1963 Nissan sat at an interesting point in the brand’s early U.S. story, with compact passenger cars and light-duty pickups that reflected the company’s growing confidence in export markets. The year’s lineup spans small sedans, sports-car variants, and practical trucks, so tire selection is not one-size-fits-all across the range. Five models use five distinct sizes, with 13-inch passenger-car fitments split between bias-ply and radial choices while the L320 and L520 trucks stay in 14-inch bias-ply sizes. The first thing to confirm on a 1963 Nissan is the exact model, because that determines whether you need a 13-inch car tire or a 14-inch truck tire before you compare construction and appearance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1963 Nissan
Five tire sizes appear across 1963 Nissan vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether your Nissan uses a 13-inch passenger-car fitment or a 14-inch truck fitment, then choosing between bias-ply originality and radial road manners where both constructions exist within the year. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right vehicle and use.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): 1500|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters and a 13-inch rim diameter, using the traditional Euro-metric convention that commonly implies an 80-series profile. This size is specific to the 1963 Nissan 1500 rather than universal across the full 1963 Nissan range, and it is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form. Speed rating is H across the available products, with a 130 mph ceiling, and tube status varies by product because some carry TL markings while others do not. It suits a 1500 owner who wants a radial-format tire with period European character for regular road use.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): 1500, PL312, SPL|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 denotes nominal section width and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. This 13-inch size serves the 1963 Nissan 1500, PL312, and SPL, and it comes from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. Load ratings in this size reach 850 pounds at 30 psi on the available products. It is the natural choice for owners focused on period-correct stance and mid-century appearance on these smaller Nissan passenger models.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): L320, L520|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 indicating nominal section width and 14 indicating a 14-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1963 Nissan L320 and L520 trucks, and BFGoodrich offers it in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. Load ratings in this size reach 906 pounds at 30 psi. It fits truck owners who want to keep a distinctly vintage bias-ply look on early Nissan pickups while staying with the proper 14-inch fitment family.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): L320, L520|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
6.00-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.00 indicating nominal section width and 14 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. This size is also specific to the 1963 Nissan L320 and L520 trucks rather than the passenger-car side of the 1963 Nissan lineup. It gives truck owners another bias-ply 14-inch path within the same model group. Choose it only after confirming which of the two 14-inch truck sizes matches your wheels and the fitment history of your particular L320 or L520.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): PL312, SPL|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a radial size with a nominal width of 155 millimeters on a 13-inch rim, following the older Euro-metric convention that commonly implies an 80-series profile. This size is specific to the 1963 Nissan PL312 and SPL, and it is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form. Speed rating is H across the available products, with a 130 mph ceiling, and tube status varies by product because one carries a TL marking while another does not. It is a sensible option for PL312 and SPL owners who want a radial tire while keeping the compact proportions appropriate to these small 1960s Nissans.
Five 1963 Nissan models are covered here, and tire size varies by model rather than carrying across the full make lineup. That matters in a practical way because a small passenger car or sports model uses a different fitment family than the light-duty trucks, and some passenger models can be approached with either bias-ply or radial-style sizing depending on the model. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire choices that apply to it.
1963 Nissan 1500
The 1963 Nissan 1500 belongs to Nissan’s early small-car effort in export markets, combining compact dimensions with straightforward mechanical packaging typical of the era. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and this model is unusual within the 1963 Nissan range because it appears with both a vintage numeric bias-ply size and a radial 13-inch metric-size alternative.
The 1963 Nissan L320 is an early compact pickup built for utility, light hauling, and commercial duty rather than passenger-car comfort. Its tire fitments mount on 14-inch wheels, and both sizes associated with the model stay in the bias-ply family that suits the truck’s original character.
The 1963 Nissan L520 continued Nissan’s compact truck formula with modest dimensions and a practical work-oriented layout. Like the L320, it uses 14-inch wheel fitments and stays within bias-ply sizing, so the main choice is confirming which of the two truck sizes matches the wheels and fitment history of your pickup.
