1966 Toyota sat at an interesting point in the brand’s U.S. story, offering compact passenger cars like the Tiara and Corona, a larger Crown sedan, and the rugged Land Cruiser alongside them. That mix means tire fitment is not a one-size-fits-all question across the year. Four Toyota model lines used eight distinct tire sizes, with some models offering a choice between bias-ply and radial construction while others stayed with bias-ply sizing unique to that model. Before choosing a tire for a 1966 Toyota, the first step is to confirm the exact model, then decide whether originality, road manners, or a specific wheel diameter matters most for how the vehicle will be used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1966 Toyota
Eight tire sizes are used across 1966 Toyota vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The real decision starts with identifying whether you have a 13-inch passenger-car application or a 15-inch Land Cruiser application, then choosing between bias-ply and radial construction where both were used on the same model. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the correct Toyota model and intended use.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Corona|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a radial metric size used on the 1966 Toyota Corona, with a 165-millimeter nominal section width and a 13-inch rim diameter; without a stated aspect ratio, it follows the conventional Euro-metric radial profile. This size is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, and tubeless marking appears on some products while speed rating is H, or 130 mph, where shown. Corona owners who want a more modern radial driving character while staying within the correct general size family will usually focus on this option.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Corona|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size specific to the 1966 Toyota Corona, with the first number representing nominal section width and the last number indicating a 13-inch rim. BFGoodrich offers it with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments, with load capacity shown at 1,010 pounds at 32 psi. Buyers pursuing a more period-authentic Corona appearance and traditional bias-ply character will generally gravitate to this size.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Crown|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
185R13 is a radial metric size for the 1966 Toyota Crown, with a 185-millimeter nominal section width and a 13-inch rim diameter in conventional Euro-metric form. Michelin offers this size as a blackwall tubeless radial, and the products in this size carry an H speed rating, or 130 mph. Crown owners looking for a radial option that suits regular road use while staying with the correct rim diameter will usually start here.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Crown|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
700-13 is a numeric bias-ply size specific to the 1966 Toyota Crown, with a nominal section-width code up front and a 13-inch rim diameter after the dash. Firestone offers it as a wide whitewall, with load capacity shown at 1,270 pounds at 32 psi. Crown restorations that lean toward original-era appearance and traditional bias-ply construction will usually center on this size.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Land Cruiser|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
760-15 is a numeric bias-ply size used on the 1966 Toyota Land Cruiser, with a nominal section-width code and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styles, with load capacity reaching 1,710 pounds at 32 psi where shown. Land Cruiser owners after a traditional period look in a 15-inch bias-ply fitment will often consider this size, especially for restorations that favor a passenger-style sidewall presentation.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Land Cruiser|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
H78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size for the 1966 Toyota Land Cruiser, where the letter-and-number code indicates the tire’s sizing class and the 15 designates a 15-inch rim. Coker Classic and STA offer it in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, with load capacities from 1,770 pounds at 32 psi to 1,830 pounds at 45 psi. Land Cruiser owners comparing 15-inch bias-ply choices may look to H78-15 when they want an alphanumeric replacement size with options that range from classic whitewall styling to a more utility-oriented blackwall.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Tiara|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size specific to the 1966 Toyota Tiara, with the width code ahead of the dash and a 13-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich and Firestone offer it with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, and load capacity is shown at 850 pounds at 30 psi. Tiara owners restoring a small early Toyota sedan will usually choose this size when they want the narrower, era-correct bias-ply look.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Tiara|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
590-13 is a numeric bias-ply size used on the 1966 Toyota Tiara, with a slightly larger nominal size code than 560-13 and the same 13-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich offers it as a wide whitewall, with load capacity shown at 970 pounds at 32 psi. Tiara owners comparing the two original-style 13-inch bias-ply sizes should confirm which tire their car uses before moving ahead, since this fitment is not shared across the full 1966 Toyota range.
Four 1966 Toyota models are covered here: Corona, Crown, Land Cruiser, and Tiara. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly; the buyer needs to identify the exact Toyota model first, then narrow the choice by size and construction. Select a model below to explore model-specific fitment history and tire options.
