1978 Plymouth Tire Fitment Guide

1978 Plymouth vehicles use 19 distinct tire sizes across seven model lines. Arrow applications use 165R13, 600-13, and 185/70R13; Fury uses 215R15, H78-15, F78-15, and G78-15; Horizon uses 155/80R13 and 165/75R13; Sapporo uses 195/70R14; Trailduster uses 700-15, H78-15, L78-15, E78-15, and G78-15; Volare uses D78-14, DR78-14, E78-14, ER78-14, F78-14, and FR78-14; Wagon uses 700-15, E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, L78-15, and 800-16.5. Rim diameters span 13, 14, 15, and 16.5 inches, so fitment is model-specific rather than year-make-wide.

That means a buyer should identify the exact Plymouth model before comparing brands or sidewall styles. A compact Arrow or Horizon works in a very different size family than a full-size Fury or a Trailduster, and the Wagon is especially important to verify because it includes both 15-inch and 16.5-inch applications. If your car still has its original wheels, confirm the wheel diameter first, then narrow the choice to the size family used on that model.

On a 1978 Plymouth, 600-13 is an older numeric bias-ply size used on the Arrow. The 600 portion is the nominal section-width designation used in the traditional bias-ply system, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It does not read like a modern metric radial size because it comes from an earlier sizing convention that stayed in use on some compact and economy applications well into the 1970s.

A 600-13 usually appeals to an owner who wants a more period-faithful presentation, especially when whitewall appearance matters. It should not be treated as interchangeable with the Arrow's radial sizes without checking the wheel and the intended look of the car. If your goal is authenticity, the numeric code itself is part of the period feel; if your goal is more contemporary road behavior, the Arrow's radial fitments may be the direction to explore.

No, 1978 Plymouth models do not use the same tire size. The lineup ranges from compact 13-inch radial and bias-ply fitments on Arrow and Horizon models to 14-inch Volare and Sapporo applications, multiple 15-inch Fury, Trailduster, and Wagon sizes, and one 16.5-inch Wagon application. Some models also use more than one sizing family, such as Volare, which spans both bias-ply and radial alphanumeric sizes on 14-inch rims.

That variation matters because year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire correctly. Plymouth's 1978 lineup was broad, and the difference between a Horizon hatchback and a Trailduster utility vehicle is reflected directly in tire diameter, construction type, and sidewall character. If the model name on the fender, title, or registration is in doubt, verify it before moving ahead with a size choice.

For a 1978 Plymouth Arrow, the real difference between 600-13 and 165R13 is construction and character more than simple wheel diameter, since both are 13-inch sizes. The 600-13 is a bias-ply fitment with narrow or wide whitewall options from BFGoodrich, while 165R13 is a radial blackwall fitment available from Michelin and Dunlop, including H-rated versions. Each gives the Arrow a different period expression.

Choose 600-13 when the project leans toward a traditional late-1970s small-car appearance and the older bias-ply feel is part of the goal. Choose 165R13 when you want a radial fitment that still suits the Arrow's era but carries a more modernized road-going personality. Since Arrow also uses 185/70R13 in some applications, confirm what wheel and stance your particular car is set up around before settling on either option.

1978 Plymouth tires are available in a wide spread of sidewall styles depending on size. Blackwall appears across many radial and utility-oriented bias-ply options, while narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and even redline appear in certain applications. Arrow sizes include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline; Horizon sizes include narrow and wide whitewall radials; full-size and utility 15-inch sizes such as H78-15, G78-15, 700-15, and L78-15 include combinations of blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; Volare's E78-14 and F78-14 also bring whitewall choices into the mix.

The right sidewall usually depends on how the car is being finished rather than on fitment alone. A blackwall often suits sportier or utility-minded builds, while whitewalls are more aligned with traditional late-1970s American sedan and wagon presentation. Redline is a much more specialized visual cue and works best when the rest of the build supports it. If show authenticity is important, compare the sidewall style to period photos of your exact model and trim.

Brands covering 1978 Plymouth applications include Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Avon, Travelstar, Maxxis, Tornel, Firestone, Coker Classic, and STA. The mix changes by size: 165R13 uses Michelin and Dunlop; 600-13 uses BFGoodrich; 185/70R13 uses BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop; H78-15 and G78-15 use Coker Classic and STA; 155/80R13 uses Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel; 195/70R14 uses Dunlop; 700-15 uses Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA; L78-15 uses Coker Classic and BFGoodrich; E78-14 uses Coker Classic and STA; F78-14 uses Coker Classic; and 800-16.5 uses STA.