The 1963 Nissan PL312 was one of Nissan’s small passenger cars from a period when Japanese imports were beginning to establish a foothold in the U.S. market. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and the fitment range includes both a traditional 560-13 bias-ply size and a 155R13 radial option depending on how the owner wants to balance authenticity and road use.
The 1963 Nissan SPL sits on the sports-car side of Nissan’s lineup and carries the light, compact character that made these early roadsters distinctive. It uses 13-inch wheel fitments, with a choice between a 155R13 radial format and the older 560-13 bias-ply size depending on the car’s intended presentation and driving style.
Eleven products are available across five tire sizes for 1963 Nissan vehicles. The 165R13 radial comes from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, 560-13 bias-ply options come from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow and wide whitewalls, 560-14 bias-ply options come from BFGoodrich in blackwall and whitewall styles, and 155R13 radial options come from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form. Confirm your model first, then check tube markings and speed ratings at the product level where they can vary within a size.
These answers sort out the model-by-model tire differences across 1963 Nissan cars and trucks, including when a bias-ply size is the traditional route, when a radial alternative exists, and what to check for sidewall style, tubes, rim width, and longer-term collector use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1963 Nissan vehicles?
1963 Nissan vehicles use five sizes across five model lines. The 1963 Nissan 1500 uses 165R13 and 560-13, the 1963 Nissan PL312 uses 155R13 and 560-13, the 1963 Nissan SPL uses 155R13 and 560-13, and the 1963 Nissan L320 and L520 use 560-14 and 6.00-14. The passenger-car sizes mount on 13-inch rims, while the truck sizes mount on 14-inch rims. Where rim-width guidance is available, 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, 155R13 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 560-13 fits 3.50 to 4.50-inch rims depending on product, and 560-14 fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a correct choice on a 1963 Nissan. You need to identify the exact model first, then confirm whether your car or truck is staying with a period-style bias-ply tire or moving to one of the radial sizes that appear on some passenger models. On L320 and L520 trucks, the key question is which of the two 14-inch bias-ply sizes belongs on your wheels. On 1500, PL312, and SPL models, the main comparison is usually bias-ply originality versus radial-format road use.
What does 560-13 mean on a 1963 Nissan tire?
On a 1963 Nissan, 560-13 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 means the tire mounts on a 13-inch wheel. That size appears on the 1963 Nissan 1500, PL312, and SPL, and the available versions include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments from BFGoodrich and Firestone. Load ratings in the available products reach 850 pounds at 30 psi.
A 560-13 matters most to owners who want the visual stance and period character associated with an early-1960s tire. It is not interchangeable by name with the 155R13 or 165R13 radial sizes even though those are also 13-inch fitments on certain 1963 Nissan passenger models. If your car has already been restored or driven for years on one style, compare the existing tire markings and wheel width before changing formats. That extra check helps avoid mixing a restoration-era appearance goal with a different fitment family.
What does 155R13 or 165R13 mean on a 1963 Nissan tire?
On a 1963 Nissan, 155R13 and 165R13 are older Euro-metric radial sizes. The first number is nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 13 identifies a 13-inch wheel diameter. By convention, these sizes generally fall into an 80-series profile family even when the aspect ratio is not printed. The 155R13 appears on the 1963 Nissan PL312 and SPL, while the 165R13 appears on the 1963 Nissan 1500, and both are available in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop.
These radial sizes usually appeal to owners who want a compact 13-inch fitment with a more modern carcass design than a bias-ply tire. They still need to be treated as model-specific sizes, not as a universal 1963 Nissan answer. A 1500 should not automatically be matched to 155R13, and a PL312 or SPL should not automatically be matched to 165R13 just because the wheel diameter is the same. Checking the existing wheel and tire markings is the safest starting point before choosing between the two radial sizes.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 560-13 or the radial size for my 1963 Nissan?
