1962 Pontiac covered two very different corners of the market, from full-size Pontiacs with wide, low-slung early-sixties presence to the compact Tempest, whose engineering and proportions set it apart within the GM family. That makes tire selection for 1962 Pontiac more than a simple year-and-make question, because the full-size Pontiac and the Tempest do not share the same sizes or even the same wheel diameter. Across the two-model range, five bias-ply sizes appear, split between 14-inch fitments for Pontiac and 15-inch fitments for Tempest. The first thing to confirm is which model you have, then which of that model's original-style sizes best matches your restoration goals and wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Pontiac
Five tire sizes appear across 1962 Pontiac vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with identifying whether you have a full-size Pontiac on 14-inch wheels or a Tempest on 15-inch wheels, then narrowing to the correct bias-ply size for that model. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 1962 Pontiac|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
800-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number represents the nominal section width and the 14 indicates a 14-inch wheel. This full-size Pontiac size is available from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form, with rim fitments centered around 5.00 to 6.00 inches and load figures reaching 1620 pounds at 32 psi on BFGoodrich versions. It suits owners who want a traditional early-sixties bias-ply look and feel, with sidewall appearance playing a major role in how formal or sporty the finished car presents.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 1962 Pontiac|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
850-14 is another numeric bias-ply size, using a larger nominal section width than 800-14 while still mounting on a 14-inch wheel. This size is specific to the full-size Pontiac and comes from BFGoodrich in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, with rim widths of 5.50 to 6.00 inches and a 1740-pound maximum load at 32 psi. It is the choice for owners whose cars call for the larger full-size fitment and who want authentic bias-ply character with a sidewall style that matches the car's trim level and restoration direction.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Tempest|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
6.50-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with a nominal section width of 6.50 inches and a 15-inch wheel diameter. This Tempest-specific size uses a classic bias-ply format that fits the compact Pontiac side of the 1962 range. It is best for a Tempest owner who is confirming an original-style 15-inch fitment and wants to stay with a period-correct construction rather than mixing in a later sizing system.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Tempest|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
600-15 is a numeric bias-ply size that denotes a narrower nominal section width than 6.50-15 or 670-15, while still fitting a 15-inch wheel. This Tempest-specific size is available from BFGoodrich in wide whitewall and blackwall versions, with rim-width fitments spanning 4.00 to 5.00 inches across the product range and a maximum load of 1150 pounds at 32 psi. It is a strong match for owners focused on smaller-displacement compact Pontiac fitment and an authentic bias-ply presentation, especially when sidewall style is part of the restoration plan.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Tempest|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal section width designation of 6.70 and a 15-inch rim diameter. This Tempest-specific size is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, with rim-width fitments ranging from 4.50 to 6.00 inches and load figures from 1450 to 1550 pounds at 32 psi where stated. It gives Tempest owners the broadest range of brand and sidewall choices, making it especially useful when the goal is to balance factory-era appearance with a preferred brand family.
Two model lines are covered for 1962 Pontiac, and they do not use the same tire sizes. Full-size Pontiac models use 14-inch tire sizes, while the Tempest uses 15-inch sizes, so identifying the model is the first step before narrowing further. Select a model below to see model-specific fitment history and tire choices.
1962 Pontiac
The full-size 1962 Pontiac carried the division's bold early-sixties styling and performance-oriented image, whether the car was restored as a comfortable cruiser or a more aggressive street machine. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the choice within this model family comes down to the correct full-size bias-ply size and the sidewall look that best suits the car.
The 1962 Tempest gave Pontiac an innovative compact entry with distinctly different proportions and character from the division's big cars. Its tire options mount on 15-inch wheels, and the correct choice depends on which original-style Tempest size your car used and how you want the finished restoration to look.
Fifteen products are available across five tire sizes for 1962 Pontiac vehicles. The 800-14 comes in 4 BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire bias-ply options with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles; 850-14 has 2 BFGoodrich bias-ply whitewall choices; 600-15 has 2 BFGoodrich bias-ply blackwall and wide whitewall choices; and 670-15 offers 4 Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire bias-ply options in blackwall and wide whitewall form.
