1970 Fiat brought together a broad mix of Italian cars, from practical small-displacement transportation to the more upscale and sporting Dino. That variety matters on a tire page, because the year spans compact rear-engine and front-engine models as well as a higher-tier grand-touring application. Across the 1970 Fiat range, three models use seven distinct tire sizes, with both bias-ply and radial options on the 124 and 850, while the Dino stands apart on its own 14-inch radial size. The smart place to start is confirming your exact model first, then deciding whether you want a more period-correct bias-ply look or a radial setup that matches your intended driving style.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1970 Fiat
Seven tire sizes appear across 1970 Fiat vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The main decision on the 124 and 850 is often bias-ply versus radial within the correct model-specific size family, while the Dino first requires confirming its separate 14-inch fitment. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the right car and wheel.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 124, 850|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a radial size with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters for a 13-inch wheel, with the missing aspect ratio conventionally understood as an 80-series profile. This size is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, and the speed rating is H across the products shown here, with tubeless marking present on some versions. It suits 1970 Fiat 124 and 850 models that need a 13-inch radial with a distinctly European period feel and more modern road manners than a bias-ply alternative.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 124, 850|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 indicating the nominal section width and 13 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. BFGoodrich and Firestone offer it with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and load ratings reach 850 pounds at 30 psi where marked. It fits both 1970 Fiat 124 and 850 models that use a 13-inch bias-ply tire and is the more traditional choice when original-style stance and sidewall character matter most.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 124|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a model-specific radial size for the 1970 Fiat 124, using a nominal 165-millimeter section width on a 13-inch wheel with the conventional 80-series profile implied by the format. Michelin and Dunlop offer this size in blackwall form, H speed rating appears across the range, and tubeless marking is present on some versions. It is the larger 13-inch radial choice within the 124 family and suits owners who want the correct size grouping for that model rather than a universal Fiat fitment.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 124|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
600-13 is a model-specific numeric bias-ply size for the 1970 Fiat 124, with 6.00 as the nominal section width and a 13-inch wheel diameter. BFGoodrich offers it in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, with load ratings of 1,010 pounds at 32 psi. It is the bias-ply counterpart for 124 applications that call for a wider 13-inch tire and makes the most sense for owners emphasizing an era-authentic look and driving character.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 850|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
145R13 is a model-specific radial size for the 1970 Fiat 850, using a nominal 145-millimeter section width on a 13-inch rim with the conventional 80-series profile implied. Michelin and Firestone offer this size in blackwall form, H speed rating appears on some versions, and tubeless marking is present on some products. It is the narrower radial choice associated with the 850 and is appropriate when you want a 13-inch radial that stays within that model's smaller-size family.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 850|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
520-13 is a model-specific numeric bias-ply size for the 1970 Fiat 850, with 5.20 denoting nominal section width and 13 denoting wheel diameter. Firestone and Premium Sport offer it with blackwall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles, and load ratings vary by product, reaching as high as 1,100 pounds at 60 psi where marked. It is the smaller bias-ply option tied to the 850 and is the right direction for owners who want a distinctly vintage look on that model rather than the wider 124 sizes.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): Dino|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185R14 is a radial size with a nominal 185-millimeter section width for a 14-inch wheel, with the unstated aspect ratio conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein offer this size in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, H speed rating appears where marked, and tubeless marking is present on some versions. This size is specific to the 1970 Fiat Dino and reflects that model's separate 14-inch fitment rather than the 13-inch sizes used elsewhere in the Fiat range.
Three Fiat models are covered for 1970, and tire size varies by model rather than carrying across the entire make. That means identifying whether you have a 124, 850, or Dino matters before you narrow the choice to bias-ply or radial construction. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and tire options.
1970 Fiat 124
The 1970 Fiat 124 represented Fiat's mainstream small-car lineup in an era when Italian sedans and sport variants were prized for tidy dimensions and lively road feel. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and this model spans both narrower and wider period size families depending on whether you are following a radial or bias-ply path.
