1963 Ford-Taunus Tire Fitment Guide

1963 Ford-Taunus vehicles use five sizes across two models: the 12M uses 155R13, 560-13, and 590-13, while the 17M uses 165R13, 590-13, and 640-13. Every one of those sizes mounts on a 13-inch rim, but the wheel-width ranges differ by size. 155R13 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 560-13 fits 3.50 to 4.50-inch rims depending on brand, 590-13 fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, and 640-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims.

That means year and make alone are not enough for a 1963 Ford-Taunus tire decision. Start by confirming whether the car is a 12M or 17M, then compare the wheel width against the tire’s approved range, especially if the car has replacement wheels or a mixed set. The shared 590-13 can overlap both models, but the radial options and the larger bias-ply size are model-specific, so using the model as the first filter prevents ordering a tire that is correct for a different Taunus.

On a 1963 Ford-Taunus tire, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 portion refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. There is no R in the size, so it is not a radial designation; it belongs to the older bias-ply sizing system commonly used on compact European and American cars of the era.

For a 1963 Ford-Taunus owner, that means 560-13 is more than just a number on the sidewall. It points to a traditional construction style and a narrower wheel-width range than the radial alternatives used elsewhere in the lineup. If your goal is an early-1960s appearance with a narrow or wide whitewall treatment, 560-13 is a strong match for a 12M, but you should still confirm the actual wheel width before making the final choice.

On a 1963 Ford-Taunus tire, 155R13 and 165R13 are euro-metric radial sizes. The first number is the section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the final 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is printed, these sizes are conventionally treated as roughly 80-series metric radials, which is consistent with how many period European radial sizes were expressed.

That decoding matters because these radial sizes are tied to specific models rather than shared across the whole 1963 Ford-Taunus range. 155R13 belongs to the 12M, while 165R13 belongs to the 17M, and both are offered in blackwall form with H speed ratings in the available selections. If the car is being driven regularly and you want to stay within the proper model-specific radial family, these metric sizes are the place to start.

The right tire for a 1963 Ford-Taunus starts with the model. A 12M uses 155R13, 560-13, or 590-13, while a 17M uses 165R13, 590-13, or 640-13. Within those model-specific choices, the key difference is construction: 155R13 and 165R13 are radial sizes, while 560-13, 590-13, and 640-13 are bias-ply sizes. The shared 590-13 sits in the middle as a classic bias-ply option that can work across both model families.

Once the model is confirmed, the decision becomes one of character and intended use. Bias-ply sizes are the natural route for an owner chasing early-1960s appearance and feel, especially with whitewall sidewalls. The radial sizes are better aligned with owners who want a more modern tire format while staying in the correct general 13-inch fitment family. Wheel width should be the final check, since the approved rim ranges differ from one size to another.

1963 Ford-Taunus tires are available in both blackwall and whitewall styles, depending on size. The radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 are available as blackwalls, while the bias-ply sizes carry the whitewall options: 560-13 comes in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, and 590-13 and 640-13 are available as wide whitewalls. That creates a clear visual split between the radial and bias-ply branches of the range.

For an early-1960s European Ford, sidewall style can shape the entire look of the car. Owners pursuing a cleaner, more understated driver presentation often lean toward blackwalls, while whitewalls reinforce a period restoration theme and suit the bias-ply sizes especially well. The right choice depends on the way the car is being restored or presented, but sidewall appearance should be chosen after the correct size and wheel-width range are confirmed.

Three brands cover the 1963 Ford-Taunus range: Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich, with Firestone also appearing in one 560-13 application. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13, both in blackwall form. BFGoodrich covers the bias-ply sizes 560-13, 590-13, and 640-13, and Firestone adds another 560-13 bias-ply choice. That gives the Taunus buyer access to both European-style radial names and traditional American classic-tire offerings.

Brand choice matters most after the size and construction are settled. If you are staying with radial fitment on a 12M or 17M, Michelin and Dunlop are the relevant paths. If you are restoring the car with a period bias-ply presentation, BFGoodrich appears across the whole bias-ply spread and Firestone expands the 560-13 options. Comparing brand then becomes a question of sidewall look, rim-width compatibility, and the specific details of the individual tire.

