In 1962 Nissan was still building its reputation in the U.S. with compact utility trucks and small-displacement sports cars that emphasized light weight, economy, and nimble packaging. That range meant a 1962 Nissan buyer could be looking at an L320 or L520 pickup with truck-oriented 14-inch bias-ply sizes, or an SPL roadster with a mix of 13-inch and 14-inch options in both bias-ply and radial construction. Across these three models, six distinct sizes appear, and they are not shared across the full lineup. The first thing to confirm on a 1962 Nissan is the exact model, then whether you want a period-style bias-ply fitment or a radial option where one exists.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Nissan
Six tire sizes are used across 1962 Nissan vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the whole range. The real choice starts with identifying whether you have an L320, L520, or SPL, then confirming whether your car or truck uses a 13-inch or 14-inch rim and whether you want bias-ply construction or a radial option where available. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the vehicle.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): L320, L520|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 is the nominal section width and 14 is the wheel diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and these products carry a 906-pound load rating at 30 psi. This is one of the truck sizes specific to the L320 and L520 rather than the full 1962 Nissan range. It suits owners who want a period-correct bias-ply look and feel on Nissan's early compact pickups.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): L320, L520|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
6.00-14 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 6.00-inch section width on a 14-inch wheel. This size is used on the L320 and L520 pickups, making it another truck-specific fitment rather than a universal 1962 Nissan size. It represents an alternate 14-inch bias-ply truck fitment within the same year and make. Buyers should confirm the actual tire size on the truck before choosing between the two pickup applications.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): SPL|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
145R14 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 145-millimeter section width and a 14-inch wheel diameter, with the absent aspect ratio conventionally understood as an 80-series profile. It is available in blackwall form from Firestone and Camac, and Firestone's version carries an 880-pound load rating at 44 psi. This radial size is specific to the SPL roadster rather than the L320 or L520 trucks. It is the choice for an SPL owner who wants a radial construction on a 14-inch wheel.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): SPL|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
520-14 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 5.20-inch section width on a 14-inch rim. It comes from Premium Sport in narrow whitewall form, and load information appears on some versions at 1,230 pounds at 60 psi. This size is specific to the SPL and is not shared with the 1962 Nissan truck models despite the common 14-inch wheel diameter. It fits an SPL owner seeking a bias-ply presentation on a 14-inch application.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): SPL|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 155-millimeter section width on a 13-inch wheel, with the unstated aspect ratio conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. It is available in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop, and the products in this size carry H speed ratings with a 130 mph ceiling; Michelin's tire is marked TL, while tube status varies by product across the size. This 13-inch radial is specific to the SPL rather than the trucks or the roadster's 14-inch options. It appeals to drivers who want a radial fitment on the SPL's 13-inch wheel application.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): SPL|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 5.60-inch section width and a 13-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and these products carry an 850-pound load rating at 30 psi. This size is specific to the SPL and pairs 13-inch wheel fitment with a distinctly period bias-ply appearance. It is a natural choice for a roadster owner aiming for an authentic early-1960s look.
Three 1962 Nissan models are covered here: the L320, L520, and SPL. Tire sizing changes by model, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly; the pickups share two 14-inch bias-ply sizes, while the SPL uses its own mix of 13-inch and 14-inch bias-ply and radial options. Select your model below to narrow fitment history and see the sizes that apply to it.
1962 Nissan L320
The 1962 Nissan L320 was part of Nissan's early compact pickup line, built for light-duty work with simple, durable mechanicals and compact exterior dimensions. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the fitments stay within traditional bias-ply truck sizing rather than crossing into the SPL roadster's 13-inch and radial territory.
The 1962 Nissan L520 continued Nissan's small-truck formula with a slightly more developed work-truck character while keeping the same compact utility mission. Like the L320, it uses 14-inch wheel fitments and stays with bias-ply sizing that matches an early-1960s Japanese pickup's original character.
The 1962 Nissan SPL roadster was Nissan's sports-car entry in the American market, contrasting sharply with the utility-focused trucks in the same model year. Its tire fitments span both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel applications, with bias-ply and radial choices depending on the size you are matching to the car.
