1963 Buick covered a wide span of the American market, from compact Special and Skylark models to full-size LeSabre, Invicta, Wildcat, the new personal-luxury Riviera, and the flagship Electra 225. That breadth matters because Buick did not use one universal tire size across the lineup. Seven models are covered here, and they break into four bias-ply sizes, with 15-inch fitments on Buick’s larger cars and a 13-inch size on the compact pair. For a buyer, the first step is to identify the exact model, then confirm whether you want a period-correct bias-ply presentation and the sidewall style that best matches your restoration goals.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1963 Buick
Four tire sizes were used across 1963 Buick vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the entire range. The key decision starts with identifying the correct model and rim diameter first, since Buick’s compact cars use a different wheel diameter than its larger models. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the right tire to the right Buick.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): Electra 225|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
The 800-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, where 8.00 represents nominal section width and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. This Electra 225-specific size is available from Coker Classic in wide whitewall form, with 15-inch fitment, a 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range, and load capacity of 1800 pounds at 32 psi. It suits an owner who wants the broad-shouldered look expected on Buick’s top-tier full-size car while keeping the construction style true to the period.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): Invicta, LeSabre, Wildcat|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
The 760-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.60 as the nominal section width and a 15-inch wheel diameter. This size is specific to the Invicta, LeSabre, and Wildcat, and it is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices; rim width runs 5.50 to 6.00 inches where stated, and load capacity reaches 1710 pounds at 32 psi on applicable products. It is the right direction for owners of Buick’s mainstream and sporty full-size models who want an authentic early-1960s appearance in the correct construction.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): Riviera|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
The 710-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, meaning a nominal 7.10 section width on a 15-inch wheel. This Riviera-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, with a 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim width range and load capacity of 1550 pounds at 32 psi. It fits buyers restoring a first-year Riviera who want the lower, sleeker tire profile associated with Buick’s new personal-luxury coupe rather than the broader sizes used on other full-size models.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): Skylark, Special|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
The 650-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 denoting nominal section width and 13 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the Skylark and Special, and it is available from Coker Classic and US Royal with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles, a 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim width range, and load capacity of 1150 pounds at 32 psi. It is the appropriate choice for Buick’s compact models when the goal is to preserve the lighter-scale proportions and period-correct construction those cars used.
Seven Buick models are covered for 1963, and tire size changes by model rather than staying uniform across the lineup. That means year and make alone are not enough here: an Electra 225, Riviera, and Skylark each take different sizes, and Buick’s compact cars even move to a different rim diameter than the larger cars. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific Buick.
1963 Buick Electra 225
The Electra 225 sat at the top of Buick’s full-size range, emphasizing long-wheelbase comfort, presence, and traditional luxury-car proportions. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and its size stands apart from the rest of the Buick lineup for 1963, reflecting the heavier, larger character of the model.
The Invicta occupied Buick’s upper-middle full-size territory, blending Buick comfort with a more assertive image than the entry-level large cars. It uses a 15-inch tire size shared with other full-size Buicks, making model identification important but keeping the wheel diameter within the larger-car family.
LeSabre was Buick’s volume full-size car, known for broad appeal and classic early-1960s Buick styling without stepping into the brand’s most premium series. It also uses a 15-inch fitment, shared with certain other full-size Buicks rather than the compact Special and Skylark.
The 1963 Riviera was Buick’s striking new personal-luxury coupe, famous for its clean Bill Mitchell-era design and more tailored stance than Buick’s traditional sedans and hardtops. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, but the Riviera uses its own distinct size rather than sharing the broader full-size Buick fitments.
In 1963, Skylark was Buick’s upscale compact, giving the smaller Y-body platform a more polished and stylish presentation. It rides on 13-inch wheels and shares its tire size with the Special, separating it clearly from Buick’s 15-inch full-size models.
The Special was Buick’s compact entry for buyers who wanted the brand’s character in a smaller, lighter package than the full-size range. It uses 13-inch wheels and shares its tire size with the Skylark, which keeps fitment within the compact branch of the 1963 Buick family.
Wildcat gave Buick a sportier full-size personality, pairing big-car presence with a more performance-oriented image in the showroom. It uses a 15-inch tire size shared with the LeSabre and Invicta, so the visual finish often comes down to the sidewall style that best suits the car’s restoration theme.
Twenty-six products are available across four tire sizes for 1963 Buick vehicles. The 800-15 comes in 2 Coker Classic bias-ply wide whitewall options; 760-15 has 7 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in narrow and wide whitewall styles; 710-15 offers 13 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles; 650-13 includes 4 bias-ply options from Coker Classic and US Royal in narrow and wide whitewall styles.