Rim-width requirements for 1963 Ford-Taunus tires depend on the size. 155R13 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 560-13 fits either 3.50 to 4.00-inch or 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims depending on the tire, 590-13 fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, and 640-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims. All of these are 13-inch-diameter tires, but the approved wheel-width windows are not interchangeable.

That is why measuring the wheel matters, especially on a car that may have had replacement steel wheels installed over the decades. A 13-inch wheel can still be wrong if it falls outside the width range for the chosen tire. The overlap between sizes can make the wheel seem compatible at first glance, but a quick width check prevents sidewall distortion, improper bead seating, and a mismatch between the tire’s intended profile and the wheel underneath it.

Inner-tube requirements on 1963 Ford-Taunus tires vary by product rather than staying uniform across the whole range. Tubeless marking appears on some radial products in 155R13 and 165R13, while the bias-ply sizes do not carry a universal tubeless designation in the available selections. That means tube use should be confirmed with the exact tire chosen and with the wheel itself, since wheel design and condition matter as much as tire construction.

The practical takeaway is not to assume that all 13-inch Taunus tires are tube-type or all are tubeless. If the car still wears original-style wheels, inspect the bead seats, valve-stem openings, and overall wheel condition before deciding. A tire that can run tubeless on one wheel may still be paired with a tube on another setup, especially in collector use. Matching the tire, wheel, and valve arrangement is the safest way to avoid slow leaks and setup problems.

Original 1963 Ford-Taunus wheels can only be used with all tire sizes if the wheel is both the correct 13-inch diameter and within the approved width range for the specific tire. Every size in the Taunus range mounts on a 13-inch rim, so diameter is consistent across 155R13, 560-13, 590-13, 165R13, and 640-13. Width is the limiting factor, because the narrowest fitments start around 3.50 inches while the larger radial options want considerably more wheel width.

In practice, that means a wheel from one Taunus model is not automatically suitable for every other Taunus tire choice. A 12M wheel set and a 17M wheel set may both be 13-inch, yet still favor different tire widths. If the goal is to keep original wheels, measure each wheel before selecting a tire and compare that number against the approved range for the exact size. That avoids forcing a wider radial onto a wheel intended for a smaller bias-ply profile.

A 1963 Ford-Taunus should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so the same section of tread is not bearing weight for months at a time. Bias-ply tires such as 560-13, 590-13, and 640-13 are generally more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than the radial 155R13 and 165R13 sizes.

If the car will sit for an extended season, some owners use tire cradles or jack stands placed correctly under the chassis to reduce prolonged tire loading. That choice depends on the overall storage plan and the condition of the suspension. The bigger point is consistency: stable inflation, protection from light and ozone, and occasional movement do more to preserve collector tires than simply covering the car and forgetting about it until spring.

Tire life on a 1963 Ford-Taunus is usually determined by age more than mileage. A collector car can have plenty of tread remaining and still need attention because the rubber has aged, hardened, or begun to crack. As a general rule, tires should be evaluated closely once they are around five to seven years old, and replacement becomes a serious consideration as they approach ten years, regardless of how little the car has been driven.

The best habit is to check the date code and inspect the tire as a complete assembly, not just the tread face. Sidewall cracking, persistent air loss, vibration, and visible distortion all matter more on a low-use classic than raw mileage. A 1963 Ford-Taunus that is driven only to shows or on occasional weekend runs can age out a set of tires long before it wears them out, so calendar age should stay at the center of your maintenance schedule.

Tires on a 1963 Ford-Taunus should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss. If the car uses a tube-type setup or a tube-compatible arrangement, include the valve stems and any signs of tube-related leakage in the inspection. The spare deserves the same attention, because a decades-old spare can look usable while being well past safe service age.

Frequent checks are especially important on collector cars because they often sit longer than modern daily drivers, and problems can develop between uses. A short walkaround with a pressure gauge can prevent a ruined tour or a roadside tire change. The inspection does not need to be complicated, but it should be consistent. On an early-1960s car, catching a small crack, a soft tire, or a failing valve stem before departure is far better than discovering it at highway speed.

For a 1963 Ford-Taunus 12M, the period-correct starting point is bias-ply construction, with 560-13 and 590-13 representing the traditional size family used on that model. The 155R13 radial size also belongs in the 12M fitment picture and reflects the growing presence of radial construction in European cars during the era. That mix is typical of an early-1960s European model line that sat near the transition between older bias-ply practice and wider radial adoption.