These FAQs cover how 1962 Pontiac tire sizing splits between full-size Pontiac and Tempest models, what the period bias-ply size codes mean, how sidewall style affects authenticity, and what to inspect on a collector car that may spend long periods parked.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Pontiac vehicles?
1962 Pontiac vehicles use five sizes, but they are divided by model. The full-size 1962 Pontiac uses 800-14 and 850-14, both on 14-inch wheels. The 1962 Pontiac Tempest uses 6.50-15, 600-15, and 670-15, all on 15-inch wheels. Rim-width ranges appear where product construction supports them: 800-14 commonly fits 5.00 to 6.00-inch rims, 850-14 fits 5.50 to 6.00-inch rims, 600-15 spans 4.00 to 5.00 inches depending on the tire, and 670-15 runs from 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on brand.
That split means year and make alone are not enough for this application. A full-size Pontiac owner should stay within the 14-inch group, while a Tempest owner should stay within the 15-inch group, then confirm which size matches the car's wheel and restoration direction. If the car has changed hands or been modified over the years, checking the actual wheel diameter and comparing the current tire size before choosing a replacement is the safest first step.
What does 800-14 mean on a 1962 Pontiac tire?
On a 1962 Pontiac, 800-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 800 refers to a nominal section width of roughly 8.00 inches in period sizing language, and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is not a modern metric size and it does not use the later alphanumeric or radial format that became common afterward. On 1962 Pontiac applications, 800-14 belongs to the full-size Pontiac line rather than the Tempest.
That matters because the size code tells you both the era and the intended wheel diameter at a glance. If your full-size 1962 Pontiac currently wears 14-inch wheels and you are choosing between 800-14 and 850-14, the question is not just appearance but also which original-style full-size fitment your car used. Confirm the tire size against the wheel and the car's present stance before moving on to sidewall style or brand.
Do all 1962 Pontiac models use the same tire size?
No, 1962 Pontiac models do not share one tire size across the range. The full-size Pontiac uses 800-14 or 850-14 on 14-inch wheels, while the Tempest uses 6.50-15, 600-15, or 670-15 on 15-inch wheels. Every size in this year-and-make group is bias-ply, but the wheel diameter changes with the model family, which is the key dividing line.
That difference is important for anyone starting from a title, cowl tag, or family memory rather than a complete car. A buyer restoring a Tempest cannot assume that a tire sold for a 1962 Pontiac full-size car will fit simply because the year and make match. Identifying the model first prevents a 14-inch versus 15-inch mismatch and keeps the next decisions focused on the correct size range and sidewall appearance.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Pontiac tires?
1962 Pontiac tire choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on size. The full-size Pontiac's 800-14 is available in all three looks, while 850-14 appears in narrow and wide whitewall form. On the Tempest side, 600-15 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 670-15 also comes in blackwall and wide whitewall. Every one of these offerings uses bias-ply construction, which keeps the visual character appropriate to the period.
Sidewall choice can change the personality of the car almost as much as wheel covers or paint trim. Wider whitewalls usually lean toward a more formal early-sixties presentation, while blackwalls often suit sportier or more understated builds. If show accuracy matters, compare your car's market position, trim, and the look you are recreating, then choose the sidewall style that matches the image your particular 1962 Pontiac would have carried.
What brands make tires for 1962 Pontiac vehicles?
1962 Pontiac tire coverage comes from BFGoodrich, Universal Vintage Tire, Firestone, US Royal, and Coker Classic, depending on size. The full-size Pontiac 800-14 is available from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire, while 850-14 appears in BFGoodrich form. Tempest sizes broaden the field: 600-15 is available from BFGoodrich, and 670-15 is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. Brand choice therefore changes not just by style preference, but by the specific size your model uses.
That brand spread gives owners room to prioritize a certain sidewall look, a preferred historical brand family, or a rim-width range that matches the wheels already on the car. It also means two owners of 1962 Pontiacs may see very different brand menus simply because one has a full-size car and the other has a Tempest. Narrow the search by model and size first, then compare the brands within that one fitment.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and US Royal in 670-15 tires for 1962 Pontiac Tempest models?
