1962 Ford covered an unusually wide span of the market, from compact European-sourced cars like the Anglia and Consul to Falcon and Fairlane family cars, full-size Galaxies, wagons, and the Thunderbird personal luxury coupe. That breadth means tire selection is not one-size-fits-all across the make. Ten models use 13-inch and 14-inch tires spread across 13 distinct sizes, with a mix of radial and bias-ply choices on some smaller Ford models and model-specific bias-ply sizes on many U.S. cars. Before choosing a tire for a 1962 Ford, the first thing to confirm is the exact model, then whether you want an era-correct bias-ply feel or a radial alternative where one exists.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Ford
1962 Ford vehicles use 13 distinct tire sizes, and they vary significantly by model rather than carrying across the entire make. The main decision starts with confirming whether your car uses a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel, then narrowing to the correct size for your specific model; on some small Ford models, the choice also includes bias-ply versus radial construction. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Anglia, Consul, Escort,|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
145R13 is a radial size with a 145-millimeter section width and a 13-inch rim diameter; in Euro-metric convention without a stated aspect ratio, it is generally treated as an 80-series profile. This size is specific to the Anglia, Consul, and Escort, and it is available from Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form; tube status varies by product, with Michelin marked TL and Firestone carrying no tube marking in the size code, while H-rated versions appear with a 130 mph ceiling. It suits owners of those smaller 1962 Ford models who want radial construction and a more modern road-going character while staying within the correct overall size family.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Anglia, Consul, Escort,|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
520-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.20 denotes nominal section width and 13 denotes rim diameter. This size is specific to the Anglia, Consul, and Escort, and it comes from Firestone and Premium Sport with blackwall and narrow whitewall choices; load markings and rim-width guidance vary by product. It is the right direction for owners of those compact 1962 Ford models who want the period-correct bias-ply construction and vintage sidewall look associated with early-1960s small cars.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Cortina|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a radial size with a 155-millimeter section width and a 13-inch rim diameter, using the Euro-metric convention that commonly implies an 80-series profile when no aspect ratio is printed. This size is specific to the Cortina, and it is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form; both carry H speed ratings with a 130 mph ceiling. It is the radial choice for a 1962 Ford Cortina owner who wants to stay with the proper size family while favoring a more contemporary driving feel over a strictly period bias-ply experience.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Cortina|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 5.60 indicates nominal section width and 13 indicates rim diameter. This size is specific to the Cortina, and it is offered by BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles; load ratings reach 850 pounds at 30 psi on the products carrying that marking. It fits a 1962 Ford Cortina restoration that aims to preserve the original bias-ply look and steering character expected from an early-1960s compact sedan.
6.50-14 is a numeric bias-ply size using a 6.50 nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. This Fairlane-specific size has no product range here to compare by brand, sidewall style, tube status, or speed rating. It is a model-specific bias-ply fitment path for 1962 Ford Fairlane applications that use 14-inch wheels rather than the 13-inch sizes seen elsewhere in the Fairlane range.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Fairlane, Falcon, Mark III|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
650-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.50 represents nominal section width and 13 is the rim diameter. It is available for the Fairlane, Falcon, and Mark III from Coker Classic and US Royal, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles and consistent 1,150-pound load ratings at 32 psi. It is a strong fit for owners of those 1962 Ford models who want a traditional bias-ply construction with a choice of whitewall presentation that suits stock-style restoration.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Fairlane, Falcon|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
700-13 is a numeric bias-ply size with a 7.00 nominal section width mounted on a 13-inch rim. This size is specific to the Fairlane and Falcon, and Firestone offers it with a wide whitewall style and a 1,270-pound load rating at 32 psi. It suits 1962 Ford Fairlane and Falcon applications that need a wider 13-inch bias-ply fitment than 650-13, especially where stock-style appearance matters.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Falcon|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 6.00 is the nominal section width and 13 is the rim diameter. This size is specific to the Falcon, and BFGoodrich offers it with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles plus a 1,010-pound load rating at 32 psi. It is a useful bias-ply choice for 1962 Ford Falcon owners whose cars call for a narrower 13-inch tire than the larger Fairlane and full-size Ford sizes.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Wagons, Galaxie, Thunderbird|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 rim diameter. It serves Ford Wagons, Galaxie, and Thunderbird models and is available from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, with load ratings up to 1,620 pounds at 32 psi on the BFGoodrich versions. It fits owners of larger 1962 Ford models who want a proper full-size bias-ply tire with several sidewall appearances to match restoration goals.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Wagons|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