Fifteen products are available across six tire sizes for 1962 Nissan vehicles. The 560-14 has three BFGoodrich bias-ply choices in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 145R14 has two blackwall radials from Firestone and Camac; 520-14 has four Premium Sport bias-ply narrow whitewalls; 155R13 has two blackwall radials from Michelin and Dunlop; 560-13 has three bias-ply options from BFGoodrich and Firestone in narrow and wide whitewall styles. Confirm size preference and construction first, since tube markings and speed ratings can vary within some sizes.
These FAQs focus on how 1962 Nissan tire fitment changes between the L320, L520, and SPL, and how bias-ply versus radial choices affect the roadster in particular. They also cover sidewall style options, setup details, and the care that low-use collector tires need.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Nissan vehicles?
1962 Nissan vehicles use six sizes across three models. The L320 and L520 pickups use 560-14 and 6.00-14, both bias-ply sizes on 14-inch rims. The SPL roadster uses 145R14 and 520-14 on 14-inch rims, plus 155R13 and 560-13 on 13-inch rims. Where rim-width guidance appears, 560-14 fits 3.50- to 4.00-inch rims, 145R14 fits 4.00- to 5.00-inch rims, 520-14 fits 3.50- to 4.00-inch rims on versions that carry full fitment details, 155R13 fits 4.00- to 5.50-inch rims on Michelin's version, and 560-13 fits 3.50- to 4.50-inch rims depending on brand.
The practical takeaway is that year and make are only the starting point for a 1962 Nissan. Truck owners need to verify whether their pickup uses 560-14 or 6.00-14, while SPL owners must first determine whether the car has a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel application before narrowing to bias-ply or radial. Checking the current tire sidewall and measuring the wheel diameter before ordering will prevent most fitment mistakes.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1962 Nissan tire?
On a 1962 Nissan, 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On this year and make, 560-14 appears on the L320 and L520 pickups rather than the SPL roadster. Products in this size are bias-ply constructions and are available with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.
That matters because 560-14 is not just a general 1962 Nissan size; it points you directly toward the pickup side of the lineup and toward a traditional bias-ply fitment. If your truck already wears a 14-inch wheel and you are restoring it to an early-1960s look, this code keeps you in the right family. You should still verify wheel width and compare the sidewall style to the appearance you want before choosing a specific tire.
What does 145R14 or 155R13 mean on a 1962 Nissan tire?
On a 1962 Nissan, 145R14 and 155R13 are Euro-metric radial sizes used on the SPL roadster. The first number is the section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the last number is the wheel diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is stated, these are conventionally treated as 80-series radial sizes. The 145R14 uses a 14-inch rim, while the 155R13 uses a 13-inch rim and appears with H speed ratings that carry a 130 mph ceiling.
These codes help SPL owners separate two different wheel applications before they ever compare brands. A 145R14 roadster setup and a 155R13 roadster setup are not interchangeable just because both are radial sizes. Start with the wheel diameter on the car, then confirm whether you want to stay with a radial road feel or move back to one of the bias-ply SPL sizes for a more period-style appearance.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 520-14 or the 145R14 for my 1962 Nissan?
For a 1962 Nissan SPL on 14-inch wheels, the choice between 520-14 and 145R14 is mainly a construction decision. The 520-14 is a bias-ply size, while the 145R14 is a radial. Both mount on 14-inch rims, but they represent different tire types and different presentations on the car. The 520-14 is available in narrow whitewall form, while 145R14 comes in blackwall radial form from Firestone and Camac.
An SPL owner chasing an early-1960s appearance will usually gravitate toward the bias-ply 520-14, especially when whitewall styling is part of the look. A driver who wants a radial option on a 14-inch roadster wheel will focus on 145R14 instead. The key is to confirm that the car actually uses the 14-inch SPL application before comparing the two, because the roadster also appears with separate 13-inch tire sizes.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Nissan tires?
1962 Nissan tire choices span blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles, depending on size. The pickup-oriented 560-14 is available as a blackwall, a 1.00-inch whitewall, and a 2.25-inch whitewall. The SPL's 145R14 and 155R13 radial choices are blackwall, the 520-14 bias-ply options are narrow whitewall, and the 560-13 bias-ply options include both narrow and wide whitewall versions.
For a vehicle from 1962, sidewall style affects the visual character almost as much as the size itself. A blackwall usually gives a cleaner utility or sporting look, which suits the pickups and radial roadster applications well. Whitewalls lean more toward period styling and can be especially important on a roadster or restoration where appearance matters. Match the sidewall to the way you want the vehicle to present, not just to the wheel diameter.