For a 1963 Nissan passenger model that can use either format, the choice is usually between a traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial-format driving experience. The 560-13 is the bias-ply option used on the 1500, PL312, and SPL, while radial alternatives appear as 165R13 on the 1500 and 155R13 on the PL312 and SPL. The radial products available in those sizes carry H speed ratings, which means a 130 mph ceiling. The bias-ply 560-13 products focus more on vintage construction and sidewall appearance.
Owners building a show-oriented car or trying to preserve an early-1960s visual character usually lean toward 560-13. Owners who plan to spend more time on ordinary road drives often prefer to start their search with the radial size that matches their specific model. The key is not to treat the radial choice as generic across all 13-inch 1963 Nissan cars, because the 1500 and the PL312/SPL group use different metric radial sizes. Confirm the model first, then decide which construction aligns with how the car will actually be used.
What sidewall styles are available for 1963 Nissan tires?
1963 Nissan tire choices span both blackwall and whitewall appearances, depending on size. The radial passenger-car sizes, 155R13 and 165R13, come in blackwall form. The 560-13 bias-ply size offers narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, and the 560-14 bias-ply truck size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form. That gives a 1963 Nissan owner room to tune the car’s or truck’s final look without changing the basic size family.
A blackwall radial generally suits an owner who wants a restrained, driver-oriented appearance on a 1500, PL312, or SPL. A whitewall bias-ply tire tends to be more appropriate when the goal is a distinctly period presentation on a restored early-1960s Nissan. Pickup owners with an L320 or L520 have more freedom to choose between blackwall and whitewall within the 560-14 size, but the visual decision should still reflect how the truck is being restored. Sidewall treatment affects authenticity and style far more than fitment, so it is worth choosing deliberately.
What brands make tires for 1963 Nissan vehicles?
1963 Nissan tires are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, depending on size. The radial 165R13 and 155R13 fitments come from Michelin and Dunlop, both in blackwall form. The 560-13 bias-ply size comes from BFGoodrich and Firestone, while the 560-14 bias-ply size comes from BFGoodrich in several sidewall styles. Each brand aligns with a different part of the 1963 Nissan fitment range rather than covering every model and size equally.
Brand choice should come after you narrow the correct size and construction family for your model. If your Nissan is a PL312 or SPL and you want a radial-format 13-inch tire, your practical comparison stays within Michelin and Dunlop offerings. If you are restoring a 1500, PL312, SPL, L320, or L520 around a bias-ply look, BFGoodrich appears across both 13-inch and 14-inch numeric sizes, while Firestone enters the picture on 560-13. That sequence—model, size, construction, then brand—keeps the search focused and avoids comparing products that were never meant for the same Nissan.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1963 Nissan tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 1963 Nissan tires varies by size. The 165R13 radial fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, the 155R13 radial fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, the 560-13 bias-ply size fits either 3.50 to 4.00-inch or 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims depending on product, and the 560-14 bias-ply size fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims. Those ranges matter because a tire’s section shape and tread behavior change when the wheel is narrower or wider than intended. The 6.00-14 truck size should still be matched carefully to the actual wheel before final selection.
This is one of the most important checks on any 1963 Nissan that has changed hands, been restored, or had wheels swapped over the years. A 13-inch wheel is not enough information by itself, because the radial and bias-ply options use different width ranges. The same principle applies to the L320 and L520 truck sizes on 14-inch rims. Measure the wheel or verify its actual width before choosing a tire, especially if you are moving from a numeric bias-ply size to a metric radial or comparing more than one brand within the same size.
Do 1963 Nissan tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1963 Nissan tires vary by size and by product. The available radial 165R13 and 155R13 selections include versions marked TL, which indicates tubeless construction, while other products in those same size families do not all carry the same marking in the visible sidewall code. The bias-ply 560-13 and 560-14 products shown here do not carry TL markings in their size descriptions. That makes tube fitment a product-level confirmation rather than a blanket rule across all 1963 Nissan tires.