That variety gives Plymouth owners room to prioritize sidewall appearance, construction style, or brand heritage within the correct size. It also means brand comparison only makes sense after the size is settled, because the Arrow's 13-inch radials and the Wagon's larger bias-ply utility sizes do not overlap in the same product families. Narrow the search by model and size first, then compare brand character within that fitment.

Rim width depends on the exact size used on the 1978 Plymouth model. Sizes with defined ranges include 165R13 at 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-13 at 4.00 to 4.50, 185/70R13 at 4.5 to 6.5, 155/80R13 at 4.00 to 5.50 depending on product, H78-15 at 5.50 to 7.00, G78-15 at 5.00 to 7.00, 700-15 at 5.00 to 5.50, L78-15 at 5.50 to 8.00, E78-14 at 4.50 to 7.00 or 5.0 to 6.0 depending on product, F78-14 at 5.00 to 7.00, and 800-16.5 at 6.00 to 6.50 inches.

Those ranges show why the wheel matters almost as much as the tire size itself. Two 15-inch tires may share diameter but not the same recommended rim-width spread, and some sizes also vary by brand or product family. Before mounting a new set, measure the actual wheel or verify its width through a wheel stamp, service manual, or marque specialist. That step is especially important on restored cars that may no longer wear their factory wheels.

Inner-tube requirements on 1978 Plymouth tires depend on the exact size and product. Some radial products, such as 165R13 Michelin versions, carry tubeless markings, and 155/80R13 examples also appear as tubeless-style radial products. E78-14 includes an STA Traxion version specifically marked tubeless. Other sizes do not consistently show a tube marking one way or the other, so tube status can vary by product rather than being assumed from the size code alone.

The wheel itself matters here too, especially on older rims with rivets, pitting, or design features that may influence whether a tubeless tire is practical. Confirm the sidewall marking on the exact tire you choose, then match that to the condition and design of the actual wheel. If you are restoring a low-use collector Plymouth and want to avoid setup mistakes, have the wheel inspected at the same time you choose the tire.

Original 1978 Plymouth wheels can only be used with the tire sizes that match that model's wheel diameter and acceptable rim-width range. Plymouth used 13-, 14-, 15-, and 16.5-inch applications in 1978, so an original Arrow wheel cannot take Fury or Wagon 15-inch tires, and a 15-inch Wagon wheel cannot accept the Wagon's 800-16.5 size. Even within the same diameter, some sizes call for different rim-width ranges.

That means originality of the wheel is helpful, but not enough by itself. Many collector cars have had wheel swaps during their lives, and late-1970s wagons and utility vehicles were especially prone to changes for appearance or utility use. Verify the wheel diameter stamped on the rim, then compare its width to the acceptable range for the tire size you intend to run. Doing that check first prevents the most common setup mismatch.

A 1978 Plymouth should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires protected from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, and other ozone sources. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid prolonged contact with damp concrete, and move the vehicle periodically if possible. Bias-ply tires, which appear on many Fury, Trailduster, Volare, and Wagon sizes, tend to flat-spot more readily during long static storage than radial tires.

If the car will sit for months, many collectors either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces constant load on one patch of tread. That matters even more on heavier full-size and utility Plymouth models. Storage care does not just preserve the tread; it also helps protect the sidewalls and the way the car feels when it returns to the road. A little prevention saves a lot of grief on the first spring drive.

Tires on a 1978 Plymouth should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector vehicles often cover so few miles that the tread still looks healthy long after the tire has begun aging internally. A sensible rule is to evaluate the tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat roughly ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, regardless of remaining tread depth.

Check the DOT date code on modern production tires and combine that with a visual inspection of the sidewalls, tread blocks, and bead area. A low-mileage Fury or Volare that lives indoors can still age out, while an outdoor-stored Trailduster may show cracking sooner from heat and ozone exposure. If the age is borderline and the car is used for longer drives, err on the side of caution rather than stretching the service life.

Tires on a 1978 Plymouth should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing at road speed. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded debris, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure between uses. On sizes and products that may involve tube-type service, valve stems and any tube-related hardware deserve the same level of attention as the casing itself.

A quick walk-around catches more problems than many owners expect, especially on cars that spend long periods parked. Late-1970s collector vehicles often go from sitting still to sustained highway use with little warm-up in between, which makes pre-drive inspection even more important. If the car has been stored for a season, check inflation with a gauge, not by eye, and look closely at the spare as well as the four road tires.