The 1970 Fiat 850 was Fiat's compact, economical small car, known in the U.S. market for simple packaging and distinctly European proportions. Its tire fitments stay on 13-inch wheels as well, but the 850 uses its own smaller-size group compared with the 124.
The 1970 Fiat Dino sits apart from Fiat's smaller-volume economy cars, blending Fiat coachwork with a more upscale grand-touring character. Its tire fitment moves to a 14-inch wheel, which immediately separates it from the 13-inch applications used on the 124 and 850.
Associated Tire Sizes:
185R14 — radial, Dino-specific grand touring fitment
Twenty-two products are available across seven tire sizes for 1970 Fiat vehicles. 155R13 has 2 radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop; 560-13 has 3 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich and Firestone in narrow and wide whitewall; 165R13 has 3 radial blackwalls from Michelin and Dunlop; 600-13 has 2 bias-ply whitewall options from BFGoodrich; 145R13 has 2 radial blackwalls from Michelin and Firestone; 520-13 has 4 bias-ply choices from Firestone and Premium Sport in blackwall and narrow whitewall; 185R14 has 4 radial options from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in blackwall and narrow whitewall. Confirm your model, size, and construction preference before selecting.
These answers focus on how 1970 Fiat tire fitment changes between the 124, 850, and Dino, and how radial-versus-bias choices affect restoration goals, road use, sidewall appearance, and long-term collector-car care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1970 Fiat vehicles?
1970 Fiat vehicles use seven sizes across three model lines. The Fiat 124 uses 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13; the Fiat 850 uses 155R13, 560-13, 145R13, and 520-13; and the Fiat Dino uses 185R14. The 124 and 850 stay within 13-inch fitments, while the Dino uses a 14-inch tire. Rim-width ranges where they are available include 4.00 to 5.50 for 155R13, 3.50 to 4.50 depending on brand for 560-13, 4.50 to 6.00 for 165R13, 4.00 to 4.50 for 600-13, 4.00 to 5.00 for 145R13, 3.50 to 4.00 for some 520-13 versions, and roughly 4.00 to 6.50 for 185R14.
The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough for a 1970 Fiat. You need to confirm whether you have a 124, 850, or Dino first, then confirm whether your car is staying with a bias-ply size family or a radial size family within that model. On a 124 or 850, the shared 13-inch wheel diameter can make different size names look interchangeable when they are not. On a Dino, the 14-inch fitment separates it immediately from the rest of the range.
What does 560-13 mean on a 1970 Fiat tire?
On a 1970 Fiat, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because there is no R in the size, it is a bias-ply format rather than a radial format. For 1970 Fiat applications, 560-13 appears on both the 124 and the 850, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions available from BFGoodrich and Firestone.
That matters because 560-13 is not simply another way of writing a metric radial size. It belongs to a different construction era and gives a different look and road feel than 155R13. If your goal is an original-style presentation for a restored Fiat, this numeric bias-ply format is usually the closer historical direction. If your car already runs radial tires or you want to stay within a radial family, compare it to the model-appropriate metric alternative instead of treating the two as interchangeable by name alone.
Do all 1970 Fiat models use the same tire size?
No. Tire size varies across the 1970 Fiat range. The 124 and 850 share two 13-inch sizes, 155R13 and 560-13, but each also has its own model-specific 13-inch alternatives: 165R13 and 600-13 for the 124, and 145R13 and 520-13 for the 850. The Dino does not share those sizes at all and uses 185R14 on a 14-inch wheel.
That model split is important because the right choice starts with identifying the car, not just the brand. A Fiat owner comparing a 124 and an 850 may see overlap in the common 13-inch sizes, but the dedicated size options show that the two cars do not live in exactly the same fitment envelope. The Dino is even more distinct. If you are working from an older registration, inherited car, or project with mixed parts, verify the model and wheel diameter before choosing a tire size.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 560-13 or the 155R13 for my 1970 Fiat?