What brands make tires for 1962 Nissan vehicles?
1962 Nissan vehicles are covered by several brands depending on size. BFGoodrich serves 560-14 and also offers 560-13. Firestone appears in 145R14 and 560-13, Camac appears in 145R14, Premium Sport covers 520-14, and Michelin and Dunlop cover 155R13. The result is that brand choice changes by model and by wheel diameter rather than carrying evenly across the full 1962 Nissan range.
That brand spread gives buyers room to choose within the correct size instead of trying to force one brand across every model. Pickup owners are mostly focused on BFGoodrich in 560-14, while SPL owners can compare multiple brands in both radial and bias-ply roadster sizes. Once you know the correct size, the next useful comparison is sidewall style, construction type, and any load or speed details tied to the exact product.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Nissan tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1962 Nissan applications. The 560-14 fits 3.50- to 4.00-inch rims, 145R14 fits 4.00- to 5.00-inch rims, and 520-14 appears with 3.50- to 4.00-inch rim guidance on versions that include full fitment details. On the 13-inch SPL sizes, Michelin's 155R13 fits 4.00- to 5.50-inch rims, while 560-13 ranges from 3.50- to 4.00 inches in BFGoodrich form and 4.00- to 4.50 inches in Firestone form.
Rim width matters because two tires with the same wheel diameter can still be intended for different wheel profiles. That is especially important on the SPL, where 13-inch and 14-inch applications overlap within the same model family. Measure the wheel you actually have before choosing a tire, and if the vehicle has replacement wheels rather than original steel wheels, verify width carefully instead of assuming the car still carries its factory setup.
Do 1962 Nissan tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements vary by size and sometimes by product on 1962 Nissan applications. The 155R13 radial size includes a Michelin version marked TL, which identifies it as tubeless, while tube status is not uniform across every product in that size. The bias-ply sizes here do not carry a universal tube marking across all products, so tube use should be confirmed against the exact tire and wheel combination rather than assumed from the size alone.
That means the safest approach is to check both the sidewall marking and the wheel design before finalizing your setup. Older wheels and collector-car service practices do not always line up neatly with a modern assumption that every radial is tubeless and every bias-ply needs a tube. If you are working with original 1962 Nissan wheels, especially on a roadster or truck that may have seen wheel changes over the years, confirm the requirement at the product level.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Nissan when the tires are fitted?
A 1962 Nissan should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, ozone sources such as electric motors or battery chargers, and standing moisture. Keep the tires properly inflated during storage, and if the vehicle will sit for long periods, move it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces long-term loading on one contact patch. Bias-ply tires, which appear across the L320, L520, and some SPL sizes, are generally more prone to flat-spotting during extended static storage than radials.
Good storage habits preserve both appearance and drivability. Whitewalls stay cleaner when they are not exposed to sunlight and moisture, and bias-ply casings tend to recover better when the vehicle is repositioned periodically rather than left motionless for a season. If your SPL is on radial tires, storage discipline still matters, but the flat-spot concern is often more noticeable on the bias-ply truck and roadster fitments in this year range.
How long do tires on a 1962 Nissan typically last?
On a 1962 Nissan, tire age matters more than mileage because many surviving trucks and roadsters are low-use collector vehicles. A sensible rule is to begin paying close attention once a tire is around five to seven years old and to consider replacement around the ten-year mark regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code, where present, is the quickest way to establish age, and visible cracking or hardening should move the conversation toward replacement sooner.
That age-based approach is more useful than trying to estimate life from miles alone. A lightly driven roadster stored incorrectly can age out before the tread is halfway used, and a pickup that still looks serviceable may have a casing that no longer deserves trust on the road. If the vehicle has been sitting, treat the tire's calendar age and condition as the real decision points instead of how much tread remains.
How often should tires on a 1962 Nissan be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Nissan should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded debris, and any loss of pressure since the previous drive. On tube-type or possibly tube-equipped combinations, valve stems and air retention deserve extra attention because a small leak can become a larger problem after the vehicle has been parked for a while.
Frequent inspection is especially important on an early-1960s vehicle because the tire is only one part of a much older system. A roadster or compact truck that sees occasional use may go weeks between drives, which is long enough for pressure loss or age-related changes to appear. Making tire inspection part of your routine also gives you a chance to catch wheel or suspension issues before they show up as irregular wear.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Nissan L320?
