The 1973 Nissan lineup captured a moment when the company was building everything from economical small cars to sporty coupes and compact pickups for a changing U.S. market. In the same model year, 1973 Nissan stretched from the tidy 1200 and PL sedans to the 240 and work-oriented trucks, and tire sizing followed those different roles closely. Across seven models, eight tire sizes appear, with some models offering a choice between period-style bias-ply sizing and later radial sizing while others use a single model-specific fitment. The first step with 1973 Nissan tires is to confirm your exact model, then decide whether you want the character of original-style construction or a radial fitment that matches regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1973 Nissan
Eight tire sizes are used across the 1973 Nissan range, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the entire make. The real decision starts with identifying your model and wheel diameter first, then deciding between bias-ply and radial construction where both styles were used within the same model family. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right car or truck.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 1200|Construction: Radial|Rim: 12-in rim
155R12 is a radial metric size with a 155-millimeter section width and a 12-inch rim diameter, following the older Euro-metric convention that typically implies an 80-series profile. This size is specific to the Nissan 1200 rather than the full 1973 Nissan range. It is a radial fitment, making it the right direction for an owner focused on a road-friendly driving feel in a compact early-1970s economy car.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 1200|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12-in rim
6.00-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 denotes nominal section width and 12 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the Nissan 1200 and represents the earlier bias-ply style used on small cars of the period. It suits an owner who wants the original-style construction and appearance associated with a stock restoration rather than a radial conversion.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 240|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
175R14 is a radial metric size with a 175-millimeter section width on a 14-inch rim, using the older Euro-metric format that conventionally reads as an 80-series profile. Michelin and Vredestein offer this size in blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product with H-rated versions carrying a 130 mph ceiling alongside products that do not show a speed letter in the size marking. As the 14-inch radial fitment for the 1973 Nissan 240, it fits buyers aiming to preserve the car's sporting European-style tire character without moving into a bias-ply alternative.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): Lil Hustler, Pickup|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185R14 is a radial metric size with a 185-millimeter section width and a 14-inch rim diameter, again using the classic Euro-metric format that typically implies an 80-series profile. Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein offer it in both blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, with tubeless markings appearing on some products and speed ratings varying by product between H-rated versions at 130 mph and others without a shown speed letter. This size is specific to the Nissan Lil Hustler and Nissan Pickup, and it makes the most sense for owners who want a radial 14-inch option for regular road use on those compact trucks.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): Lil Hustler, PL620, Pickup|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 specific to the Nissan Lil Hustler, PL620, and Pickup rather than universal across 1973 Nissan models. It is the traditional choice for owners who want the period-style look and operating character associated with factory-era light-truck fitments.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): PL510, PL610|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a radial metric size with a 165-millimeter section width on a 13-inch rim, using the older Euro-metric convention that generally implies an 80-series profile. Michelin and Dunlop offer this size in blackwall form, with tubeless markings appearing on some products and H-rated versions carrying a 130 mph ceiling alongside products without a shown tube-type marker. This size is specific to the Nissan PL510 and PL610, and it is the natural pick for owners who want a radial setup on the 13-inch wheels used by those sedans.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): PL510|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 represents nominal section width and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. BFGoodrich and Firestone offer it with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, giving the size a strong period-correct visual range. As a PL510-specific bias-ply fitment, it is best suited to a restoration that prioritizes original-era appearance and construction on a 13-inch wheel.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): PL610|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13-in rim
6.45-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.45 identifying nominal section width and 13 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the Nissan PL610 and represents the period bias-ply alternative to the model's radial 13-inch fitment. It fits an owner who is preserving the stock-era look and driving character of a mid-size early-1970s Nissan sedan.
Seven 1973 Nissan models are covered here, spanning small passenger cars, sporty coupes, and compact trucks. Tire size does vary by model, and several models also bridge the transition from bias-ply to radial construction, so year and make alone are not enough to choose the right tire. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the sizes that apply to that specific 1973 Nissan.
1973 Nissan 1200
The 1973 Nissan 1200 was a light, economical small car sold for efficiency and simplicity, and it reflects the era when many imports were moving from bias-ply to radial tires. Its tires mount on 12-inch wheels, with one radial and one bias-ply size associated with the model. Buyers usually choose between original-style presentation and a more modern roadgoing feel rather than between different wheel diameters.
The 1973 Nissan 240 carried Nissan's sporting image in the U.S., with a reputation for nimble handling and a more enthusiast-oriented personality than the economy sedans. Its tire fitment mounts on 14-inch wheels and centers on a single radial size. That makes model identification straightforward, while still leaving room to choose among tire brands with a classic blackwall appearance.
The 1973 Nissan Lil Hustler was part of Nissan's compact truck family, aimed at light-duty utility with small dimensions and easy maneuverability. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the model appears with both a radial and a bias-ply size depending on the look and setup you want. That gives owners a choice between an original-style truck presentation and a radial alternative on the same basic wheel diameter.