850-14 is a numeric bias-ply size using an 8.50 nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to Ford Wagons, and BFGoodrich offers it with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles plus a 1,740-pound load rating at 32 psi. It is the heavier-duty 14-inch bias-ply choice within the 1962 Ford wagon range for owners preserving the original full-size wagon stance and appearance.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Galaxie|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
750-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.50 indicates nominal section width and 14 indicates rim diameter. This size is specific to the Galaxie, and it is available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic in narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline styles, with load ratings ranging from 1,500 to 1,580 pounds at 32 psi. It gives 1962 Ford Galaxie owners the broadest appearance choice among the 14-inch sizes while keeping the traditional bias-ply construction expected on an early-1960s full-size Ford.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Galaxie|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
700-14 is a numeric bias-ply size with a 7.00 nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the Galaxie, and BFGoodrich offers it in blackwall and narrow whitewall forms with a 1,360-pound load rating at 32 psi. It is the narrower 14-inch bias-ply option within the 1962 Ford Galaxie family for owners matching a particular factory-style stance or trim presentation.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Mark III|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
640-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 6.40 denotes nominal section width and 13 denotes rim diameter. This size is specific to the Mark III, and BFGoodrich offers it with a wide whitewall style and a 1,045-pound load rating at 32 psi. It is the more model-specific 13-inch bias-ply choice for a 1962 Ford Mark III when preserving the car's original period look matters more than switching to a radial format.
Ten 1962 Ford models are covered here, ranging from compact British-market cars to full-size American Fords and personal luxury models. Tire size does vary by model, and in several cases one model can use more than one size family, so identifying the exact model is more important than stopping at year and make alone. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that match that specific 1962 Ford.
1962 Ford Anglia
The 1962 Ford Anglia was a small British Ford known for its compact footprint and distinctive early-1960s styling. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, with a choice between a radial metric size and a period-style numeric bias-ply size depending on how original or how road-oriented you want the car to feel.
The 1962 Ford Consul sat in Ford of Britain's family-car lineup and shared much of the practical, compact character buyers expect from an early-1960s European sedan. Its tire fitments use 13-inch wheels, with one radial option and one bias-ply option depending on whether the priority is modern road manners or a more original presentation.
The Cortina arrived as one of Ford's key compact family cars for the 1960s, balancing economy with tidy proportions and simple mechanicals. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and the model can be fitted with either a radial 155R13 or a numeric bias-ply 560-13 depending on whether originality or day-to-day drivability is the main goal.
This 1962 Ford Escort entry falls into the small Ford family that used compact 13-inch wheel and tire packages. The fitment splits between a 145R13 radial and a 520-13 bias-ply, giving owners a clear choice between a more modern radial construction and a more era-authentic bias-ply look and feel.
The 1962 Ford Fairlane occupied the middle ground in Ford's U.S. lineup, larger than the compact Falcon but not as substantial as a Galaxie. Fairlane fitments span both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel sizes, so it is especially important to confirm which wheel and tire package the car carries before choosing among its bias-ply options.
The Falcon was Ford's highly successful compact, valued for simple packaging, light weight, and broad appeal. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, but the model uses several different bias-ply sizes across the range, so the exact version of the car matters before narrowing to the right width and load range.
Ford's 1962 wagons were built for passenger and cargo duty, so they naturally sit in the larger full-size part of the lineup. Their tires mount on 14-inch wheels, with two substantial bias-ply sizes that reflect the wagon's heavier-duty role and classic early-1960s full-size Ford stance.
The Galaxie was Ford's flagship full-size passenger car in 1962, offered in styles that ranged from family transportation to image-conscious hardtops and sporty trims. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, with multiple bias-ply widths available depending on the exact car and the look an owner wants to preserve.