For a 1962 Pontiac Tempest using 670-15 tires, Coker Classic and US Royal differ in sidewall style, rim-width range, weight, and stated load capacity. Coker Classic appears as a 2.75-inch whitewall with a 5.00 to 6.00-inch rim-width range, about 21 pounds of tire weight, and a 1550-pound maximum load at 32 psi. US Royal appears as a 2 11/16-inch whitewall with a 4.50 to 5.00-inch rim-width range, about 22 pounds, and a 1450-pound maximum load at 32 psi.
Those details matter if your Tempest already has a particular wheel width or if you are chasing a specific whitewall proportion. A slightly wider supported rim range can be useful on one car, while a whitewall dimension closer to your restoration target may matter more on another. Compare the actual wheel width on the car and the sidewall look you want before choosing between these two 670-15 options.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Pontiac tires require?
Rim-width requirements on 1962 Pontiac tires depend on the size. The 800-14 full-size Pontiac tires commonly fit 5.00 to 6.00-inch rims, while 850-14 fits 5.50 to 6.00-inch rims. On the Tempest side, 600-15 spans 4.00 to 5.00 inches depending on the tire version, and 670-15 spans 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on brand. Those ranges reflect the actual tire construction for each size rather than a single blanket rule for the whole year and make.
Rim width is one of the most overlooked fitment checks on older cars, especially when wheels may have been swapped decades ago. Even when the wheel diameter is correct, an incorrect rim width can affect the tire's profile and how authentic the car looks when viewed from the front or rear. Measure the wheel before choosing a tire, particularly if the car no longer wears what appears to be its original wheel set.
Do 1962 Pontiac tires require inner tubes?
1962 Pontiac tire offerings here do not carry tube-type or tubeless markings in the size description, so the practical answer is to verify the specific tire and the wheel design together before final installation. That is especially relevant on early-sixties cars, where original wheel construction and valve-stem arrangement can influence whether a tube is appropriate. The full-size Pontiac and the Tempest both use period-style bias-ply tires, and wheel condition matters as much as the tire itself.
A clean, sound wheel and the correct valve setup are just as important as the sidewall you choose. If the car still has its original steel wheels, inspect the bead area and consult the tire manufacturer or a marque-savvy installer before deciding on tube use. That step is worthwhile on any collector Pontiac that has seen decades of storage, repainting, or previous restoration work.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Pontiac when the tires are fitted?
A 1962 Pontiac should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Because every tire size used on 1962 Pontiac applications here is bias-ply, long static storage can encourage flat-spotting and sidewall aging if the car is left in one position for months at a time. Clean floors and stable temperatures are kinder to both the rubber and the wheel finish.
Moving the car periodically helps, and many collectors also reduce long-term strain by using tire cradles or supporting the vehicle appropriately during extended storage. Keep the tires inflated to a sensible operating level for storage and inspect them after any long layup before driving. A collector Pontiac that looks excellent in the garage can still develop age-related tire issues simply from sitting too long in the wrong environment.
How long do tires on a 1962 Pontiac typically last?
On a 1962 Pontiac, tire life is usually governed more by age than by mileage. Collector vehicles often cover relatively few miles, so tread depth can look healthy long after the rubber itself has begun to harden or crack. A sensible guideline is to evaluate tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to consider replacement around the ten-year point regardless of appearance. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best starting point for that timeline.
That age-based approach matters even more on a seldom-driven car that only comes out for shows or seasonal cruises. A bias-ply tire can still appear presentable while losing flexibility and confidence on the road. If the car has an older set with uncertain history, treating the date code and overall condition as more important than remaining tread depth is the right collector-car mindset.
How often should tires on a 1962 Pontiac be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Pontiac deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more deliberate inspection before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, bulges, embedded debris, uneven wear, and signs of pressure loss. Because these are period-style bias-ply applications, also pay attention to how the car feels during the first few miles after sitting, since temporary flat-spotting can reveal itself early in the drive.
Longer trips call for checking air pressure, valve stems, and the spare before leaving home. On an older Pontiac, tire condition is only one part of road readiness, but it is one of the easiest items to inspect regularly. Building that habit reduces surprises and helps you notice slow changes in wear or aging before they become a roadside problem.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Pontiac Pontiac?
