1973 Ford Van Tire Fitment Guide

1973 Ford Van models use four sizes across the range: E78-14 for the E-100 Econoline Van, 670-15 and G78-15 for the E-200 Econoline Van, and 800-16.5 for the E-300 Econoline Van. The rim diameters are not the same across the lineup, since those sizes mount on 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16.5-inch wheels. Rim width guidance where available runs from 4.50 to 7.00 inches for E78-14, 4.50 to 6.00 inches for 670-15, 5.00 to 7.00 inches for G78-15, and 6.00 to 6.50 inches for 800-16.5.

That means a 1973 Ford Van owner needs to identify the exact model before narrowing down tires. An E-100 owner should not assume E-200 tires will interchange, and an E-300 owner especially needs to verify the 16.5-inch wheel requirement before ordering. If your van has changed hands, been restored, or been customized over the years, confirm the wheel diameter on the vehicle itself and compare it to the size stamped on the current tire before moving forward.

On a 1973 Ford Van, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.70 refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1973 Ford Van range, that size belongs to the E-200 Econoline Van. It appears in traditional bias-ply offerings from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall and wide whitewall choices depending on the product.

Numeric sizes like 670-15 feel more rooted in the earlier bias-ply sizing system many restorers recognize from mid-century American vehicles. On an E-200, this size is a good place to look if you want that older numeric presentation rather than the later alphanumeric G78-15 designation. The next step is checking which look fits your van best, since the available products range from plain blackwalls to wide whitewalls that change the overall appearance quite a bit.

No, 1973 Ford Van models do not all use the same tire size. The E-100 Econoline Van uses E78-14, the E-200 Econoline Van uses either 670-15 or G78-15, and the E-300 Econoline Van uses 800-16.5. All of them are bias-ply sizes, but the wheel diameters and size families differ from one model to another. That spread reflects the lighter-duty to heavier-duty progression across the Econoline range.

For a buyer, that means model identification is the first real fitment step. If you only know you have a 1973 Ford Van, you still have not narrowed things down enough to choose correctly. The E-200 is the only model with two size paths, while the E-100 and E-300 each point to a single size family. Looking at the VIN plate, original paperwork, or the existing wheel and tire markings can help settle the question quickly.

For a 1973 Ford Van E-200 Econoline Van, both 670-15 and G78-15 are bias-ply options, so the choice is between two period-style size conventions rather than between bias-ply and radial construction. The 670-15 uses the older numeric naming system, while G78-15 uses the later alphanumeric system. Both mount on 15-inch wheels, and both are available in blackwall or wide whitewall form depending on the product. That makes the decision largely about the fitment path appropriate to your E-200 and the look you want on the van.

Owners aiming for a more traditional numeric-size appearance often gravitate toward 670-15, while G78-15 suits those who want the later-era alphanumeric presentation still common in the 1970s. Since both are bias-ply, steering feel and road manners will stay within the classic bias-ply character rather than shifting to a modern radial feel. If your van is being restored to a particular market look, judging standard, or period style, compare the size already associated with your wheel setup before choosing between the two.

1973 Ford Van tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles, depending on the size. E78-14 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall, 670-15 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall, G78-15 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 800-16.5 is available as a blackwall only. Those choices matter because the sidewall treatment changes the van's visual character as much as the size itself, especially on a restored or customized Econoline.

Blackwalls usually make the most sense for work-oriented vans and truck-style presentations, especially on the heavier-duty E-300. Wide whitewalls can suit a more passenger-oriented restoration, a period custom build, or a van with a stronger emphasis on appearance. Before deciding, think about whether your 1973 Ford Van is being presented as a commercial vehicle, a family van, or a custom-era survivor. Matching the sidewall style to that story often matters more visually than small differences within the same size family.

1973 Ford Van tires are available from several brands across the four sizes. E78-14 comes from Coker Classic and STA. The E-200 sizes expand the range, with 670-15 available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, while G78-15 comes from Coker Classic and STA. The heavy-duty 800-16.5 size for the E-300 is covered by STA.