The 1973 Nissan PL510 followed one of Nissan's most respected small-sedan nameplates, known for practical packaging and a strong enthusiast following. Its tire fitments mount on 13-inch wheels, with both radial and bias-ply choices tied to the model. Owners restoring one for a stock appearance often focus on the bias-ply look, while drivers who use the car more regularly often gravitate toward the radial option.
The 1973 Nissan PL610 was a larger, more upscale sedan than the 1200 and PL510, representing Nissan's move into a broader passenger-car range for American buyers. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and the model uses one radial and one bias-ply size depending on the kind of restoration or driving character desired. The wheel diameter stays the same, but the construction choice changes the personality of the car.
The 1973 Nissan PL620 was a compact pickup developed for utility first, with straightforward mechanicals and a durable work-truck image. Its tire fitment mounts on 14-inch wheels and uses a single bias-ply size. That makes it a simpler model to identify, especially for owners preserving an original truck stance and appearance.
The 1973 Nissan Pickup sits in the same compact-truck world as the Lil Hustler, balancing utility, economy, and the tidy proportions that made imported pickups popular in the 1970s. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the model appears with both radial and bias-ply sizes. That gives owners flexibility to keep a stock-era truck feel or move toward a radial setup for more routine driving.
Thirteen products are available across four tire sizes for 1973 Nissan vehicles. The 175R14 comes in 3 radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Vredestein; 185R14 has 4 radial options from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in blackwall and narrow whitewall; 165R13 includes 3 radial blackwalls from Michelin and Dunlop; 560-13 offers 3 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and Firestone in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. Confirm your size and construction preference first, since tube markings and speed ratings can vary between products.
These answers sort out the model-by-model size differences found across 1973 Nissan cars and trucks, along with the bias-ply versus radial decision, available sidewall styles, setup details, and the care vintage tires need on vehicles that may spend long periods parked.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1973 Nissan vehicles?
1973 Nissan vehicles use eight sizes across seven models: 155R12 and 6.00-12 for the 1200, 175R14 for the 240, 185R14 and 6.00-14 for the Lil Hustler, 165R13 and 560-13 for the PL510, 165R13 and 6.45-13 for the PL610, 6.00-14 for the PL620, and 185R14 plus 6.00-14 for the Pickup. Rim diameters vary by model family, with 12-inch, 13-inch, and 14-inch applications all present in the 1973 Nissan range.
That means a year-and-make search is only the starting point. Before choosing a tire, identify the exact model and confirm whether you are working with a 12-, 13-, or 14-inch wheel, then decide whether your goal is an original-style bias-ply setup or a radial fitment where both constructions were used. On sizes with product coverage, rim-width ranges also vary by tire, so wheel measurements should be checked against the actual tire you plan to use.
What does 560-13 mean on a 1973 Nissan tire?
On a 1973 Nissan, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Within the 1973 Nissan range, 560-13 belongs to the PL510 and represents the older American-style sizing convention that predates modern metric radial markings.
A buyer seeing 560-13 should think of it as a restoration-oriented 13-inch fitment rather than a modern metric equivalent printed in another way. That matters because 560-13 products also carry period sidewall treatments such as narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, which can change the finished look of a PL510 considerably. If visual authenticity is important, compare the sidewall treatment as carefully as the size itself.
What does 155R12 or 175R14 mean on a 1973 Nissan tire?
On a 1973 Nissan, sizes such as 155R12, 165R13, 175R14, and 185R14 are older Euro-metric radial sizes. The first number is section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the last number is wheel diameter in inches. When no aspect ratio is printed in this older format, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile.
That makes these sizes easier for modern buyers to interpret than the older numeric bias-ply codes, but they still need to be matched to the correct model and wheel diameter. A 155R12 belongs to the 1200, a 175R14 to the 240, a 165R13 to the PL510 and PL610, and a 185R14 to the Lil Hustler and Pickup. The metric code tells you both construction and wheel size in one glance, which is helpful when sorting mixed collections of old wheels and parts.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the radial size or the bias-ply size for my 1973 Nissan?
Many 1973 Nissan models sit right at the point where bias-ply and radial fitments overlap. The 1200 pairs 155R12 with 6.00-12, the Lil Hustler and Pickup pair 185R14 with 6.00-14, the PL510 pairs 165R13 with 560-13, and the PL610 pairs 165R13 with 6.45-13. The radial choice suits owners who want a later-style driving feel for regular road use, while the bias-ply choice aligns more closely with original-era appearance and behavior.