For a 1970 Fiat 124 or 850, the choice between 560-13 and 155R13 is primarily a choice between bias-ply and radial construction. The 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size available with whitewall options from BFGoodrich and Firestone, while the 155R13 is a radial metric size available in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop. Both sizes fit 13-inch wheels, but they represent different construction philosophies and different visual character.
Choose 560-13 when originality of appearance and an era-correct sidewall style are central to the project. Choose 155R13 when you want to stay within a 13-inch fitment while using a radial design associated with more modern road manners. The final check is wheel width, since the acceptable rim-width window differs by size and sometimes by brand. Matching the tire to the way the car will actually be used usually leads to a better result than choosing solely by visual preference.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Fiat tires?
1970 Fiat tire choices span blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles, depending on size. The radial metric sizes 155R13, 165R13, and 145R13 are blackwall only, while the Dino's 185R14 radial size comes in both blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. Among the bias-ply sizes, 560-13 is available in narrow and wide whitewall, 600-13 in narrow and wide whitewall, and 520-13 in blackwall and narrow whitewall.
Sidewall style affects the look of the car as much as the size code does. For many 1970 European applications, blackwalls generally align with the most restrained factory-style appearance, especially on sportier cars, while whitewalls can push the look toward a U.S.-market personalization or a softer touring presentation. A Dino owner choosing between blackwall and narrow whitewall can fine-tune the period feel without changing size. A 124 or 850 owner should choose sidewall style after confirming the correct size family and construction type.
What brands make tires for 1970 Fiat vehicles?
1970 Fiat tire coverage comes from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Premium Sport, Phoenix, and Vredestein. Michelin and Dunlop cover 155R13 and 165R13, Michelin and Firestone cover 145R13, BFGoodrich and Firestone cover 560-13, BFGoodrich covers 600-13, Firestone and Premium Sport cover 520-13, and Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein cover 185R14 for the Dino. That mix includes brands with strong historic ties to European radial development as well as American-style collector bias-ply offerings.
Brand choice on a 1970 Fiat usually comes down to the combination of size, construction, and appearance you want rather than brand name alone. A Michelin or Dunlop radial will appeal to owners leaning toward a distinctly European road-car presentation, while BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport bias-ply options broaden the styling choices through blackwall and whitewall variations. Once you narrow the size and construction, compare the specific sidewall style, rim-width range, and any load or speed markings that matter for your car's intended use.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1970 Fiat tires require?
Rim-width requirements for 1970 Fiat tires vary by size. 155R13 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 560-13 fits 3.50 to 4.50-inch rims depending on brand, 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, 600-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims, 145R13 fits 4.00 to 5.00-inch rims on the versions that specify it, 520-13 appears on 3.5-inch rims and on 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims depending on product, and 185R14 fits roughly 4.00 to 6.50-inch rims depending on the tire chosen.
That spread is why wheel measurement matters before ordering a replacement for a project car. Two tires may share the same wheel diameter but still prefer different rim widths, especially when you compare a narrow bias-ply size to a wider radial. If your Fiat has aftermarket wheels or wheels swapped from another model, confirm actual width at the rim rather than assuming the car still wears factory-spec hardware. Staying within the tire maker's approved rim-width range is one of the simplest ways to avoid fit and appearance problems.
Do 1970 Fiat tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1970 Fiat tires vary by product rather than staying uniform across the whole range. Several radial sizes carry TL tubeless markings, including 155HR13, 165HR13, 145HR13, and 185HR14 examples. The bias-ply sizes shown here do not carry TL markings, and some radial versions omit a tube designation in the size string altogether. That means tube use cannot be generalized from year and make alone.
The right approach is to confirm the exact tire's sidewall marking and then match that to the wheel you are using. Even a tubeless-design tire may still be run on a wheel whose condition or design leads an owner or restorer to use a tube, while a tube-type application needs the correct tube and valve-stem setup to match. If you are reviving a long-stored Fiat with original wheels, have the wheels inspected for rust, pitting, and sealing condition before deciding how the tire will be installed.
Can the original 1970 Fiat wheels be used with both tire sizes on the same model?
