded debris, and signs that the tire is no longer holding pressure consistently. On a collector car, long gaps between drives can allow problems to develop quietly, so infrequent use is not a reason to inspect less often.
A sensible routine is to make tire inspection part of the same pre-drive habit as checking fluids, lights, and brake feel. If the car uses tube-type components, include valve stems and any tube-related pressure loss in that inspection mindset as well. Catching a small issue in the garage is far better than discovering it after the car has warmed up at road speed, especially on a 1962 Dodge with period chassis behavior and older steering geometry.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Dodge 880?
A 1962 Dodge 880 would have been fitted in the bias-ply era, and the sizes associated with that model are 800-14 and 850-14. Those sizes align with the full-size character of the 880 and reflect the standard construction style American cars used before radial adoption became common later on. Sidewall appearance could vary by market presentation and trim expectations, but the underlying construction type for the period would have been bias-ply rather than modern radial.
For an owner restoring a 1962 Dodge 880, the key is to confirm which of the two full-size 14-inch options belongs on the individual car and then choose the sidewall style that matches its intended presentation. A car restored for authenticity will usually be judged not only on overall size but also on whether the whitewall treatment looks appropriate for the era. Marque specialists, factory literature, and period photography are the best tools for settling those final appearance details.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Dodge?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1962 Dodge because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall presentation almost immediately. A Lancer on oversized full-size Dodge rubber, an 880 on the wrong wheel diameter, or a sidewall treatment that clashes with the car's period presentation can all detract from an otherwise strong restoration. Since 1962 Dodge covered compact, intermediate, and full-size cars, the tire has to match the specific model as well as the year.
Show standards vary, but the basic principle is consistent: the closer the tire looks to what belongs on that exact car, the more convincing the restoration becomes. For many owners, that means selecting the proper numeric bias-ply size first and then refining the visual choice between blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline where appropriate. Event-specific judging rules can differ, so marque clubs and class guides are worth consulting before a concours-level presentation.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire in 800-14 tires for 1962 Dodge vehicles?
In 800-14 tires for 1962 Dodge vehicles, BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire differ mainly in sidewall offerings and the amount of published fitment detail. BFGoodrich appears in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, with a 1620-pound load rating at 32 psi and a 5.00 to 6.00 inch rim width range on the versions carrying full specifications. Universal Vintage Tire appears in a wide whitewall version of the same size, giving 880 owners another route to a strong period look.
For a restoration, that comparison usually comes down to the exact visual statement you want the car to make and how closely you want the tire to align with your preferred brand heritage. BFGoodrich offers the broadest range within 800-14, including a blackwall option that can suit a more understated build, while Universal Vintage Tire concentrates on a wide whitewall presentation. Either way, the tire remains within the proper bias-ply, 14-inch full-size Dodge context.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Dodge tires safe for highway driving?
1962 Dodge tires in these sizes are bias-ply collector-car tires, and no speed ratings appear here for the available products. That means highway use should be approached with the habits appropriate to a vintage tire and a 1962-era chassis rather than with modern high-speed expectations. On many early-1960s cars, normal-road safety depends as much on the condition of the brakes, steering, suspension, and alignment as it does on the tire itself.
In practical terms, a well-maintained 1962 Dodge on fresh, correctly sized tires can be driven on modern roads, but it should be driven with the behavior of a period car in mind. Bias-ply tires track and respond differently from modern radials, and an older full-size or compact Dodge will not feel like a contemporary sedan at speed. If highway driving is part of the plan, start with a full mechanical inspection and make sure tire age, pressure, and wheel condition are all sorted first.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Dodge tires?
Several 1962 Dodge tire sizes carry load ratings at 32 psi, including 800-14 at 1620 pounds, 850-14 at 1740 pounds, 700-14 at 1360 pounds, 750-14 from 1500 to 1580 pounds, 650-13 at 1150 pounds, and 700-13 at 1270 pounds. Those figures describe the tire's rated load at that pressure, not necessarily the factory inflation recommendation for every 1962 Dodge model. Inflation should still be cross-checked against the original owner's manual or factory placard for the specific car.
That distinction matters because inflation pressure is a vehicle-level setting, not just a tire-size number. A compact Lancer, a Dart, and a full-size 880 place different demands on their tires even when they all belong to the same model year and make family. Use the tire manufacturer's pressure framework together with the car's original guidance, and do not transfer a pressure figure from one size to another simply because the tires look similar on paper.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Dodge on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1962 Dodge, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and stable air pressure, and include the spare in the same check. Verify that the size on the car matches the intended wheel diameter and that the sidewalls and valve stems show no obvious age-related deterioration. On an older car, tires are only one part of road readiness, so brakes, steering, cooling, belts, hoses, and wheel bearings deserve equal attention.
A longer trip is also the time to think beyond whether the car simply rolls. Bias-ply tires can reveal alignment or suspension issues quickly, and an older Dodge that has sat for long periods may develop heat-related problems only after several miles. A short local shakedown after inflation and inspection is a smart step before committing to a full highway drive. That gives you a chance to catch vibration, pull, or pressure loss while still close to home.