The 1962 Ford Mark III reflects Ford of Britain's upscale side, with more formal presentation than the smallest cars in the range. Its fitments stay on 13-inch wheels, using two numeric bias-ply sizes that suit a restoration-minded owner looking to keep the car's period appearance intact.
The 1962 Thunderbird was Ford's personal luxury car, emphasizing style, comfort, and presence more than economy. It uses a 14-inch bias-ply fitment, which keeps the car in the proper full-size early-1960s tire family and supports the broad whitewall look many Thunderbird owners prefer.
Forty-three products are available across 13 tire sizes for 1962 Ford vehicles. 145R13 features 2 radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Firestone; 520-13 has 6 bias-ply options from Firestone and Premium Sport in blackwall and narrow whitewall; 155R13 offers 2 radial blackwalls from Michelin and Dunlop; 560-13, 650-13, 700-13, 600-13, 800-14, 850-14, 750-14, 700-14, and 640-13 cover bias-ply offerings with blackwall, whitewall, and redline variety. Confirm size and construction first, since tube markings and speed ratings can vary between products.
These FAQs sort out the wide tire spread across 1962 Ford models, from small British Fords with radial-or-bias choices to larger American Fords on several 14-inch bias-ply sizes. They also cover sidewall style choices, wheel compatibility, storage, and longer-drive checks for collector use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Ford vehicles?
1962 Ford vehicles use 13 distinct sizes spread across ten model lines. Anglia, Consul, and Escort use 145R13 or 520-13; Cortina uses 155R13 or 560-13; Fairlane uses 6.50-14, 650-13, or 700-13; Falcon uses 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13; Ford Wagons use 800-14 or 850-14; Galaxie uses 700-14, 750-14, or 800-14; Mark III uses 640-13 or 650-13; Thunderbird uses 800-14. Rim diameters are either 13 or 14 inches, and rim-width guidance varies by size, from 3.50-inch applications on smaller bias-ply tires up to 5.50- to 6.00-inch applications on larger 14-inch tires.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a safe starting point on a 1962 Ford. The practical first step is to identify the exact model, then confirm whether the car is on 13-inch or 14-inch wheels before narrowing to the proper size family. If the car is a small British Ford such as an Anglia, Consul, Escort, or Cortina, the next choice may also include radial versus bias-ply construction. On U.S.-market Fairlane, Falcon, Galaxie, wagon, and Thunderbird applications, the differences are more often about the exact width and wheel diameter used by that model.
What does 145R13 mean on a 1962 Ford tire?
145R13 is a Euro-metric radial size used on certain 1962 Ford compact models. The 145 refers to section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. When a Euro-metric radial of this era is written without an aspect ratio, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. On 1962 Ford applications, 145R13 belongs to the Anglia, Consul, and Escort family rather than to the larger American Fords.
That decoding matters because 145R13 is not just another way of writing a 5.20-13 bias-ply tire. It signals a different construction type, different sidewall behavior, and a different buyer goal even when the same car could accept either size family. If you are looking at a 1962 Ford compact and want a radial route, 145R13 is the size to investigate further. If your priority is period-correct presentation, the matching numeric bias-ply alternative for those models is 520-13 instead.
Do all 1962 Ford models use the same tire size?
No, 1962 Ford models do not use the same tire size. The make spans compact British Fords, compact American sedans, mid-size cars, full-size passenger cars, wagons, and the Thunderbird, so the tire spread includes both 13-inch and 14-inch rim diameters and a wide range of section widths. Some smaller models offer both a radial and a bias-ply option, while many U.S. models stay entirely within bias-ply sizing but differ by width and wheel diameter.
For a buyer, that means the exact model name is the key piece of information, not just the year. A 1962 Ford Falcon and a 1962 Ford Galaxie are worlds apart in tire requirements, and even the Fairlane can appear with either 13-inch or 14-inch fitments. If the car already has wheels on it, compare the sidewall marking and wheel diameter against the model-specific size family before moving on to sidewall style, brand, or restoration preferences.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 145R13 or the 520-13 for my 1962 Ford?