On the 1970 Fiat 124 and 850, the shared wheel diameter within each model's size family means both the radial and bias-ply alternatives mount on 13-inch wheels. That said, wheel diameter alone does not settle the question, because each size has its own approved rim-width range. A 155R13 and a 560-13 may both be 13-inch tires, but they are not automatically ideal on the same rim width. The same caution applies when comparing 165R13 to 600-13 on a 124 or 145R13 to 520-13 on an 850.
If your Fiat still wears original-width wheels in sound condition, there is often overlap broad enough to make either construction possible, but you should still measure and confirm. Restored cars, autocross-era modifications, and aftermarket wheels can all change that assumption. The Dino is simpler in one sense because its 185R14 fitment stands alone on a 14-inch wheel, but its wider acceptable rim-width range still deserves a check. Confirming the wheel first prevents a lot of confusion when comparing sizes that look close on paper.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1970 Fiat when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1970 Fiat should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment. Tire pressures should be kept at a normal holding level, and the car should be moved periodically so the same section of tread does not carry the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires such as 520-13, 560-13, and 600-13 tend to develop temporary flat-spotting more readily during long static storage than radial designs.
If the car will sit for an extended season, many collectors either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces constant load on one contact patch. Clean, dry floors are preferable to damp ground, and tire dressings with harsh solvents are best avoided. A Fiat stored on whitewall tires also benefits from occasional gentle cleaning, since embedded grime can stain the sidewall over time. Good storage habits are often the difference between a tire that still looks fresh and one that ages prematurely despite low mileage.
How long do tires on a 1970 Fiat typically last?
On a 1970 Fiat collector car, tire age is usually more important than miles driven. A sound rule is to begin close inspection and professional evaluation once a tire reaches roughly five to seven years of age, and to treat around ten years from the DOT date code as a serious replacement point even if tread depth still looks good. That applies to radial and bias-ply tires alike, though collector cars often age tires out long before they wear them out.
Owners of low-mileage Fiats sometimes assume a tire is still serviceable because the car is used only for shows or short drives. Age-related hardening, sidewall cracking, internal degradation, and long-term storage effects do not always show up first in the tread. Check the DOT date code on each tire, inspect for visible aging, and think in terms of calendar life rather than annual mileage. Replacing an old tire on a lightly driven Fiat is often preventive maintenance, not a response to obvious wear.
How often should tires on a 1970 Fiat be inspected?
Tires on a 1970 Fiat should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, punctures, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure between drives. Tube-type or possibly tube-equipped setups deserve added attention at the valve stem, since leaks and age-related deterioration can show up there first.
A quick walkaround catches more problems than many owners expect, especially on cars that spend much of their time parked. Collector Fiats often go from storage to road use with little warning, and an issue that was harmless in the garage can become a trip-ending problem once the tire heats up. Pay attention to steering feel during the first miles as well. If the car pulls, vibrates, or feels unsettled after sitting, stop and recheck pressure, wheel hardware, and general tire condition before continuing.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1970 Fiat 124?
A 1970 Fiat 124 would have been associated with period-correct sizing and, depending on market and specification, could be encountered with either bias-ply or radial-era fitment expectations. The size families tied to the 124 here are 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13, all on 13-inch wheels. By 1970, Fiat was firmly in the era when European radial usage was widespread, but bias-ply sizing still matters in restoration because many collector owners want a traditional look or are following older market-specific presentation norms.
For an authenticity-minded 124, the best path is to confirm the exact model variant, market destination, and restoration goal before choosing between those size families. Sidewall style also changes the character of the car: blackwall tends to look more European and understated, while whitewalls change the visual tone considerably. If the car is being judged, consult Fiat marque clubs, factory literature, and event rules for the final word on what is considered correct for your specific car, since year and model alone do not settle every originality question.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1970 Fiat?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1970 Fiat, especially in judged classes that value factory-style appearance. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car is on the right size family, whether it uses bias-ply or radial construction appropriate to the restoration goal, and whether the sidewall treatment suits the period and market. A 13-inch blackwall radial, a whitewall bias-ply, and a Dino's 14-inch radial may each be acceptable in the right context, but they do not communicate the same historical message.