1966 Toyota Corona
The 1966 Toyota Corona was one of the company’s key compact passenger cars as Toyota strengthened its foothold in the American market. Corona fitments mount on 13-inch wheels, and the size choice reflects a familiar mid-1960s transition between traditional bias-ply replacement tires and radial alternatives for drivers who use the car on modern roads.
The 1966 Toyota Crown sat above the smaller Corona in Toyota’s passenger-car lineup and carried a more substantial sedan presence. Crown applications also use 13-inch wheels, but the tire choice separates into a wider radial option and a period-style bias-ply size tied specifically to the model.
The 1966 Toyota Land Cruiser was already building its reputation as a durable four-wheel-drive utility vehicle with a very different mission from Toyota’s passenger cars. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and both of its sizes stay within the bias-ply world, with one numeric size and one alphanumeric replacement style commonly associated with truck and utility fitments.
The 1966 Toyota Tiara represents Toyota’s earlier compact-sedan era and appeals today to restorers interested in the brand’s formative export years. Tiara tire fitments mount on 13-inch wheels and stay within bias-ply construction, with two close but distinct original-style sizes that should be matched carefully to the car.
Twenty-one products are available across eight tire sizes for 1966 Toyota vehicles. 165R13 comes from Michelin and Dunlop as radial blackwalls; 600-13 from BFGoodrich as bias-ply narrow or wide whitewalls; 185R13 from Michelin as a radial blackwall; 700-13 from Firestone as a bias-ply wide whitewall; 760-15 from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire as bias-ply whitewalls; H78-15 from Coker Classic and STA as bias-ply blackwall or wide whitewall; 560-13 from BFGoodrich and Firestone as bias-ply narrow or wide whitewalls; and 590-13 from BFGoodrich as a bias-ply wide whitewall. Confirm the exact size and construction before selecting.
These FAQs sort out the model-by-model size differences across 1966 Toyota vehicles, the radial-versus-bias decision for Corona and Crown owners, sidewall and brand choices, and the setup and care details that matter for collector use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1966 Toyota vehicles?
1966 Toyota vehicles use eight sizes spread across four model lines. Corona uses 165R13 or 600-13, Crown uses 185R13 or 700-13, Land Cruiser uses 760-15 or H78-15, and Tiara uses 560-13 or 590-13. The passenger-car Toyota models all use 13-inch rim diameters, while the Land Cruiser uses 15-inch rims. Rim width guidance varies by size: 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50, 700-13 fits 4.00 to 5.00, 760-15 fits 5.50 to 6.00, H78-15 fits 5.50 to 7.00, 560-13 fits 3.50 to 4.50 depending on product, and 590-13 fits 3.50 to 4.00.
That spread means a buyer should not treat 1966 Toyota as a single fitment family. Start by identifying the exact model, then confirm the wheel diameter on the car, and only after that compare the tire choices within that model’s size range. Corona and Crown owners may also be deciding between radial and bias-ply construction, while Land Cruiser and Tiara owners are comparing bias-ply sizes that stay closer to period-correct fitment. If the vehicle has been restored or modified over the years, verify the actual wheel before settling on a tire.
What does 165R13 mean on a 1966 Toyota tire?
On a 1966 Toyota, 165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size used on the Corona. The 165 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is stated in the size itself, it follows the conventional earlier Euro-metric radial profile rather than a modern low-profile format. Products in this size appear as blackwall radials, and H-rated versions carry a 130 mph speed ceiling where the sidewall marking includes that rating.
For a Corona owner, that code matters because it points to a very different tire character than 600-13 bias-ply. A 165R13 radial is the logical path when the car will see regular driving and you want a size expressed in modern-style metric terms while retaining the original 13-inch wheel diameter. It is still wise to confirm the wheel width, since 165R13 products in this group are intended for rims from 4.50 to 6.00 inches wide.
Do all 1966 Toyota models use the same tire size?
No. 1966 Toyota fitments differ significantly by model. Corona uses 165R13 or 600-13, Crown uses 185R13 or 700-13, Land Cruiser uses 760-15 or H78-15, and Tiara uses 560-13 or 590-13. Even when two models share the same rim diameter, they do not necessarily share the same tire size. The 13-inch passenger cars are separated by size family, and the Land Cruiser moves to a 15-inch application with its own truck-oriented bias-ply choices.