A 1962 Pontiac Pontiac would have been fitted with bias-ply tires in period, which aligns with the size and construction choices used across the full-size and Tempest ranges here. For the full-size Pontiac specifically, the applicable sizes are 800-14 and 850-14, both on 14-inch wheels. That makes bias-ply construction the historically correct starting point for a restoration, even before you decide between blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall appearance.
Original fitment details could still vary by body style, market, and how the car was ordered, so marque clubs and original literature remain valuable for final confirmation. The safest restoration path is to confirm whether your specific full-size Pontiac called for 800-14 or 850-14, then choose a sidewall treatment that matches the character of the build. Construction comes first for authenticity, and sidewall style finishes the look.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Pontiac?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1962 Pontiac, especially in classes that judge originality. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice three things quickly: whether the tire size matches the model, whether the construction is period-correct, and whether the sidewall style suits the era and presentation of the car. For a 1962 Pontiac, that means a full-size car should remain within its 14-inch bias-ply size family and a Tempest within its 15-inch bias-ply family.
A mismatch in wheel diameter, an obviously wrong sidewall treatment, or a non-period appearance can distract from an otherwise careful restoration. Event standards vary, so the most serious owners should compare their planned tire choice with the expectations of the club or judging body involved. Even outside formal judging, correct tire fitment has an outsized effect on stance, visual balance, and how authentic the finished Pontiac feels.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire in 800-14 tires for the 1962 Pontiac?
In 800-14 fitment for the 1962 Pontiac full-size line, BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire differ mainly in available sidewall treatments and supporting fitment details. BFGoodrich offers blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, with a 5.00 to 6.00-inch rim-width range and a 1620-pound maximum load at 32 psi on the BFGoodrich versions. Universal Vintage Tire appears here in a wide whitewall version, also in bias-ply form, with similar vintage character but without the same breadth of stated fitment detail.
For a restoration, the decision may come down to the exact sidewall look you are trying to achieve and whether you want the additional published rim-width and load information that accompanies the BFGoodrich versions. If your goal is a specific whitewall presentation on a full-size early-sixties Pontiac, compare the visual proportion first, then confirm wheel width and intended use before making the final selection.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Pontiac tires safe for highway driving?
1962 Pontiac tire choices here are all bias-ply designs, and no speed-rating letters appear in the size descriptions for these applications. That means highway use should be approached with the expectations appropriate to a period-style collector tire and a sixty-plus-year-old vehicle platform. On many classic cars of this era, the car's own brakes, steering response, suspension condition, and overall mechanical state are at least as important to highway confidence as the tire itself.
A well-maintained 1962 Pontiac can certainly be enjoyed on public roads, but sustained higher-speed travel should always be matched to the condition of the whole car, not just the tread depth. Before any highway trip, inspect the tires carefully, confirm pressures, and make sure the wheels are sound. Bias-ply construction rewards measured, period-appropriate driving habits more than aggressive modern expectations.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Pontiac tires?
Several 1962 Pontiac tire sizes carry load figures at 32 psi. The 800-14 BFGoodrich versions are rated at 1620 pounds at 32 psi, 850-14 at 1740 pounds at 32 psi, 600-15 at 1150 pounds at 32 psi, and 670-15 examples at 1450 to 1550 pounds at 32 psi depending on brand. Those figures describe the tire's rated load at that pressure, but they are not a substitute for the vehicle manufacturer's recommended operating pressure for your specific model.
Use the original owner's literature or factory tire placard as the starting point for the car, then compare that with the tire manufacturer's guidance for the reproduction tire you are using. Do not assume one size's pressure practice transfers cleanly to another, especially across the full-size Pontiac and Tempest lines. The right pressure should support the car properly without over-inflating a vintage-style bias-ply tire.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Pontiac on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1962 Pontiac on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of age hardening. Confirm air pressure while the tires are cold, examine the valve stems, and make sure the spare is usable and inflated. Because these Pontiacs use model-specific sizes, it is also smart to confirm that the spare actually matches the wheel diameter on the car, especially if parts have been mixed over the years.
That tire inspection should happen alongside a broader mechanical check that suits an early-sixties Pontiac: brakes, fluids, cooling system, steering components, and wheel-bearing condition all matter on a longer trip. The goal is not just avoiding a flat, but making sure the whole car is ready for sustained use. A careful pre-drive routine is one of the best habits an old-car owner can develop.
