The 1962 Plymouth lineup captured a transitional moment for Chrysler styling, with full-size Plymouths taking on a cleaner, more restrained look while the compact Valiant continued to serve buyers who wanted economy and practicality. That broad range matters when choosing tires, because 1962 Plymouth vehicles did not all share one size or even one rim diameter. Across four model groups, five bias-ply sizes appear, with the Valiant on 13-inch fitments and the six-cylinder, eight-cylinder, and wagon models using several 14-inch options depending on application. Before narrowing down products, the first step is to confirm whether you have a Valiant, a six-cylinder full-size car, an eight-cylinder car, or a wagon.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Plymouth
Five tire sizes were used across 1962 Plymouth vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the whole range. The main decision starts with identifying the correct model and rim diameter first, since Valiant models use 13-inch tires while the other Plymouth models here use 14-inch tires. Understanding that split before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the right size to the right car.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 6 Cyl.|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
The 6.50-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 indicating nominal section width and 14 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1962 Plymouth 6 Cyl. and mounts on a 14-inch wheel. It serves buyers who want the narrower bias-ply fitment associated with six-cylinder full-size Plymouth use in this period.
The 700-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.00 indicating nominal section width and 14 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. BFGoodrich offers this size in blackwall and narrow whitewall form, and both versions use a 14-inch rim with a 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim-width range and a 1360 lb maximum load at 32 psi. Because it fits the 1962 Plymouth 6 Cyl., 8 Cyl., and Wagon, it is one of the shared full-size Plymouth options for buyers who want a period-style bias-ply tire.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 8 Cyl., Wagon|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
The 750-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.50 indicating nominal section width and 14 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic offer it with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments, all on 14-inch fitments with a 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim-width range; load ratings run from 1500 lb at 32 psi to 1580 lb at 32 psi depending on brand. This size is specific to the 1962 Plymouth 8 Cyl. and Wagon, making it the larger full-size bias-ply choice for buyers matching those models.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Valiant|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
The 650-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 indicating nominal section width and 13 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. Coker Classic and US Royal offer it in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall form, all with a 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim-width range and a 1150 lb maximum load at 32 psi. This size is specific to the 1962 Plymouth Valiant and suits buyers restoring the compact Plymouth on its smaller 13-inch wheel package.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Valiant|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
The 700-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.00 indicating nominal section width and 13 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. Firestone offers this size with a whitewall treatment on a 13-inch rim, with a 4.00 to 5.00 inch rim-width range and a 1270 lb maximum load at 32 psi. This size is specific to the 1962 Plymouth Valiant and gives Valiant owners a wider bias-ply alternative within the same 13-inch wheel family.
Four 1962 Plymouth model groups are covered here. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; the compact Valiant uses 13-inch tires, while the six-cylinder, eight-cylinder, and wagon Plymouth models use 14-inch sizes with some overlap between them. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the sizes that apply to that specific Plymouth.
1962 Plymouth 6 Cyl.
A 1962 Plymouth six-cylinder model typically represents the full-size Plymouth line in its more economical form, pairing the cleaner 1962 body style with a practical powertrain choice. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and its fitment centers on narrower full-size bias-ply sizing than the larger V-8 applications.
A 1962 Plymouth eight-cylinder model sits on the same full-size family as the six-cylinder cars but was aimed at buyers who wanted stronger performance and a more upscale driving character. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, with fitments that overlap the six-cylinder cars at 700-14 and extend to a larger 750-14 option.
The 1962 Plymouth Valiant was the compact member of the Plymouth family, known for practical dimensions and a character distinct from the larger full-size cars. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, separating it clearly from the rest of the 1962 Plymouth range for tire selection purposes.
A 1962 Plymouth wagon shared much of its structure with the full-size Plymouth line while adding the cargo capacity and family-duty role that made wagons important everyday transportation in the period. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and its fitment follows the larger full-size options rather than the compact Valiant sizes.
Eighteen products are available across four tire sizes for 1962 Plymouth vehicles. The 700-14 has 2 BFGoodrich bias-ply options in blackwall and narrow whitewall; 750-14 has 11 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic in narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline; 650-13 has 4 bias-ply choices from Coker Classic and US Royal in narrow and wide whitewall; 700-13 has 1 Firestone bias-ply option in whitewall form.