These FAQs sort out the four different tire sizes used across 1963 Buick models, explain how whitewall and blackwall choices vary by size, and cover the storage, inspection, and road-use questions that matter on collector cars driven occasionally.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1963 Buick vehicles?
1963 Buick vehicles use four different tire sizes depending on model. The Electra 225 uses 800-15, the Invicta, LeSabre, and Wildcat use 760-15, the Riviera uses 710-15, and the Skylark and Special use 650-13. Rim diameter follows that split: 15-inch wheels on the larger Buicks and 13-inch wheels on the compact Skylark and Special. Where rim width guidance is available, 800-15 fits 6.00 to 6.50 inch rims, 760-15 fits 5.50 to 6.00 inch rims, 710-15 fits 5.00 to 5.50 inch rims, and 650-13 fits 4.50 to 5.00 inch rims.
The practical takeaway is that year and make are only the starting point for a 1963 Buick. You need the exact model before selecting a tire, because Buick’s compact, personal-luxury, and full-size cars each sit in different fitment groups. Once the model is confirmed, match the tire to the actual wheel diameter and then choose the sidewall appearance that best suits your restoration style.
What does 800-15, 760-15, 710-15, or 650-13 mean on a 1963 Buick tire?
These are numeric bias-ply sizes, which were standard American tire sizing language in the early 1960s. In that format, the first number is the nominal section width and the second number is the wheel diameter in inches. An 800-15 is nominally 8.00 inches wide on a 15-inch wheel, a 760-15 is 7.60 on a 15-inch wheel, a 710-15 is 7.10 on a 15-inch wheel, and a 650-13 is 6.50 on a 13-inch wheel. All four sizes here are bias-ply constructions rather than modern radial metric sizes.
That matters because a modern buyer may be tempted to treat the first number like a direct tread-width measurement, but these older designations are broad category sizes, not modern exact dimensional codes. For a 1963 Buick, the code tells you both the general scale of the tire and the wheel diameter it mounts on. It is the right starting point before you compare whitewall width, brand, and the exact rim-width range your wheel should support.
Do all 1963 Buick models use the same tire size?
No, 1963 Buick models do not use one universal tire size. Buick split the range into distinct fitments: Electra 225 uses 800-15, Invicta, LeSabre, and Wildcat use 760-15, Riviera uses 710-15, and Skylark and Special use 650-13. That means even within one model year, Buick paired different tire sizes with different vehicle roles, from compact cars to full-size luxury and sporty personal-luxury models.
This is especially important when a car has changed hands several times or wears replacement wheels. A Riviera owner should not assume interchange with a LeSabre just because both are 15-inch cars, and a Skylark owner should confirm the compact 13-inch setup before shopping. Matching the size to the exact model keeps the car visually correct and avoids confusion when comparing products across the broader 1963 Buick family.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1963 Buick tires?
1963 Buick tire sidewall choices vary by size. The 800-15 for Electra 225 comes in wide whitewall form, the 760-15 for Invicta, LeSabre, and Wildcat comes in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, the 710-15 for Riviera is available in blackwall and wide whitewall, and the 650-13 for Skylark and Special comes in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall forms. Those visual differences can change the character of the car even when the size stays correct.
For an early-1960s Buick, whitewalls are usually central to the period look, but the width of the stripe should match the image you want the car to present. A broad whitewall generally suits a more formal luxury appearance, while a narrower whitewall or blackwall can push the look toward a cleaner or sportier theme. Sidewall style is often the final restoration decision after the correct model-specific size has already been established.
What brands make tires for 1963 Buick vehicles?
Several brands cover 1963 Buick applications, but they differ by size. Coker Classic offers 800-15 and also appears in 760-15 and 650-13, BFGoodrich covers 760-15 and 710-15, Universal Vintage Tire appears in 760-15, Firestone appears in 710-15, and US Royal appears in 650-13. Brand choice therefore depends partly on which Buick model you own and partly on the sidewall presentation you want within that size.
That spread gives buyers some flexibility without changing the basic fitment. A Riviera owner shopping 710-15 can compare BFGoodrich and Firestone, while a Special or Skylark owner in 650-13 can choose between Coker Classic and US Royal. Once the correct size is established, brand selection becomes a matter of appearance, heritage preference, and the exact whitewall treatment that best fits the personality of your 1963 Buick.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone 710-15 tires for a 1963 Buick?