For restoration work, the right answer depends on what standard you are trying to meet. A factory-authentic restoration, a period dealer presentation, and a regularly driven road car may all point in slightly different directions. If the goal is exact market- and trim-specific accuracy, consult marque literature or a Ford of Germany club archive before finalizing the tire. Construction type, sidewall style, and the specific 12M variant can all influence what looks most correct.

Correct tire fitment matters on a 1963 Ford-Taunus because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction, and sidewall treatment immediately. A radial blackwall and a bias-ply whitewall create very different visual and historical impressions, even when both fit a 13-inch wheel. On a car judged for originality, the wrong construction type or an overly modern sidewall appearance can stand out just as much as an incorrect wheel finish or trim detail.

That does not mean every show car must wear the same tire, but the choice should match the standard of the event and the story of the restoration. Some owners build a road car with radials for touring, while others preserve a more period-faithful look with bias-ply whitewalls. The smartest approach is to decide first whether the car is being judged for authenticity, then verify the expected construction and sidewall style with a marque specialist or club familiar with German-market Fords.

For the 1963 Ford-Taunus radial sizes, Michelin and Dunlop share the same general size families but differ in a few details. In 155R13, Michelin XAS and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet both appear as blackwall radial choices with H speed ratings, while Michelin also carries a tubeless marking. In 165R13, Michelin XAS and XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet again appear with H speed ratings, and the Michelin versions show a 4.50 to 6.00-inch approved rim-width range.

That means the decision between Michelin and Dunlop is not just a brand preference. The exact series, tubeless marking, wheel-width compatibility, and load information on the individual tire can influence which product best suits your 17M or 12M. Owners who care about period European character often compare those details closely, especially on a car where the radial itself is part of the restoration story. The tire’s intended use and the wheel under it should guide the final choice.

1963 Ford-Taunus tires can be suitable for highway use when the tire is in good condition, properly fitted, and used within its design limits. The radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 are available with H speed ratings, which correspond to a 130 mph ceiling. The bias-ply sizes on this application do not show separate modern speed-letter markings in the same way, so their use should be approached with the normal caution expected of period-style bias-ply construction on a collector car.

In real-world driving, the tire is only one part of the equation on an early-1960s Ford of Germany product. Brakes, suspension condition, steering play, alignment, and the age of the tire itself often matter more than raw speed capability during normal highway travel. If the car will see regular road miles, many owners gravitate toward the model-correct radial option. If it is a restoration on bias-ply tires, conservative speeds and frequent inspections are the wiser approach.

Inflation pressure on a 1963 Ford-Taunus should follow the factory recommendation for the car and the rated limits of the tire you choose, rather than borrowing one pressure from another size. Among the available bias-ply examples, 560-13 carries 850 pounds at 30 psi, 590-13 carries 970 pounds at 32 psi, and 640-13 carries 1,045 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures describe the tire’s load-and-pressure relationship, but they are not automatically the same as the carmaker’s ideal operating pressure.

The safest approach is to begin with the vehicle’s original handbook or factory placard if it survives, then compare that guidance with the tire manufacturer’s specifications for the exact tire on the car. Radial and bias-ply constructions can respond differently to pressure changes, and the correct number for a 12M on 155R13 is not something to assume from a 17M on 640-13. Use the pressure that matches the tire, the wheel, and the car’s intended load.

Before a longer drive in a 1963 Ford-Taunus, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracks, cuts, bulges, embedded objects, uneven wear, and correct cold pressure. Confirm that the valve stems are sound, and pay extra attention to any tube-type or tube-compatible setup where a slow leak may not be obvious at a glance. Also look for signs that the car has been sitting on one spot too long, especially if it wears bias-ply tires that may develop temporary flat-spotting after storage.

Tires should be treated as one part of a broader pre-trip check on a car of this age. Wheel fasteners, brake function, steering response, fluid levels, lights, and the condition of belts and hoses all matter before setting off. The longer the drive, the more valuable a deliberate inspection becomes. A 1963 Ford-Taunus can be enjoyable on the road, but a careful once-over before departure is the difference between a pleasant outing and an avoidable roadside interruption.