These FAQs focus on how tire size changes across the 1962 Plymouth range, what the numeric bias-ply codes mean, how sidewall style choices differ between sizes, and what to check for collector-car driving, storage, and restoration accuracy.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Plymouth vehicles?
1962 Plymouth vehicles use five sizes across four model groups: 6.50-14 and 700-14 for the 1962 Plymouth 6 Cyl., 700-14 and 750-14 for the 1962 Plymouth 8 Cyl., 650-13 and 700-13 for the 1962 Plymouth Valiant, and 700-14 and 750-14 for the 1962 Plymouth Wagon. The Valiant sizes mount on 13-inch rims, while the other Plymouth models here use 14-inch rims. Rim-width ranges are 4.50 to 5.00 inches for 650-13, 4.00 to 5.00 inches for 700-13, and 5.00 to 5.50 inches for both 700-14 and 750-14.
That means a 1962 Plymouth buyer should start with model identification before worrying about sidewall style or brand. A Valiant owner is choosing within the 13-inch compact sizes, while owners of six-cylinder, eight-cylinder, and wagon models are choosing among 14-inch full-size fitments. If your car has changed hands or undergone restoration work, compare the tire size on the car now with the wheel diameter and the application that matches your model.
What does 6.50-14 mean on a 1962 Plymouth tire?
On a 1962 Plymouth tire, 6.50-14 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 6.50 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 14 figure is the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1962 Plymouth range here, 6.50-14 applies to the 6 Cyl. model group and represents a narrower 14-inch full-size fitment than 700-14 or 750-14.
Numeric bias-ply sizing does not read the same way as a modern metric radial code, so it helps to think of it as an older width-and-rim format rather than a direct modern equivalent. On a 1962 Plymouth, the practical takeaway is that 6.50-14 belongs in the full-size 14-inch family, but it is not interchangeable with the Valiant’s 13-inch sizes. Confirm your wheel diameter and the model application before moving on to brand or sidewall appearance.
Do all 1962 Plymouth models use the same tire size?
No, 1962 Plymouth models do not all use the same tire size. The compact 1962 Plymouth Valiant uses 650-13 or 700-13, while the six-cylinder full-size Plymouth uses 6.50-14 or 700-14. The eight-cylinder full-size cars and the wagon use 700-14 or 750-14, so there is some overlap within the 14-inch full-size group but not across the entire make.
That split matters because it affects more than just appearance. A 13-inch Valiant tire cannot be chosen the same way as a 14-inch full-size Plymouth tire, and even within the 14-inch applications, the smaller and larger numeric sizes serve different model groups. If you only know that you have a 1962 Plymouth, identify whether it is a Valiant, six-cylinder full-size car, eight-cylinder car, or wagon before narrowing your search.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Plymouth tires?
Sidewall choices for 1962 Plymouth tires vary by size. The 700-14 comes in blackwall and narrow whitewall, the 750-14 comes in narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, the 650-13 comes in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall, and the 700-13 is offered in a whitewall style. All of these are bias-ply tires, so the visual decision is mainly about how closely you want the tire to match the look of your particular Plymouth and the era’s styling trends.
For many 1962 Plymouth restorations, sidewall style is nearly as important visually as the size itself. A Valiant may look at home with a modest whitewall treatment, while a full-size Plymouth or wagon can support anything from a blackwall driver look to a wider whitewall or even a redline, depending on the car’s presentation. If originality matters for judging, check period photos, factory literature, and marque resources before settling on a sidewall treatment.
What brands make tires for 1962 Plymouth vehicles?
Several established vintage-tire brands cover 1962 Plymouth vehicles. BFGoodrich appears in 700-14 and 750-14, US Royal appears in 750-14 and 650-13, Coker Classic appears in 750-14 and 650-13, and Firestone appears in 700-13. All of these offerings are bias-ply tires, with brand choice often tied to sidewall style, series appearance, and the exact size needed for your model.
Brand selection on a 1962 Plymouth is easiest once the size has been narrowed down. A 700-13 Valiant buyer is looking at Firestone, while a 750-14 buyer for an eight-cylinder car or wagon has a broader mix of BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Coker Classic. If you are comparing brands for a restoration, pay attention to the sidewall presentation and the product family’s visual character rather than assuming every brand offers the same look in every size.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and US Royal 750-14 tires for the 1962 Plymouth?