For a 1962 Ford Anglia, Consul, or Escort, the choice between 145R13 and 520-13 is mainly a construction decision rather than a model-family mismatch. 145R13 is a radial size available in blackwall form, while 520-13 is a numeric bias-ply size available in blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. The radial route suits owners who want a later-style driving character, while the bias-ply route better matches the look and feel expected on an early-1960s compact restoration.
The right answer depends on what you want the car to be. A preservation-minded build or a show car usually leans toward 520-13 because the construction and sidewall presentation fit the period better. A driver that sees more routine road use may lean toward 145R13, especially if the owner prefers a more modern response from the tire itself. Before choosing, verify the actual wheel diameter and make sure the car is one of the three models that use this size pair, because the larger 1962 Ford lines do not.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Ford tires?
1962 Ford tires span several sidewall styles depending on the size. Blackwall appears in 145R13, 520-13, 155R13, 700-14, and 800-14 offerings; narrow whitewall appears across 520-13, 560-13, 600-13, 650-13, 700-14, 750-14, 800-14, and 850-14; wide whitewall appears on 560-13, 640-13, 650-13, 700-13, 750-14, 800-14, and 850-14; redline appears in 750-14. That variety reflects how broad the 1962 Ford range was, from compact economy cars to upscale full-size and personal luxury models.
Sidewall style is one of the biggest visual decisions on a collector car, especially on early-1960s American Fords where whitewalls strongly influence the car's finished look. Compact British-market cars often look most natural on blackwalls or restrained whitewalls, while a Galaxie, wagon, or Thunderbird can reasonably carry a more prominent whitewall depending on the trim and intended presentation. If authenticity matters, compare your car's market, trim level, and original sales literature with the sidewall style you are considering rather than treating every 1962 Ford the same.
What brands make tires for 1962 Ford vehicles?
1962 Ford tire coverage includes Michelin, Firestone, Premium Sport, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, US Royal, and Universal Vintage Tire. The smaller radial sizes are handled by Michelin, Firestone, and Dunlop, while the bias-ply catalog spreads across Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, US Royal, Premium Sport, and Universal Vintage Tire depending on the exact size. Brand choice is closely tied to size family, so not every brand appears in every 1962 Ford application.
That makes brand shopping a second-step decision rather than the first one. Start with the exact model and size, then compare which brands serve that fitment and what sidewall styles they offer. A 145R13 buyer is deciding among radial blackwalls, while a 750-14 Galaxie owner can compare multiple classic bias-ply brands and more appearance options. If historical character matters to your build, brand heritage can be part of the appeal, but the size and construction still need to come first.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Ford tires require?
Rim-width guidance on 1962 Ford tires depends entirely on the size. Smaller 13-inch applications range from 3.50-inch widths on 520-13 and 560-13 products to 4.00-5.00 inches on 145R13, 4.00-5.50 inches on 155R13, 4.00-4.50 inches on 600-13 and 640-13, and 4.50-5.00 inches on 650-13; 700-13 uses 4.00-5.00 inches. Larger 14-inch applications run 5.00-5.50 inches for 700-14 and 750-14, 5.00-6.00 inches for 800-14, and 5.50-6.00 inches for 850-14.
Those ranges are why wheel measurement matters before ordering, especially on cars that may have changed wheels over the decades. A tire can share the right rim diameter but still want a different rim width for proper section shape and footprint. If your 1962 Ford has aftermarket wheels or mixed components from another model, measure the wheel rather than assuming it matches factory practice. On cars with more than one possible size, such as Fairlane, Falcon, or Galaxie, confirming both diameter and width is the cleanest way to avoid a mismatch.
Do 1962 Ford tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements on 1962 Ford tires depend on the exact product and size. Michelin's 145R13 radial is marked TL, identifying it as tubeless, while some other sizes do not carry a tube marking in the sidewall code shown here. Bias-ply collector tires can be used in tube-type or tubeless-style wheel situations depending on the wheel design and the product's construction, so tube status should be treated as product-specific rather than assumed across the whole 1962 Ford range.