For a 1978 Plymouth Arrow, the era-correct answer depends on the exact application, but the size family itself gives the clue. Arrow fitments span 600-13 in bias-ply form and radial sizes such as 165R13 and 185/70R13, reflecting a late-1970s transition period when imported compact cars could appear with either older domestic-style sizing or more modern radial conventions. Bias-ply was still familiar in the market, while radial sizing was increasingly common by this point.

If authenticity matters, start with the size shown on the car's original paperwork, placard, or surviving period literature for that exact version of the Arrow. Then match the construction and sidewall style to the way the car would have been delivered in its market and trim level. Since details could vary, a Plymouth or Arrow marque community can help confirm whether your car should lean toward the numeric bias-ply look or the radial metric look.

Correct tire fitment matters quite a bit when showing a 1978 Plymouth, especially in restoration classes. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the size family, construction type, sidewall treatment, and overall profile look appropriate for the year and model. A Volare on an obviously wrong radial size, a Fury wearing an off-character sidewall treatment, or a Wagon using the wrong wheel diameter can stand out even to casual observers.

The standard is not the same for every event, so the target should match the kind of showing you plan to do. A local cruise night may reward overall presentation, while marque judging may pay closer attention to whether a bias-ply, alphanumeric radial, or metric radial choice fits the car's original personality. If the car is being built for serious competition, compare your tire decision against club guidance and period photos before finalizing it.

In H78-15 for a 1978 Plymouth, Coker Classic and STA serve slightly different visual and functional roles. Coker Classic appears in wide whitewall form with a maximum load capacity of 1,770 pounds at 32 psi, while STA Traxion appears as a blackwall bias-ply with a maximum load capacity of 1,830 pounds at 45 psi. Both fit the same 15-inch diameter and share a 5.50 to 7.00-inch rim-width range, but they project different personalities.

A buyer restoring a full-size Fury or a Wagon with a more formal period presentation may naturally gravitate toward the Coker Classic whitewall look. A Trailduster or more utility-focused build may lean toward the STA blackwall casing and heavier-duty character. Neither choice changes the need to stay within the H78-15 fitment itself, but the sidewall treatment and load figure can help decide which tire better matches the way the Plymouth is being finished and used.

1978 Plymouth tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is chosen, the tire is in sound condition, and the speed capability matches the way the vehicle will be used. Several radial sizes carry explicit speed ratings, including H at 130 mph, T at 118 mph, and V at 149 mph, depending on the product and size. Many bias-ply sizes here do not show a modern speed letter, so they should be treated in the more conservative manner appropriate to vintage tire construction and the era of the vehicle.

In normal collector-car use, the mechanical condition of the Plymouth often matters as much as the tire itself. A late-1970s sedan, wagon, or truck-based utility vehicle may reach highway speeds comfortably, but brakes, suspension wear, steering condition, and alignment all shape road safety. Match the tire to realistic cruising use, keep the pressures correct, and do not assume that a reproduction or vintage-style tire should be driven the same way as a modern high-speed passenger tire.

Inflation pressure on 1978 Plymouth tires depends on the exact size and product. Examples with published maximum load and pressure figures include 600-13 at 1,010 pounds at 32 psi, 185/70R13 at 1,135 pounds at 35 psi, H78-15 at 1,770 pounds at 32 psi or 1,830 pounds at 45 psi depending on product, G78-15 at 1,620 pounds at 32 psi, 700-15 at 1,700 pounds at 32 psi, L78-15 at 1,970 pounds at 32 psi, E78-14 up to 1,710 pounds at 60 psi on one heavy-duty version, F78-14 at 1,500 pounds at 32 psi, and 800-16.5 at 2,045 pounds at 60 psi.

Those figures are tire ratings, not automatic vehicle settings. The correct running pressure for your Plymouth should be checked against the factory recommendation for the specific model and the tire maker's guidance for that exact product. Do not copy a pressure from one size to another just because both are used on 1978 Plymouth vehicles. The right pressure depends on the tire, the wheel, and the weight and purpose of the model carrying it.

Before a longer drive in a 1978 Plymouth, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and pressure loss, and check the valve stems and spare at the same time. If the car uses a bias-ply or heavier-duty utility tire, pay close attention to any flat-spotting or aging from storage. Also make sure tread depth is even across the axle and that there is no evidence of rubbing that could point to alignment or suspension issues.

That tire check should be part of a broader pre-trip inspection suited to a late-1970s collector vehicle. Brakes, steering play, wheel bearings, shocks, and fluid condition can influence how well the tires perform once the trip begins. A Fury or Volare heading out on the interstate and a Trailduster or Wagon carrying more load each place different demands on the chassis, so prepare the whole vehicle accordingly rather than focusing on the tires alone.