That is why identifying the model comes before comparing brands or sidewall styles. A Crown owner, for example, should not assume a Corona radial will interchange simply because both cars use 13-inch wheels. The same is true at the smaller end of the range, where Tiara sizes are unique to the model. If the car’s body style or trim history is unclear, cross-check the wheel diameter and the existing tire markings before moving on to replacement options.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R13 or the 600-13 for my 1966 Toyota?
If your 1966 Toyota is a Corona, both 165R13 and 600-13 belong to that model, but they represent different tire constructions. The 165R13 is a radial blackwall size on a 13-inch rim, while the 600-13 is a bias-ply size on the same rim diameter and is available with narrow or wide whitewall styling. The decision is less about basic wheel diameter and more about whether you want a radial driving experience or a more original-looking bias-ply presentation.
A restored Corona built around mid-1960s appearance cues will usually lean toward 600-13, especially if whitewall styling is part of the look. A driver-oriented car that sees more routine road use may point you toward 165R13 instead. Check the wheel width before making the final call, since the radial and bias-ply options do not share the same rim-width recommendation. That step helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the model but not the wheel currently on the car.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Toyota tires?
1966 Toyota tire choices span blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles depending on size. The radial sizes 165R13 and 185R13 are blackwall offerings. Bias-ply passenger-car sizes such as 600-13, 560-13, and 590-13 bring whitewall options, while 700-13 appears as a wide whitewall. Land Cruiser sizes broaden the mix further: 760-15 appears in narrow and wide whitewall forms, and H78-15 is available as either a blackwall or wide whitewall depending on the product.
Sidewall style is often just as important as size for a visually accurate restoration. Passenger sedans from this period commonly suit whitewall tires, with the exact width depending on the look you are trying to recreate, while utility-focused Land Cruisers often make sense with blackwall or simpler sidewall treatments. Because multiple sidewall looks can exist within the same size, decide on the vehicle’s intended presentation before narrowing down the specific product.
What brands make tires for 1966 Toyota vehicles?
1966 Toyota fitments are covered by several brands across the size range. Michelin and Dunlop appear in 165R13, Michelin covers 185R13, BFGoodrich covers 600-13, 760-15, 560-13, and 590-13, Firestone covers 700-13 and 560-13, Coker Classic covers 760-15 and H78-15, Universal Vintage Tire covers 760-15, and STA appears in H78-15. Brand choice is tied closely to size, so the options for a Corona are different from those for a Crown, Tiara, or Land Cruiser.
The practical takeaway is to begin with the correct size and model, then compare the brands that exist within that fitment rather than shopping by brand first. A buyer looking for a French-style radial experience for a passenger car will naturally end up in Michelin territory, while a restoration-minded whitewall buyer may focus on BFGoodrich, Firestone, or Coker Classic depending on size. Land Cruiser owners have a distinct mix that also includes utility-oriented STA coverage in H78-15.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1966 Toyota tires require?
Rim-width needs vary widely across 1966 Toyota sizes. 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, 600-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50, 700-13 fits 4.00 to 5.00, 760-15 fits 5.50 to 6.00, H78-15 fits 5.50 to 7.00, 560-13 spans 3.50 to 4.50 depending on the product, and 590-13 fits 3.50 to 4.00. Those ranges show why matching the wheel to the tire matters just as much as matching the model to the tire size.
This becomes especially important on cars that may have had wheels swapped during decades of ownership. A Corona owner comparing 165R13 and 600-13, for instance, is still within a 13-inch rim diameter but not within the same rim-width envelope. The same caution applies to Tiara sizes, where one product family is aimed at very narrow wheels. Measure the wheel or verify its stamped size before moving ahead, especially if the car no longer wears its original wheels.
Do 1966 Toyota tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements on 1966 Toyota tires depend on the size and the specific product. The 165R13 Michelin products are marked TL, indicating tubeless construction, while the Dunlop 165R13 example does not carry the same tube marking in the size line. The 185R13 Michelin product is marked TL as well. The bias-ply sizes here do not show TL or TT markers in the size lines, so the practical tube decision should be made by checking the exact tire marking and the condition and design of the wheel being used.