The practical step is to check both the tire you are considering and the wheel you plan to use. An original-style wheel, a restored wheel, and a later replacement wheel may not all be prepared the same way for tubeless service. On a collector Nissan, tube decisions also affect valve stems, spare-tire planning, and roadside repair strategy. If you are trying to keep a car or truck close to original setup, it is wise to confirm the tube question before mounting rather than after the wheels are already assembled.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1963 Nissan when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1963 Nissan should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from electric motors and ozone sources, and in a space that stays as cool and dry as possible. Clean the tires before storage, maintain inflation, and move the car periodically so one section of the tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires such as 560-13, 560-14, and 6.00-14 tend to flat-spot more readily during long static storage, while any vintage-style sidewall can suffer from age and environmental exposure if neglected.
If a 1963 Nissan will sit for an extended season, many collectors use tire cradles or place the vehicle on stands to reduce stress on the carcass and suspension. That can be especially useful on lightly driven bias-ply-equipped cars and trucks. Storage habits matter just as much as mileage on collector vehicles because the tire may age long before the tread is worn out. A few preventive steps now usually preserve ride quality, appearance, and sidewall condition far better than simply parking the vehicle and forgetting it.
How long do tires on a 1963 Nissan typically last?
On a 1963 Nissan, tire life should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector vehicles often travel limited miles, so tread depth can look healthy even when the rubber is well into its later years. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires carefully once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat around ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of miles driven. The DOT date code, along with cracking, hardening, and pressure retention, is more important than odometer use alone.
That age-based approach matters because a 1963 Nissan may spend long periods parked, displayed, or driven only on special occasions. A roadster, small sedan, or compact truck can all look ready for service while carrying tires that are no longer ideal for regular driving. Keep a simple record of installation dates, inspect the sidewalls under good light, and compare the condition of the spare with the four road tires. Replacing on age before failure is usually the wiser decision on any collector vehicle.
How often should tires on a 1963 Nissan be inspected?
Tires on a 1963 Nissan should be inspected before every drive and more carefully before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of persistent pressure loss. If your Nissan uses a tube-type setup, add the valve stem and tube condition to that routine because air loss can begin there as easily as at the casing. A quick visual check is useful for local drives, but a hands-on pressure and condition check is better before highway or touring use.
Frequent inspections matter because many collector cars and trucks sit long enough for problems to develop quietly. A 1500, PL312, or SPL may be especially tempting to take out after weeks of storage, while an L320 or L520 can hide age-related tire issues behind a workmanlike appearance. Make tire inspection part of a repeatable pre-drive habit instead of an occasional concern. That approach catches age cracks, underinflation, and sidewall changes early, when the remedy is simple and the risk of roadside trouble is much lower.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1963 Nissan 1500?
A 1963 Nissan 1500 would have been associated with period-correct bias-ply practice when new, and the vintage-style size tied to that model here is 560-13. The same model also appears with a 165R13 radial fitment, which reflects a later radial-format option for owners who want that construction style. In the early 1960s, bias-ply construction was still the default fitment pattern on many compact imported cars, while radial adoption was still building in many markets. No specific original-equipment brand should be assumed without model-history confirmation from a marque specialist.
For a restoration, that means the first question is whether you are chasing factory-era presentation or preparing the car for more routine road use. A 560-13 bias-ply tire generally keeps the 1500 closer to its original period character, especially if sidewall appearance matters to the finished look. A 165R13 radial is a different path and should be approached as a conscious choice rather than an automatic substitute. If your car is being judged, consult model-specific Nissan or Datsun club resources for market-specific standards before finalizing size and sidewall treatment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1963 Nissan?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1963 Nissan because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size family, construction type, and sidewall style quickly. A bias-ply numeric size such as 560-13 or 560-14 usually aligns more closely with a period-correct restoration than a later-style radial conversion. Sidewall treatment matters too, since a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall can change the car’s visual era cue even when the basic size is correct. On trucks and sports models alike, the tire is a visible part of the restoration story.