The wheel itself matters just as much as the tire. Original early-1960s wheels may have bead and safety-hump designs that differ from later wheels, and that can affect whether a tubeless setup is appropriate. If your 1962 Ford still has original wheels, inspect the wheel condition and confirm the intended tube setup before mounting new tires. On any tube-type installation, include the valve stem and the tube itself in your planning, because a fresh tire mounted with old tube hardware can still create avoidable problems.
Can the original 1962 Ford wheels be used with all tire sizes?
No, original 1962 Ford wheels cannot be assumed to work with all 1962 Ford tire sizes because the make uses both 13-inch and 14-inch rim diameters, and the recommended rim widths also vary widely. A Falcon-sized 13-inch wheel is not interchangeable with an 800-14 or 850-14 full-size Ford tire, and even within one diameter the acceptable rim-width range changes from size to size. The only safe assumption is that wheel compatibility starts with the exact tire size family for the exact model.
That is especially important on cars that have been restored from parts cars or modified over time. Measure the wheel diameter directly and, if possible, the bead-seat width before deciding between possible sizes for a Fairlane, Falcon, or Galaxie. If the car is on wheels from another Ford line, treat the wheel and the body tag or original fitment history as separate clues that both need to agree. Keeping the original wheels can work very well, but only when the chosen tire falls inside the proper diameter and rim-width range.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Ford when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1962 Ford should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Maintain proper inflation, keep the car off damp ground, and move it periodically so the tires do not sit in one contact patch for months at a time. On smaller 1962 Ford models that may still use bias-ply tires, flat-spotting during long static storage is more common than with modern radial construction.
Collector cars that sit for long periods often age the tires faster through environment than through mileage. If the car will be down for an entire season, many owners either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces long-term casing stress while still following safe storage practices. Clean the tires with mild soap and water only, and avoid dressings that leave the rubber glossy or oily. A little care in storage helps preserve sidewalls, ride quality, and appearance on a 1962 Ford.
How long do tires on a 1962 Ford typically last?
Tires on a 1962 Ford should be judged more by age and condition than by tread depth alone. A good collector-car rule is to begin evaluating them carefully once they are around five to seven years old and to treat ten years as a serious replacement point even if they still look usable. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best starting point, and signs such as cracking, hardening, vibration, or repeated air loss can move the replacement decision earlier.
That age-based approach matters because many classic Fords are driven lightly and can retain deep tread long after the rubber has aged out. A low-mileage Thunderbird or Galaxie that only goes to shows is not automatically safer than a regularly driven Falcon if the tires are older and less stable. Keep a simple record of installation dates, inspect date codes when you acquire the car, and treat long-stored tires with extra caution even when the sidewalls still present well from a few feet away.
How often should tires on a 1962 Ford be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Ford deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more deliberate inspection before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, punctures, and any change in how well the tire holds pressure. If the car uses a tube-type setup or may require tubes, include the valve stems and any signs of stem cracking or leakage in that routine because air loss at the valve can mimic a tire problem.
Frequent checks are particularly important on collector cars because they may sit for weeks between uses, giving problems time to develop unnoticed. A tire that looked fine after the last drive can still lose pressure in storage or develop a visible crack once the car is rolled into sunlight. For a 1962 Ford that sees occasional tours or club events, check cold pressures and walk around the car before departure every time. That habit catches most tire issues while they are still inexpensive and manageable.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Ford Anglia?
A 1962 Ford Anglia would have been associated with bias-ply construction in its original period, and 520-13 is the bias-ply size family that aligns with that era-specific approach. The same model can also be found today with 145R13 radial options, but those reflect a later construction style rather than the default early-1960s small-car norm. If the goal is strict authenticity, size, construction type, and sidewall treatment all matter more than simply choosing any 13-inch tire that physically fits.
Owners restoring a 1962 Ford Anglia for shows or historically faithful presentation usually start by confirming the market version of the car and then checking factory literature or marque-club sources for the original sidewall treatment. That is especially useful on British Fords, where market-specific details can differ from U.S. assumptions. If the car is more of a road car than a judged restoration, the radial alternative may still be attractive, but it should be understood as a driving-oriented deviation from the car's original construction style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Ford?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1962 Ford because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction, and sidewall style quickly. A compact British Ford wearing a modern-looking radial when the car is being judged for originality, or a full-size American Ford carrying the wrong whitewall treatment for its trim and market, can stand out immediately. Even when the wheel diameter is right, the wrong width or sidewall presentation can change the whole visual balance of the car.