For the 1963 Buick Riviera’s 710-15 size, BFGoodrich and Firestone share key fitment points: both are bias-ply 15-inch tires, both carry a 1550-pound load capacity at 32 psi where stated, and both fit 5.00 to 5.50 inch rims where specified. The visible difference is mostly in sidewall treatment within the available range. BFGoodrich appears in both blackwall and wide whitewall versions, while Firestone appears in blackwall form within this size.
That means the choice is less about changing fitment and more about matching the car’s intended presentation. A blackwall can suit a more restrained or performance-oriented Riviera look, while a wide whitewall leans more formal and upscale. If you are comparing the two, start with the visual goal for the car and then confirm your wheel width falls within the 5.00 to 5.50 inch range used by 710-15 applications.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1963 Buick tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1963 Buick tires varies by size. The 800-15 used on Electra 225 fits 6.00 to 6.50 inch rims, the 760-15 used on Invicta, LeSabre, and Wildcat fits 5.50 to 6.00 inch rims where stated, the 710-15 used on Riviera fits 5.00 to 5.50 inch rims, and the 650-13 used on Skylark and Special fits 4.50 to 5.00 inch rims. Those ranges follow the progression from Buick’s compact cars to its larger full-size models.
Before mounting any replacement tire, confirm the actual wheel on the car rather than assuming it is still factory-correct. Collector cars often pass through many owners, and wheel swaps are common. Staying within the rim-width range for the correct size helps preserve the tire’s intended profile, keeps the sidewall from being pinched or stretched, and supports the handling feel expected from a period-style bias-ply setup.
Do 1963 Buick tires require inner tubes?
Inner tube status is not marked on these 1963 Buick tire products with tube-type or tubeless designations in the size descriptions. Because of that, tube use should be confirmed against the exact tire you choose and the wheel design on the car, especially if the wheels have been restored, replaced, or show pitting at the bead seat. Older wheel construction and restoration history often matter just as much as the tire itself when deciding whether a tube is appropriate.
The safest approach is to inspect the wheel condition and verify the sidewall marking of the exact tire before installation. If the car retains original-style wheels, a marque specialist or experienced vintage tire installer can help determine whether tube use is advisable for that application. This is one of those decisions where the correct answer comes from the complete wheel-and-tire combination, not from the size code alone.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1963 Buick when the tires are fitted?
A 1963 Buick should be stored in a cool, dry, dark area away from direct sunlight, electric motors, furnaces, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing sources that accelerate sidewall aging. Because every size used on 1963 Buick models here is bias-ply, long periods of standing can encourage temporary flat-spotting more readily than many radial owners are used to. Clean floors, stable temperatures, and correct inflation help the tires hold their shape during storage.
If the car will sit for an extended period, move it occasionally so the same section of tread is not carrying the load month after month. Some owners also use stands to reduce continuous weight on the tires, though the suspension should still be supported properly. A storage plan matters just as much on an infrequently driven Electra 225 or Riviera as it does on a compact Special, because age and environment usually affect collector tires more than mileage.
How long do tires on a 1963 Buick typically last?
Tires on a 1963 Buick are usually judged by age and condition more than by tread wear, since many collector cars accumulate limited annual mileage. A good rule is to evaluate vintage-style tires closely once they are five to seven years old and to consider replacement as they approach ten years, even if the tread still looks presentable. The DOT date code, sidewall condition, and how well the tire has been stored all matter more than odometer totals.
That is especially true for a car that spends long periods parked between events or weekend drives. Cracking, hardening, repeated pressure loss, and vibration on the road often signal aging before the tread is actually worn out. When evaluating a 1963 Buick, treat the tires as rubber components with a service life, not as permanent restoration parts simply because they still look clean from a few feet away.
How often should tires on a 1963 Buick be inspected?
Tires on a 1963 Buick should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer highway outing. Check inflation, tread condition, visible cuts, bulges, weather checking, and any signs that the car has been sitting on one spot long enough to develop vibration or flat-spotting. On a collector vehicle, small issues can hide for months between drives, so a quick visual walk-around is more important than many owners realize.
A more thorough inspection several times a year is a smart habit, especially before show season or touring events. Look closely at the sidewalls, inspect the valve stems, and make sure the spare is still serviceable rather than simply present. For a low-use 1963 Buick, regular inspection is one of the simplest ways to catch age-related deterioration before it interrupts a drive or turns into a roadside problem.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1963 Buick Electra 225?