What counts as correct can still vary by event, market, and how strictly the judging standard is written. Some shows focus broadly on era-appropriate presentation, while others care about details down to construction type and sidewall width. If your 1963 Nissan is being prepared for concours or marque-level judging, verify expectations before mounting tires simply because they fit the wheel. That is especially important on 13-inch passenger models where a radial alternative exists, since an otherwise attractive radial can still look out of place on a car judged for originality.
What is the difference between radial and bias-ply tires for a 1963 Nissan?
On a 1963 Nissan, the difference starts with construction. The 560-13, 560-14, and 6.00-14 sizes are bias-ply, while 155R13 and 165R13 are radial sizes. Bias-ply tires are the more era-correct choice for a restoration-minded owner, and the available bias-ply options also bring in whitewall styles that reinforce a period look. The radial options for the passenger-car models are blackwall tires and carry H speed ratings, giving them a more modern product profile within the correct general wheel diameter.
That does not make one automatically right and the other wrong; it depends on how your 1963 Nissan will be used. A show-focused 1500, PL312, or SPL often points an owner toward the numeric bias-ply route, while a regularly driven car may push the decision toward the radial size that matches that specific model. The L320 and L520 trucks stay in the bias-ply camp within the available fitments here. Think of the choice as part appearance and part use-case, with authenticity expectations carrying the most weight in judged restoration work.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1963 Nissan tires safe for highway driving?
1963 Nissan tires can be suitable for highway use when the correct size is chosen, the tire is in good condition, and the product’s speed capability matches the way the vehicle will be driven. The available 155R13 and 165R13 radial products carry H speed ratings, which means a 130 mph ceiling. The bias-ply sizes serve a different role and should be approached with the expectations appropriate to vintage construction. On a small early-1960s Nissan, the vehicle’s brakes, suspension, alignment, and overall mechanical condition are often just as important to safe road use as the tire itself.
Highway safety is really a systems question on a collector vehicle. A fresh tire on worn steering components or neglected wheel bearings will not deliver the result an owner expects. Before taking a 1963 Nissan onto faster roads, make sure the tires are correctly matched to the model, properly inflated, and free of age-related defects. Then consider how the car or truck is actually built to drive. An SPL roadster, a PL312 sedan, and an L320 pickup all ask different things of their tires even though each may be fully roadworthy within its intended use.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1963 Nissan tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1963 Nissan should start with the factory vehicle recommendation, then be checked against the tire’s own rated limits. The available 560-13 products carry a maximum load figure of 850 pounds at 30 psi, and the 560-14 products carry 906 pounds at 30 psi. Those numbers describe the tire’s rated load-and-pressure point, not necessarily the exact operating pressure Nissan originally specified for every model. The radial 155R13 and 165R13 products here do not all present the same load-and-pressure information in the tire description, so they should be matched carefully to the product’s sidewall markings and manufacturer guidance.
The safest approach is to use the owner’s manual or factory placard as your baseline for the vehicle, then confirm that your chosen reproduction or radial product is being used within its own pressure range. Do not transfer a pressure figure from a 560-13 to a 155R13, or from a passenger car to an L320 or L520 truck, just because the wheel diameter seems close. Pressure affects wear, ride, and heat buildup, so it should be set for the exact size and application rather than guessed from a neighboring fitment.
What should I check before taking a 1963 Nissan on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1963 Nissan, inspect all four road tires and the spare for cracking, tread damage, bulges, uneven wear, and correct inflation. Check valve stems closely, and if your setup uses tubes, treat stem condition and slow pressure loss as important warning signs. Make sure the tire size on the car matches the model you are driving, especially if the vehicle has been restored or changed hands over time. A 1500, PL312, SPL, L320, and L520 do not all share the same fitment family, so this is worth confirming before distance use.
Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine on a 1963 Nissan, but they are the part in direct contact with the road. Follow the inspection with a broader check of brakes, steering play, wheel bearings, fluid levels, and lighting, because age-related issues often appear as a group rather than in isolation. If the car or truck has been sitting, add a short local shakedown drive before committing to a longer trip. That gives you time to feel for flat-spotting, pull, vibration, or pressure loss before you are far from home.