That matters because collector cars often retain original wheels, and wheel condition can influence whether a tubeless tire is suitable in real-world use. When you are working with a 1966 Toyota, inspect the wheel carefully for bead-seat condition, rust, and air-holding integrity before assuming a tube is or is not needed. If you are mixing older wheels with reproduction tires, confirm the recommendation for the exact product and wheel combination rather than making the call by size alone.
Can the original 1966 Toyota wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1966 Toyota wheels can only be used with the tire sizes that match the correct wheel diameter and rim-width range for that specific model. Corona, Crown, and Tiara fitments are all 13-inch in diameter, while the Land Cruiser uses 15-inch tires. Even within the 13-inch group, the required rim widths differ by size. That means wheel interchange is not automatic simply because the rim diameter appears to match.
A buyer should think of wheel compatibility in two stages. First, the diameter has to be right for the model’s tire size. Second, the wheel width has to fall within the range appropriate for that tire. A 13-inch Toyota passenger-car wheel may accept one size but not another with equal confidence. If the car has aftermarket or later-service wheels, verify the wheel’s actual width and profile before assuming any of the 1966 Toyota sizes will mount and behave as intended.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1966 Toyota when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1966 Toyota should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from electric motors and ozone-producing equipment, and in a space that stays clean and dry. Maintain inflation, avoid long periods on damp concrete when possible, and move the vehicle periodically or support it in a way that reduces prolonged static loading. Bias-ply tires, which make up most of the 1966 Toyota range, are more prone to temporary flat-spotting during storage than radials, so how the vehicle sits matters.
Storage practices have a real effect on how the tires feel when the car returns to the road. A Corona or Crown wearing radial tires may recover from inactivity differently than a Tiara or Land Cruiser on bias-ply construction. If the vehicle will sit for months, a careful storage routine can preserve ride quality and appearance while reducing the chance of sidewall weathering. Clean, stable conditions are more valuable than simply parking the car and forgetting it.
How long do tires on a 1966 Toyota typically last?
On a collector vehicle such as a 1966 Toyota, tire age usually matters more than mileage. A sensible rule is to evaluate the tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code is the practical way to establish age on a modern reproduction tire, even when the car is driven sparingly.
That timeline is especially important for cars that spend much of their life stored indoors and only come out for occasional drives or shows. Tread may still look fresh while the internal structure and sidewalls have aged well past their comfortable service window. A 1966 Toyota used only seasonally can fool an owner into thinking the tires are still young because the wear is low. Age, storage history, and visible condition should carry more weight than odometer miles.
How often should tires on a 1966 Toyota be inspected?
Tires on a 1966 Toyota should be inspected before every drive, with a more thorough check before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation signs, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss. On tube-type or potentially tube-using fitments, pay close attention to valve stems and any slow-loss behavior that suggests the whole assembly needs attention rather than just a quick top-off.
Frequent inspection is a simple habit that pays off because these vehicles are often driven infrequently and can sit for long periods between outings. Problems that would reveal themselves quickly on a daily driver may stay hidden on a collector car until the next event or weekend drive. Checking the spare is part of the same routine. If the mounted tires pass inspection but the spare is aged out or flat, a roadside issue can still turn into a major inconvenience.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1966 Toyota Corona?
For a 1966 Toyota Corona, the tire conversation centers on 600-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial fitments that belong to the model. In the mid-1960s, bias-ply construction was still the standard original-equipment pattern for most mainstream cars, while radial use was beginning to grow in certain markets and applications. That makes 600-13 the more traditionally period-rooted choice for originality-minded restoration, while 165R13 reflects the radial side of the Corona’s fitment story.
Because market differences and surviving wheel changes can complicate an old car’s history, marque clubs and factory literature remain the best way to confirm exactly how a particular Corona was equipped when new. The practical approach is to decide whether the car is being restored to strict original style or prepared for regular road use first. Once that goal is clear, choosing between the bias-ply and radial fitment becomes much easier and more historically consistent.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1966 Toyota?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when a 1966 Toyota is judged for authenticity. Size, construction type, and sidewall style all influence whether the car looks era-appropriate. A radial blackwall on a car restored around factory-stock mid-1960s appearance can stand out differently than a bias-ply whitewall, and the reverse is also true if the car is presented in a more road-driven rather than concours-oriented format. Judges and enthusiasts notice these visual and technical cues quickly.