A 1963 Buick Electra 225 used 800-15 tires, and bias-ply construction is the era-correct type for a full-size American luxury car of that period. That size separates the Electra 225 from the other 1963 Buick lines, which moved to smaller 15-inch or 13-inch fitments depending on model. Sidewall appearance can still vary within a correct size, but the foundation for originality is the proper 800-15 bias-ply format on the correct 15-inch wheel.
For a restoration aimed at accuracy, start with the correct size and construction before worrying about brand preference. Whitewall width and exact market presentation could vary by trim, dealership practice, or buyer taste in period, so owners pursuing concours-level precision should confirm those details through Buick club resources, factory literature, and event-specific judging standards. Getting the basic size wrong is far more noticeable than choosing between two historically plausible whitewall treatments.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1963 Buick?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when a 1963 Buick is judged for authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice the overall size, the wheel diameter, the construction type, and the sidewall style because those details strongly affect the car’s stance and period character. A compact Buick on 15-inch full-size rubber, or a Riviera wearing a sidewall treatment that clashes with its intended presentation, can look wrong even to casual observers.
For show use, think in layers: first confirm the exact model, then the correct numeric size, then the proper wheel diameter, and finally the whitewall or blackwall style that fits your restoration goal. Event standards can differ, especially between marque judging and local cruise-in judging. Buick club references and original sales literature are the best tools when you want your 1963 Buick to satisfy both visual correctness and more formal authenticity expectations.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and US Royal 650-13 tires for the 1963 Buick?
For 1963 Buick Skylark and Special models, Coker Classic and US Royal both offer 650-13 bias-ply tires with the same core fitment details. Each carries a 1150-pound load capacity at 32 psi, fits a 13-inch rim, and suits 4.50 to 5.00 inch wheel widths. The main difference within this size is visual presentation, since both brands appear in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall forms rather than changing the basic dimensions of the tire.
That makes the decision largely a restoration-style question. If your compact Buick is being returned to a particular showroom look, compare the whitewall width you want before choosing the brand. Since the fitment range remains the same, owners can focus on appearance and brand heritage while still keeping the car within the proper 650-13 bias-ply format used by Buick’s compact models in 1963.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1963 Buick tires safe for highway driving?
1963 Buick tires in these sizes are all bias-ply collector tires, and no speed ratings are marked in the available size descriptions for these products. In real-world use, that means highway suitability depends on tire condition, inflation, wheel condition, and the overall mechanical state of the car as much as on the size itself. On a 1963 Buick, suspension age, brake performance, steering condition, and alignment often become the limiting factors before normal highway cruising reaches the tire’s practical limits.
A properly maintained bias-ply Buick can certainly be driven on modern roads, but it should be driven with the expectations appropriate to an early-1960s car. Bias-ply tires track and respond differently than modern radials, and a large Electra 225 will not feel the same as a compact Skylark even when both are healthy. Smooth inputs, conservative speeds, and a full pre-drive inspection are the right habits before any sustained highway use.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1963 Buick tires?
Load-and-pressure figures for 1963 Buick tires vary by size. The 800-15 is rated at 1800 pounds at 32 psi, the 760-15 reaches 1710 pounds at 32 psi on applicable products, the 710-15 carries 1550 pounds at 32 psi, and the 650-13 carries 1150 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures describe the tire’s rated load relationship, not automatically the exact cold inflation pressure Buick recommended for every model and driving condition.
Use the original owner’s manual or factory inflation decal as the starting point for vehicle-specific pressure, then confirm the tire manufacturer’s guidance for the exact reproduction tire being used. Avoid transferring a pressure figure from one Buick size to another just because both are bias-ply. A compact 650-13 setup and a full-size 800-15 setup have different load responsibilities, and inflation should reflect the vehicle they are actually supporting.
What should I check before taking a 1963 Buick on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1963 Buick, inspect every tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Look at the sidewalls closely, verify that each tire is holding air, and check the spare as carefully as the four road tires. Because these are collector-oriented bias-ply tires, also pay attention to any vibration from prolonged storage and make sure the wheels, valve stems, and lug hardware appear sound before departure.
The tire check should be part of a broader pre-trip routine that matches the age of the car. Brake feel, steering play, wheel bearing condition, and suspension response all influence how safely the Buick will use whatever tire size it wears. When a 1963 Buick is prepared as a complete system rather than just a set of tires, longer drives become more predictable, more comfortable, and far less likely to be interrupted by preventable problems.