For a 1962 Plymouth using 750-14 tires, BFGoodrich and US Royal share the same 14-inch rim diameter and the same 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim-width range, but they differ in load figures and sidewall options. BFGoodrich 750-14 carries a 1580 lb maximum load at 32 psi and appears in a narrow whitewall version, while US Royal 750-14 carries a 1500 lb maximum load at 32 psi and appears in narrow whitewall and redline versions. Both are bias-ply tires aimed at period-style full-size fitments.
That makes the decision less about basic compatibility and more about the look and specification you want on the car. A buyer focused on a traditional narrow whitewall can consider either brand, while a buyer seeking a redline appearance within the 750-14 size moves toward US Royal. If you are matching an existing set or pursuing a particular restoration theme, compare the sidewall treatment and the exact load-and-pressure marking on the tire before final selection.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Plymouth tires require?
Rim width requirements for 1962 Plymouth tires depend on the size. The 650-13 uses a 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim-width range, the 700-13 uses a 4.00 to 5.00 inch range, and both 700-14 and 750-14 use a 5.00 to 5.50 inch range. Those measurements matter because a vintage bias-ply tire is designed to sit and carry load correctly within a fairly specific wheel-width window.
Before ordering tires for a 1962 Plymouth, measure or confirm the actual wheel on the car rather than relying only on memory or a previous owner’s choice. This is especially important if the vehicle has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over the years. Matching the tire to the correct rim width helps preserve the intended stance, tread shape, and steering behavior for an older Plymouth.
Can the original 1962 Plymouth wheels be used with both or all tire sizes?
Original 1962 Plymouth wheels cannot be treated as universal across the entire range, because the Valiant uses 13-inch tires and the other model groups here use 14-inch tires. Within the Valiant family, 650-13 and 700-13 share a 13-inch rim diameter, and within the full-size family, 700-14 and 750-14 share a 14-inch rim diameter. Rim-width requirements still need to be checked, since matching diameter alone does not guarantee the wheel is right for every size.
For a stock 1962 Plymouth, that usually means staying within the wheel family intended for your model. A Valiant owner can compare the wheel against the 13-inch size options, while an eight-cylinder or wagon owner can compare the wheel against the 14-inch options. If your car has mixed parts from another Plymouth or another Chrysler product line, verify both wheel diameter and wheel width before assuming another size will mount correctly.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Plymouth when the tires are fitted?
A 1962 Plymouth should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that can age rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid prolonged contact with standing moisture, and move the car periodically so the same part of each bias-ply tire is not carrying the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat-spotting after long static storage.
For seasonal storage, many collector owners either roll the car a short distance every few weeks or support it in a way that reduces constant tire loading while still keeping the suspension reasonably settled. A tire cover can help if the storage area has windows or strong ambient light. When the car comes back into service, give the tires a close visual inspection before the first drive rather than assuming they are fine because tread depth still looks good.
How long do tires on a 1962 Plymouth typically last?
Tires on a 1962 Plymouth are best evaluated by age and condition rather than mileage alone, because many collector cars accumulate very few miles each year. A sensible rule is to inspect them carefully once they are around five to seven years old and to treat the ten-year point as a serious replacement consideration even if the tread still looks usable. The date code on the tire helps establish age, and sidewall condition often tells more than mileage on a low-use car.
That approach matters on a 1962 Plymouth because an older bias-ply tire may look presentable while the rubber has already hardened or begun to crack. Cars that spend long periods parked can age their tires out before they wear them out. If you recently acquired the car and do not know when the tires were installed, checking the date code should be one of the first maintenance steps before putting real road miles on it.
How often should tires on a 1962 Plymouth be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Plymouth should be inspected before every drive, with a more deliberate inspection before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and signs that the tire is not holding pressure consistently. Because these are vintage-style bias-ply applications, it is also smart to pay close attention to valve stems and to any ride change that suggests a casing or balance issue.
A quick walk-around catches many problems before they turn into roadside trouble. On a collector Plymouth, the inspection routine should also include the spare, since an old spare may be the same age as the road tires even if it has never been used. If the car has been sitting, bring the pressures up to the proper level and recheck them after a short drive to make sure the set is behaving consistently.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Plymouth 6 Cyl.?