A 1962 Nissan L320 would have been associated with bias-ply construction in period, and the sizes tied to the model are 560-14 and 6.00-14. That is consistent with the utility-truck standards of the early 1960s, when radial fitments had not yet become the norm on compact pickups sold in the U.S. market. Original-equipment brand can vary by market and delivery history, so the safest historically grounded answer is to match the truck's correct bias-ply size and sidewall style first.
For restoration work, that means starting with the exact size already associated with your truck rather than assuming any 14-inch tire from the same year will look right. If the goal is serious authenticity, compare surviving photos, factory literature, and owner-club references for market-specific details such as sidewall treatment. Marque specialists and model clubs are the right place to confirm the finer points before a judged restoration is finalized.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Nissan?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1962 Nissan because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction type, and sidewall style quickly. A bias-ply truck shown with an obviously modern radial profile, or an SPL wearing a sidewall treatment that does not match the intended period look, can distract from an otherwise accurate presentation. The closer the event is to concours judging, the more those details tend to matter.
That does not mean every show follows the same standard, but it does mean tire choice should be part of the restoration plan rather than an afterthought. Pick the size that belongs to the correct model first, then choose the construction and sidewall style that align with the way the vehicle is being presented. Event rules, marque clubs, and period photography are the best tools for settling details that go beyond basic fitment.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Nissan SPL?
A 1962 Nissan SPL belongs to an era when bias-ply construction was still standard practice, and the roadster's period-style sizes include 520-14 and 560-13. The SPL also has radial options available today in 145R14 and 155R13, but those represent a construction choice for current use rather than the baseline construction buyers would have expected in the early 1960s. Original brand and exact market specification can vary, so size and construction are the most dependable authenticity markers.
For an authenticity-minded SPL, the first decision is whether the car is being restored for period presentation or driven in a more updated manner. If the goal is visual and historical faithfulness, bias-ply sizing keeps the roadster in the right era. If the car has changed wheels over time, verify whether it is on the 13-inch or 14-inch application before committing, then use club knowledge and period references to refine the final choice.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Nissan tires safe for highway driving?
1962 Nissan tires can be appropriate for highway use when they are the correct size, properly inflated, in sound condition, and used within the limits of their construction and speed rating. The 155R13 radial options carry H ratings, which correspond to a 130 mph ceiling, while the other sizes here do not all display a speed symbol in the same way. On an early-1960s Nissan, the vehicle's own brakes, steering, suspension, and overall mechanical condition are usually the more meaningful limits at normal highway speeds.
The practical point is to treat the whole vehicle as a system rather than focusing only on the tire. A fresh radial on an SPL may feel different from a bias-ply setup, but neither one should be used to mask neglected wheel bearings, weak brakes, or old shocks. If the tires are age-cracked, underinflated, or mismatched to the car's actual wheel size, solve that first before planning any sustained highway driving.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Nissan tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1962 Nissan should be matched to the exact tire size and the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, not copied from another size in the lineup. Among the sizes here, 560-14 carries load information at 30 psi, 145R14 at 44 psi on Firestone's radial, 520-14 at 60 psi on versions that include full load details, and 560-13 at 30 psi. Those figures are tied to the tire's rated load capacity, not automatically to the ideal running pressure for every 1962 Nissan application.
Use the owner's manual or factory service literature as the starting point for the vehicle, then compare that guidance with the tire maker's load-and-pressure information for the exact tire you choose. Never transfer a pressure number from a pickup size to an SPL roadster size, or from a bias-ply to a radial, just because the wheel diameter matches. Correct pressure should support the vehicle safely while preserving ride, wear, and steering behavior.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Nissan on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1962 Nissan, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, and proper inflation. Verify that valve stems are sound, and pay extra attention if the car or truck uses a tube-type or possibly tube-equipped setup. Also confirm lug-nut security and make sure the tread is free of embedded debris or signs of casing separation, especially if the vehicle has been parked for an extended period.
That tire inspection should be part of a broader pre-drive check on any early-1960s vehicle. Fluids, cooling system condition, brake performance, steering play, and wheel-bearing health all matter just as much once the miles add up. On a roadster like the SPL, it also helps to verify that the spare matches the wheel diameter actually on the car, since 13-inch and 14-inch tire applications both appear within the same model family.