Brand choice often follows the kind of van you are building. A buyer focused on a passenger-style look may spend more time comparing whitewall offerings in the E-100 or E-200 sizes, while a heavier commercial presentation may point naturally toward blackwall truck-oriented patterns. The practical move is to narrow the correct size first, then compare the brands that exist within that size by sidewall appearance, intended use, and any load information that applies to your van's role.

Rim width guidance for 1973 Ford Van tires varies by size. E78-14 fits rims from 4.50 to 7.00 inches depending on the product, with some versions calling for 5.0 to 6.0 inches. The 670-15 size fits rims from 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on the tire, while G78-15 fits 5.00 to 7.00 inches. The 800-16.5 size used on the E-300 fits 6.00 to 6.50 inch rims where width guidance is given.

That range is why wheel verification matters even after you confirm the tire size. Two products in the same size do not always cover the exact same rim-width spread, especially when one tire is passenger-oriented and another is more truck-focused. Measure the wheel if there is any doubt, and compare that measurement to the product you are considering rather than assuming every tire in the size will behave the same way on the same wheel.

Inner-tube requirements for 1973 Ford Van tires depend on the exact product rather than being identical across the whole range. One E78-14 offering is explicitly tubeless, while other products in the same size do not carry the same wording. The other sizes do not present a single uniform tube statement across every product either. As a result, tube use should be treated as a product-by-product and wheel-by-wheel question, not a blanket rule for every 1973 Ford Van tire.

That matters most when original wheels, older rims, or commercial-use wheels are still on the van. A buyer should check the sidewall marking on the specific tire being considered and also inspect the wheel condition, bead seat type, and valve setup. If your van still wears original or very old wheels, a tire installer familiar with vintage truck and van applications can help determine whether tube-type service is appropriate for your combination.

A 1973 Ford Van should be stored out of direct sunlight and away from ozone-producing sources such as electric motors, battery chargers, and welders. Keep the van on a clean, dry surface, maintain proper inflation, and move it periodically so the same part of the tire is not carrying weight for months at a time. Because every tire size used on the 1973 Ford Van range here is bias-ply, temporary flat-spotting after long storage is more common than many modern drivers expect.

If the van will sit for a long season, placing it on stands or at least rolling it occasionally can reduce stress on the carcass. A climate-stable garage is better than a damp outbuilding or a cover in open weather. Owners preserving a restored Econoline should also clean road grime from the sidewalls before storage, since dirt and residue can hold moisture against the rubber over time.

Tires on a 1973 Ford Van are usually aged out before they are worn out, especially on collector, hobby, or low-mileage vans. A sound rule is to begin evaluating them closely once they are five to seven years old and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age, and visible cracking, hardening, vibration, or repeated air loss can move replacement higher on the priority list.

That age-based approach matters more than mileage because many vintage vans spend long periods parked. A tire that looks presentable at a glance may still be too old for confident road use, particularly on a heavy van carrying tools, passengers, or camping gear. If you have just acquired a 1973 Ford Van and the tire age is unclear, checking the date codes is one of the smartest first inspections you can make.

Tires on a 1973 Ford Van should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracks, tread separation, embedded debris, bulges, irregular wear, and signs that the tire is losing pressure. Since these are bias-ply applications and some products may involve tube-type considerations depending on the tire and wheel combination, valve stems and air retention deserve close attention too.

A quick walkaround is enough before a short local drive, but a longer trip calls for a more careful check. Inspect the spare as well, since an old spare is often the weak point on vintage vans. If the van has been sitting, pay extra attention to flat-spot feel on the first miles and confirm that any vibration disappears as the tires warm up rather than getting worse.

A 1973 Ford Van E-100 Econoline Van would have been a bias-ply application in period, and the associated size here is E78-14. That aligns with the broader market reality of early-1970s American vans, when bias-ply tires were still common across many domestic light trucks and vans. The exact sidewall treatment could vary by market intent, trim presentation, and how the van was equipped, so size and construction are the first authenticity markers to get right.