The best choice depends on what you are building. A restored car headed for shows or a period-correct presentation usually points toward the bias-ply size, especially when whitewall styling is part of the final look. A driver that will see more casual miles generally benefits from staying with the radial size that belongs to that same model family. Keep the decision tied to your exact model, since 12-inch, 13-inch, and 14-inch applications are all present across 1973 Nissan vehicles.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Nissan tires?
Sidewall style depends heavily on the size used by your 1973 Nissan. The radial 175R14 and 165R13 offerings are blackwall only, while 185R14 comes in both blackwall and narrow whitewall form. The bias-ply 560-13 brings the widest visual spread, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions available, which gives PL510 owners a more period-styled appearance than the blackwall radial alternatives.
For an early-1970s Nissan, blackwall is generally the safest visual direction when the goal is a factory-like import-car appearance, especially on the 240 and the PL sedans. Whitewalls can still make sense, but they create a more stylized look and should be chosen intentionally rather than by default. If the car is being restored for show judging, consult a marque expert or period photos to make sure the sidewall treatment matches the market and presentation you are aiming for.
What brands make tires for 1973 Nissan vehicles?
Several brands cover 1973 Nissan applications. Michelin and Vredestein serve the 175R14 used on the 240, Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein cover the 185R14 used on the Lil Hustler and Pickup, Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 used on the PL510 and PL610, and BFGoodrich plus Firestone cover the 560-13 used on the PL510. Brand availability is tied to size, so the right question is usually which brands fit your model's size rather than which brand fits every 1973 Nissan.
That size-specific brand spread is useful because it lets the car's role guide the choice. Sporting passenger-car sizes such as 165R13 and 175R14 lean toward blackwall radial offerings from established European-oriented names, while the 560-13 bias-ply fitment leans into traditional American-style whitewall presentation. Once you have the exact size confirmed, compare the available brands by sidewall style, speed marking, and wheel-width compatibility instead of assuming a brand carried in one Nissan application also covers the rest.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1973 Nissan tires require?
Rim-width guidance is available for several 1973 Nissan sizes and it varies by tire. The 175R14 radial fits rims from 4.50 to 6.00 inches wide, depending on the product. The 185R14 radial spans 4.00 to 6.50 inches across the available products, the 165R13 radial spans 4.50 to 6.00 inches where a width is stated, and the 560-13 bias-ply ranges from 3.50 to 4.50 inches depending on brand and sidewall treatment.
Those ranges show why wheel measurement matters before ordering, especially on older vehicles that may no longer wear their original rims. A tire can share the correct diameter with your wheel and still be a poor match if the rim width falls outside the approved range for that particular product. Measure the wheel you actually have, then compare it to the range for the exact tire rather than relying on the size code alone.
Do 1973 Nissan tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements depend on the exact 1973 Nissan size and product. The 175R14, 185R14, and 165R13 radial ranges include products marked TL, which indicates tubeless construction, but not every product in those sizes shows the same marking. The 560-13 bias-ply products do not show a TL marking, so tube use should be confirmed against the specific tire and the wheel being used.
That means tube decisions should never be made by size alone. Older original wheels, especially if they have corrosion, riveted construction, or other age-related issues, may influence whether a tubeless tire is practical even when the tire itself carries a tubeless marking. Check the sidewall of the exact tire, inspect the wheel condition, and use fresh valve stems or tubes as appropriate so the full assembly matches both the tire and the wheel.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1973 Nissan when the tires are fitted?
A 1973 Nissan should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the vehicle periodically so one contact patch is not carrying the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires on 1973 Nissan models are more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than radial tires.
If the car or truck will sit for a long season, many collectors either reposition it regularly or support it in a way that reduces sustained weight on the tires. That approach is especially helpful on older bias-ply applications such as 560-13, 6.00-12, 6.00-14, and 6.45-13. Storage habits do not just preserve tread life; they preserve sidewall appearance, roundness, and the quality of the first drive when the vehicle goes back on the road.
How long do tires on a 1973 Nissan typically last?
On a collector-driven 1973 Nissan, tire age usually matters more than mileage. A sensible rule is to start evaluating the tires closely once they reach about five to seven years old and to treat around ten years from the DOT date code as a serious replacement point even if tread remains. That age-based approach applies to both radial and bias-ply tires because collector vehicles often see low annual miles but long periods of time parked.
The practical takeaway is to inspect the sidewalls and date codes rather than assuming a good-looking tread pattern means the tire is still roadworthy. Heat cycles, ozone exposure, and storage conditions can age a tire long before it wears out. If the 1973 Nissan has spent years indoors but infrequently used, the tires may still need replacement based on age alone, especially before any sustained highway or touring use.
How often should tires on a 1973 Nissan be inspected?
Tires on a 1973 Nissan should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, embedded debris, irregular wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the tread and shoulders are wearing evenly. On products that use tubes or where tube use is being considered, valve stems and the condition of the wheel itself deserve the same attention as the tire casing.