A 1962 Plymouth 6 Cyl. would have been a bias-ply car when new, and the applicable sizes here are 6.50-14 and 700-14. That matches normal American passenger-car practice for the early 1960s, when bias-ply construction was still standard equipment and radial adoption had not yet become mainstream in the U.S. market. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and supplier, so the safest original-type reference point is the correct size, construction, and sidewall character rather than assuming one factory brand across every car.
For restoration work, that means starting with the exact model and then matching the bias-ply size that belongs to it. A six-cylinder full-size Plymouth should not be approached the same way as a Valiant or an eight-cylinder car simply because they share the same model year. If you are aiming for concours-level accuracy, compare surviving paperwork and factory literature and then confirm any market-specific details with a Plymouth marque club or judging body.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Plymouth?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1962 Plymouth, especially in judged restoration classes. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car is wearing the proper size family for its model, whether the construction matches the period, and whether the sidewall treatment looks appropriate for the car’s original character. A Valiant on the wrong 14-inch full-size look, or a full-size Plymouth wearing a sidewall style that clashes with its restoration theme, can distract from an otherwise strong presentation.
Even outside formal concours judging, tire choice has a major effect on stance and authenticity. The right numeric bias-ply size helps the car sit and read visually the way a 1962 Plymouth should, while the sidewall treatment can move the presentation toward understated driver, showroom-style whitewall, or a more performance-oriented look. For event-specific standards, use the judging manual or club guidance that governs the class where the car will be shown.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and US Royal 650-13 tires for the 1962 Plymouth?
For a 1962 Plymouth Valiant using 650-13 tires, Coker Classic and US Royal share the same fundamental fitment specifications. Both carry a 1150 lb maximum load at 32 psi, both use a 13-inch rim diameter, and both fit a 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim-width range. Each brand also appears in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form, so the core difference is more about brand identity and the exact visual presentation than about wheel fitment.
That gives a Valiant restorer flexibility without pushing the car into a different size family. If you want to stay with 650-13 and choose between these two brands, compare the whitewall width you want on the car and the overall look of the tire series. On a compact Plymouth, those details can noticeably change the finished appearance even when the size and load specification remain the same.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Plymouth tires safe for highway driving?
1962 Plymouth tires in these applications are bias-ply designs, and no speed ratings are shown for the sizes covered here. For normal collector-car use, a fresh, properly inflated bias-ply tire in the correct size can be appropriate for highway travel within sensible limits, but the car’s own age, suspension condition, steering, and braking system often matter as much as the tire itself. A 1962 Plymouth is still an early-1960s vehicle, so the whole chassis should be treated with period-aware expectations.
The practical question is less whether the tire can physically roll at highway speed and more whether the entire car is prepared for sustained modern traffic conditions. Before a long highway run, confirm age, condition, inflation, and wheel fitment, then consider how the car tracks and stops at ordinary road speeds. If you are new to bias-ply behavior, a short shakedown drive is a smart way to reacquaint yourself with how an older Plymouth responds before committing to extended travel.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Plymouth tires?
Inflation pressure for 1962 Plymouth tires should begin with the factory vehicle recommendation for the specific model, while also respecting the tire’s own rated load-and-pressure marking. The sizes here show maximum load figures at 32 psi: 700-14 at 1360 lb, 750-14 from 1500 to 1580 lb, 650-13 at 1150 lb, and 700-13 at 1270 lb. Those are tire capacity figures, not a blanket instruction to run every Plymouth tire at the maximum marked pressure in normal use.
Use the owner’s manual, door-jamb information if present, or marque references for the model-specific cold pressure target, then confirm that the chosen tire’s capacity aligns with the vehicle’s needs. Do not transfer a pressure assumption from a Valiant to a full-size Plymouth or from one size to another just because they share the same year. If the car’s original recommendation and the tire’s modern reproduction marking seem far apart, consult the tire manufacturer or a knowledgeable vintage-tire specialist.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Plymouth on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1962 Plymouth on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of impact damage, then verify cold pressure and make sure the wheel fasteners are secure. Check the spare as well, since a vintage spare may be decades old even if it has never touched the road. A longer trip is also a good reason to confirm that the tire size on the car matches the correct application for your model rather than an older substitute chosen for convenience.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip picture on a 1962 Plymouth, but they are among the easiest items to inspect and one of the most important for confidence behind the wheel. After the tire check, look over brakes, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, lights, and fluid levels in the same careful spirit. A short local drive before the real trip can reveal pull, vibration, or pressure loss while you are still close to home.