The key is matching the tire to the standard you are restoring toward rather than assuming any collector-style tire will pass equally well. A whitewall that looks attractive on one Fiat may appear out of place on another, and a modern-looking radial can cost points on a car judged for strict originality. Before a major event, compare your chosen size and sidewall style against period photos, factory brochures, and the guidance of Fiat clubs or event organizers. That extra check helps avoid easy authenticity deductions.
What is the difference between Michelin MXV and Vredestein Sprint Classic for the 1970 Fiat Dino?
For the 1970 Fiat Dino's 185R14 size, Michelin MXV and Vredestein Sprint Classic are both radial options, but they differ in available sidewall presentation and rim-width range. Michelin MXV appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall versions and spans roughly 4.00 to 6.50-inch rims depending on the version. Vredestein Sprint Classic appears in blackwall form with a 4.5 to 6.0-inch rim-width range. Both carry H speed capability where marked, and Vredestein shows a maximum load figure of 1,323 pounds at 51 psi.
The real choice comes down to the look you want and how your wheels measure. If a narrow whitewall suits the character of your Dino, Michelin offers that path in the correct size. If you want a blackwall touring look with a classic-performance flavor, Vredestein is a strong period-appropriate visual fit. Because the acceptable rim-width windows are not identical, verify wheel width before choosing between them. That small measurement can be more decisive than brand preference when you are trying to get both the stance and the fit right.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1970 Fiat tires safe for highway driving?
1970 Fiat tires can be appropriate for highway driving when the tire is in good condition, correctly fitted, and used within its rating. Several radial sizes here carry H speed ratings, which correspond to 130 mph, including 155R13, 165R13, 145R13 examples, and some 185R14 options. The bias-ply sizes shown do not carry the same explicit speed-letter markings in the available specifications, so they should be approached with the more conservative expectations typical of vintage-style bias-ply construction.
On an actual 1970 Fiat, tire speed capability is only part of the equation. Brakes, suspension, steering, wheel condition, alignment, and the car's overall mechanical state often matter more than the tire's maximum rating during normal highway use. A sound radial setup is generally the easier choice for regular road driving, while a bias-ply setup deserves a little more respect for age-correct handling traits. Before a sustained highway run, make sure the tires are fresh, properly inflated, and free from age cracking or vibration issues.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1970 Fiat tires?
Inflation pressure on 1970 Fiat tires should be set by the vehicle's factory recommendation for the specific model and by the tire maker's own pressure and load guidance for the exact size you are using. Pressure-related load figures available here include 560-13 at 850 pounds at 30 psi, 600-13 at 1,010 pounds at 32 psi, 145R13 at 825 pounds at 44 psi on one version, 520-13 at 770 pounds at 32 psi and up to 1,100 pounds at 60 psi depending on product, and 185R14 at 1,323 pounds at 35 psi or 51 psi depending on brand.
Those numbers are not one-size-fits-all operating pressures for every 1970 Fiat. They show the tire's rated load relationship at stated pressures, not the carmaker's universal recommendation for every model and driving condition. A 124, 850, and Dino place different loads on their tires, and even within one model the correct pressure can vary front to rear. Use the car's manual or factory placard as your baseline, then confirm that the chosen tire is being used within its own rated pressure range.
What should I check before taking a 1970 Fiat on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1970 Fiat, inspect every tire for visible cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of age hardening. Confirm cold pressure, look closely at the valve stems, and check that any tube-type or tube-equipped setup is holding air consistently. The spare should also be inspected, since many vintage cars still carry an old emergency tire that has not been evaluated in years.
A tire check is only one part of preparing an older Fiat for distance travel, but it is one of the most overlooked. Once the tires pass inspection, give equal attention to wheel fasteners, brakes, fluids, belts, hoses, and charging condition. During the first few miles, pay attention to vibration, pull, wander, or heat buildup that was not obvious in the garage. A short local test drive before a highway trip often reveals small issues while you are still close to home and tools.