Frequent inspection is especially important on vintage cars and compact trucks because they may sit for weeks between drives and then be asked to run at steady speed for extended periods. Catching a crack, split valve stem, or slow leak in the garage is much easier than dealing with it on the roadside. Build the tire check into the broader pre-drive routine along with fluids, brakes, and lights so the vehicle is ready as a whole.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1973 Nissan 1200?
The 1973 Nissan 1200 is associated with both 6.00-12 bias-ply and 155R12 radial sizing, which reflects the early-1970s transition period when small imported cars could appear with either original-style bias-ply construction or radial fitments depending on market and specification. For restoration purposes, bias-ply construction is the earlier traditional type, while the radial size reflects the era's growing shift toward modernized road manners.
If your goal is strict originality, use the tire size and construction that matches the car's surviving placards, sales literature, or marque-club guidance for your market version. That step matters because import models in this period could vary by country, trim, or running change even within the same model year. Avoid assuming a 1200 should wear the same construction simply because another 1973 Nissan did; this page is a strong starting point, but authenticity work always benefits from marque-specific confirmation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1973 Nissan?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when a 1973 Nissan is judged for originality. Size, construction type, rim diameter, and sidewall style all influence whether the car or truck looks and presents as period-correct. A modern radial on a vehicle restored to factory bias-ply standards, or an eye-catching whitewall on a model that more commonly appeared with blackwalls, can stand out immediately even before a judge looks deeper.
The level of scrutiny depends on the event. Local shows may be relaxed, while marque-driven or concours-style judging often rewards details that match the model's era and intended market. That is why the right question is not only whether a tire fits, but whether it fits the restoration story you are telling. Before finalizing the tire choice, compare the construction and sidewall style against period photos, club guidance, and any surviving factory literature for your specific model.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Michelin XAS-FF for the 1973 Nissan?
For the 1973 Nissan applications that use 165R13, both Michelin XAS and Michelin XAS-FF are radial blackwall tires in 165HR13 sizing with the same 13-inch rim diameter and the same stated 4.50 to 6.00 inch rim-width range. Both also carry an H speed rating, which corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling. The main distinction is the series itself rather than a major published difference in fitment dimensions.
That means the choice between those two tires is usually about product preference within the same basic fitment envelope rather than solving a size problem. If you are restoring a PL510 or PL610 and want a radial 13-inch tire, either series keeps you in the correct dimensional neighborhood. The smarter next step is to compare the exact sidewall branding, tread presentation, and how closely each tire supports the look you want for the finished car.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1973 Nissan tires safe for highway driving?
1973 Nissan tires can be suitable for highway driving when the tire's condition, construction, and speed rating all match the way the vehicle will be used. Among the radial sizes with speed markings, the 165R13, 175R14, and 185R14 ranges include H-rated products, and H corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling. That speed capability is well beyond normal U.S. highway use, although some products in those same sizes do not show a speed letter and should be evaluated on their own sidewall markings.
The bigger question on a 1973 Nissan is often the rest of the vehicle rather than the tire alone. Brakes, suspension condition, alignment, wheel integrity, and age-related mechanical wear all influence how comfortable and safe the car or truck feels at sustained speed. Before any highway trip, make sure the tire age and inflation are right, then treat the vehicle as a complete vintage system rather than assuming a fresh tire by itself solves every road-use concern.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1973 Nissan tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1973 Nissan should be set by the vehicle's factory recommendation for the model and by the specific tire's own limits, not by copying one pressure number across all sizes. Some available tires do show load-and-pressure figures: 560-13 carries 850 pounds at 30 psi, 185R14 reaches 1,323 pounds at either 35 psi or 51 psi depending on the product, and one 175R14 shows 1,235 pounds at 51 psi. Those are product ratings, not universal inflation targets for every 1973 Nissan.
Use the owner's manual, placard, or trusted marque reference to establish the vehicle's intended running pressure, then make sure that value falls within the capability of the tire you choose. This matters especially on 1973 Nissan vehicles because the lineup spans light cars and compact trucks, and their weight distribution and load expectations are not the same. Pressure should support the actual vehicle, the actual tire, and the actual use instead of being generalized across the entire make.
What should I check before taking a 1973 Nissan on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1973 Nissan, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and correct cold inflation. Verify that each wheel is sound, that valve stems are in good condition, and that any tube-type or tube-equipped setup is holding pressure properly. The spare deserves the same attention as the road tires, since many vintage cars and trucks still carry an old but unused tire that has aged out.
A longer trip is also the right time for a broader age-appropriate mechanical check. Look at brakes, fluid levels, belts, hoses, lights, and charging condition so the tires are not the only part of the car or truck ready for the road. On a mixed-use 1973 Nissan lineup that includes sporty cars and working pickups, trip preparation should match the model's role, but the tire check remains the same: condition first, pressure second, and spare readiness always.