The practical approach is to decide early whether your 1962 Ford is being restored for concours standards, marque-club events, or simply for personal enjoyment. If judging is the target, verify the expected size family and sidewall style for your exact model before finalizing the tire choice. Event rules can vary, and some clubs are stricter than others about radial-versus-bias construction or whitewall width. Matching the tire to the car's era and presentation is one of the most visible details in a finished restoration.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and US Royal 650-13 tires for the 1962 Ford?
On 1962 Ford applications that use 650-13, Coker Classic and US Royal both offer bias-ply tires with the same basic fitment profile: 13-inch rim diameter, 4.50-5.00 inch rim-width range, and 1,150-pound load rating at 32 psi. The main visible difference is sidewall presentation, since both brands offer narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. Weight is also the same at 18 pounds in the comparable 650-13 offerings, so this comparison is more about styling and brand preference than a major spec split.
That makes the choice simpler for a Fairlane, Falcon, or Mark III owner using 650-13. If your car's restoration calls for a broader whitewall, either brand can satisfy that visual target; if you want a more restrained period look, the narrow whitewall versions move in that direction instead. Because the fitment specifications align so closely, the final decision often comes down to how you want the finished car to read from the curb and which brand identity fits the rest of the build.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Ford tires safe for highway driving?
1962 Ford tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, in good condition, properly inflated, and used within their construction and speed limits. The radial 145R13 and 155R13 products here include H-rated versions, which carry a 130 mph ceiling, while the bias-ply sizes do not show modern letter speed ratings in the same way. On a typical 1962 Ford, the car's own brakes, suspension design, steering system, and general mechanical condition are often more limiting in real highway use than the tire alone.
The key is to match expectations to the type of tire and the type of car. A full-size Galaxie or Thunderbird on bias-ply tires can still be a capable road car, but it will not respond like a modern sedan on modern radials. A compact Ford on 145R13 or 155R13 radials may feel more familiar to present-day drivers, yet it still needs the rest of the chassis to be sorted. Before any sustained highway driving, inspect the tires carefully and drive the car long enough locally to confirm stability and pressure retention.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Ford tires?
Inflation pressure on 1962 Ford tires should follow the vehicle's factory recommendation for the car and the tire maker's rated pressure limits for the exact tire size. Several of these sizes carry explicit maximum load and pressure figures, including 520-13 at 770 pounds at 32 psi on one Firestone version and 1,100 pounds at 60 psi on one Premium Sport version, 560-13 at 850 pounds at 30 psi, 650-13 at 1,150 pounds at 32 psi, 700-13 at 1,270 pounds at 32 psi, and larger 14-inch sizes from 1,360 to 1,740 pounds at 32 psi depending on the size.
Those figures are load-capacity references, not a universal instruction to inflate every tire to the sidewall maximum. A lightweight Anglia, a Falcon, and a wagon do not impose the same demands on the tire even when the sizes appear close. Use the original owner's manual or period factory placard for the starting pressure target, then confirm that your chosen reproduction or radial tire supports that use properly. Never transfer a pressure figure from one 1962 Ford size family to another just because the wheel diameter matches.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Ford on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1962 Ford on a longer drive, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation signs, uneven wear, and cold inflation pressure. Confirm that the valve stems are sound, and if the car uses tube-type hardware or may require tubes, pay close attention to slow leaks and stem condition. A spare that has never touched the road can still be unusable if it is badly aged, underinflated, or heat-cycled from years in the trunk.
Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine on a car of this age, but they are the one part always touching the road. After the tire check, it is wise to review brakes, steering play, suspension condition, wheel-bearing feel, and fluid levels before committing to distance. For a 1962 Ford that has been sitting, take a short shakedown drive first and then recheck pressures and temperature by hand. That simple process often reveals issues before they become roadside problems.