For a restoration, start by matching the E78-14 size and bias-ply construction, then decide whether a blackwall or wide whitewall suits the van's original character. If the goal is event judging or a particularly faithful regional restoration, a Ford truck club, Econoline specialist, or original sales literature can help confirm what appearance is most appropriate for your specific van. That is especially useful on vehicles that have been customized over the decades.

Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1973 Ford Van. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the size family, construction type, and sidewall style match the era and the model's intended role. A heavy-duty E-300 on a passenger-style whitewall, or an E-100 wearing a size from the larger vans, can look visibly out of character even to someone who is not checking every detail with a clipboard.

The right approach depends on the event. A local cruise-in may reward style and presentation, while stricter marque or concours judging can place more weight on period-correct sizing and construction. Before finalizing a show setup, compare your van's model-specific size path and sidewall style to the standards used by the club or event you plan to attend. That avoids unnecessary deductions and gives the whole van a more coherent, authentic stance.

For the 1973 Ford Van range, Coker Classic and STA often serve different visual and use-case roles within the same size family. In E78-14 and G78-15, Coker Classic appears in wide whitewall form, while STA covers blackwall truck-oriented options. In E78-14, one STA offering carries an 8-ply-rated tubeless description and a higher stated load figure than the Coker Classic whitewall. Those differences make the comparison more about style and service character than brand name alone.

A buyer restoring a van with a stronger passenger or custom-era visual theme may lean toward the whitewall-oriented Coker Classic route. Someone aiming for a work-van or heavier-duty look may prefer the plainer blackwall STA approach, especially on truck-style applications. It is worth comparing not just the sidewall appearance but also the rim-width range and any load information attached to the specific tire, since those details can shape which product feels most appropriate for your van's mission.

1973 Ford Van tires can be used for highway driving when they are the correct size for the model, are in sound condition, and are maintained properly. All of the sizes here are bias-ply tires, so the road feel will be different from a modern radial, with more sensitivity to grooves, crosswinds, and steering inputs. No speed ratings are shown within these 1973 Ford Van tire offerings, so highway use should be approached with the vehicle's age, weight, suspension, and braking limitations very much in mind.

In practical terms, a healthy vintage van driven at sensible speeds is often limited more by its 1970s chassis and mechanical condition than by the idea of highway use itself. Fresh steering components, good shocks, proper alignment, and stable tire pressures matter just as much as the tires. If the van is new to you, treat the first longer drive as a shakedown and learn how it tracks and responds before expecting modern interstate behavior.

Inflation pressure for 1973 Ford Van tires depends on the exact size and the specific tire. Some load-and-pressure figures include 1400 pounds at 32 psi for one E78-14, 1450 pounds at 32 psi and 1550 pounds at 32 psi for 670-15 examples, 1620 pounds at 32 psi for G78-15, and 2045 pounds at 60 psi for one 800-16.5 application. Those figures are tire ratings, not a universal vehicle setting for every 1973 Ford Van.

The smartest approach is to start with the original vehicle guidance for your model and then compare it with the tire maker's rating for the exact product you are using. Do not transfer a pressure figure from one size to another or from an E-300 tire to an E-100 simply because both are on the same year and make page. Load carried, wheel type, and the specific tire construction all influence where the final pressure should land.

Before a longer drive in a 1973 Ford Van, inspect each tire for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the spare is usable. Confirm that the tires are the correct size for your model and that the wheel diameter matches the size on the van, especially if it is an E-200 or E-300. On older vans, a tire check should happen alongside a broader mechanical inspection that includes brakes, steering play, wheel bearings, and suspension condition.

Longer drives put sustained heat into old components, so small issues become bigger ones faster than they would on a modern vehicle. If the van has been sitting, take a short local run first and look for pull, vibration, or wandering before committing to highway miles. Bringing a pressure gauge, jack, and wheel tools that actually fit your vintage Ford setup is also wise, since roadside service equipment is not always ideal for older full-size vans.