The key is to match the tire to the restoration goal, not just to the wheel diameter. A Tiara or Crown with the wrong sidewall treatment can look out of period even if the tire physically fits, while a Land Cruiser may call for a more utility-correct presentation than a sedan. Event rules vary, so consult the club or judging body that matters for your venue. That avoids building the car to one standard only to find another standard is being applied.
What is the difference between 560-13 and 590-13 for a 1966 Toyota?
For a 1966 Toyota Tiara, 560-13 and 590-13 are both bias-ply 13-inch sizes, but they are not identical. The 560-13 products here include narrow and wide whitewall choices, with load capacity shown at 850 pounds at 30 psi, and fit rims from 3.50 to 4.50 inches depending on product. The 590-13 option appears as a wide whitewall with a 970-pound load capacity at 32 psi and a 3.50 to 4.00-inch rim-width range.
That means the difference is more than just appearance. The two sizes sit in the same general family, but they do not carry the same rim-width envelope or the same load-and-pressure figures. A Tiara owner should verify which size belongs on the specific car before choosing between them, especially if the wheels have been changed at some point. Since both sizes are restoration-style bias-ply fitments, the right answer usually comes down to fitment correctness rather than a style preference alone.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1966 Toyota tires safe for highway driving?
1966 Toyota tires can be appropriate for highway driving when the correct size, construction, and condition are matched to the vehicle. The radial passenger-car sizes here carry H speed ratings where marked, which corresponds to 130 mph, while the bias-ply sizes are better understood through their construction type and intended vehicle use rather than through modern high-speed expectations. On many 1960s Toyotas, the car’s own braking, suspension, steering, and overall age are often a more immediate real-world limit than the tire’s rated ceiling during normal highway travel.
Safe highway use begins with honest preparation, not just a fresh set of tires. Confirm pressures, inspect the sidewalls and tread, and make sure the tires match the wheel correctly. A Crown or Corona on radial tires may feel different on the road than the same model on bias-ply construction, while a Land Cruiser’s utility mission changes the driving context again. Good tires are only one part of the equation, but they are a critical one on a vehicle from this era.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1966 Toyota tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1966 Toyota should be tied to the specific tire size and the vehicle manufacturer’s original recommendation, not borrowed from a different size. Several of these tires include load-and-pressure figures: 600-13 is shown at 1,010 pounds at 32 psi, 700-13 at 1,270 pounds at 32 psi, 760-15 at 1,710 pounds at 32 psi, H78-15 from 1,770 pounds at 32 psi to 1,830 pounds at 45 psi depending on product, 560-13 at 850 pounds at 30 psi, and 590-13 at 970 pounds at 32 psi.
Those numbers are tire-capacity references, not universal instructions for every 1966 Toyota. A Corona, Crown, Land Cruiser, and Tiara place different demands on their tires, and even two products in the same size can carry different pressure figures. Use the owner’s manual or factory placard as the starting point for vehicle pressure, then confirm that the chosen tire’s rating supports that use. Never assume a pressure from one size or one model should automatically carry over to another.
What should I check before taking a 1966 Toyota on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1966 Toyota, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, and irregular wear, and confirm that each tire is holding pressure properly. Check the valve stems, and if the setup uses or may use tubes, pay extra attention to any slow air loss or stem condition. Make sure the spare is usable and that the wheel it is mounted on is in sound condition. Tire age matters too, even if the tread looks excellent.
A longer trip also calls for a broader pre-drive check suited to an older vehicle. Tires work as part of the whole system, so steering play, wheel-bearing condition, brake function, and suspension health all influence how safely the car will travel at speed. A Land Cruiser headed onto rougher roads needs a different mindset than a Crown or Corona headed to a highway cruise, but the same principle applies: inspect the tire assembly carefully and treat it as one part of total vehicle readiness.