1979 Plymouth Tire Fitment Guide

1979 Plymouth vehicles use a wide spread of sizes depending on the model. Arrow applications include 165R13, 600-13, 6.00-14, and 185R14; Champ uses 155R13, 175/70R13, and 6.15-13; Horizon uses 155/80R13, 165/75R13, and 175/75R13; Sapporo uses 195/70R14; Trailduster uses FR78-15, HR78-15, LR78-15, 700-15, and L78-15; Volare uses D78-14 and DR78-14; Volare Wagon uses ER78-14; and Wagon uses ER78-15, FR78-15, GR78-15, HR78-15, LR78-15, L78-15, J78-15, H78-15, 8.75R16.5, 800-16.5, and 875-16.5.

Those sizes span 13-, 14-, 15-, and 16.5-inch wheel diameters, so year and make alone are not enough. Some sizes also have confirmed rim-width ranges: 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50, 185R14 fits roughly 4.00 to 6.50, 700-15 fits 5.00 to 5.50, L78-15 fits 5.50 to 8.00, J78-15 and H78-15 fit 5.50 to 7.00, and 800-16.5 fits 6.00 to 6.50. Check the actual wheel diameter and the existing sidewall marking before choosing a replacement.

On a 1979 Plymouth, 700-15 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 700 portion is the nominal section-width designation in older sizing practice, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this Plymouth range, 700-15 appears on the Trailduster and is offered as a bias-ply tire from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA, with blackwall and wide whitewall versions available.

That size belongs to an older American tire-language system, so it should not be treated as interchangeable with a modern metric size just because the wheel diameter matches. It also carries a narrower confirmed rim-width range of 5.00 to 5.50 inches than some other 15-inch Plymouth applications. If your Trailduster already wears 700-15 tires, staying with that size preserves the intended look and keeps the wheel match straightforward.

No. 1979 Plymouth covers compact imported cars, a front-drive hatchback, intermediate passenger cars, a sport-utility, and larger wagon applications, and the tire sizes change accordingly. Even when two models share a size family, they do not share the full menu. Trailduster and Wagon overlap in FR78-15, HR78-15, LR78-15, and L78-15, but the Wagon also reaches into ER78-15, GR78-15, J78-15, H78-15, and 16.5-inch truck-style sizes.

That means the first fitment question is always, “Which 1979 Plymouth model do I have?” not simply “Which year is it?” Arrow, Champ, and Volare can also present both bias-ply and radial possibilities under the same model family, so reading the existing sidewall and confirming wheel diameter before ordering will save a lot of guesswork.

For a 1979 Plymouth Volare, the difference between D78-14 and DR78-14 is mainly construction. D78-14 is a bias-ply size, while DR78-14 is an alphanumeric radial on the same 14-inch wheel diameter. The bias-ply route is typically chosen for a more period-authentic late-1970s presentation, while the radial route keeps the Volare within an era-correct radial format that many drivers prefer for regular road use.

The right choice depends on what you want the car to be. A restoration focused on visual authenticity usually leans bias-ply, especially if the rest of the car is being kept in factory-style form. A driver that sees more casual road miles often benefits from staying with the radial family that matches the DR78-14 sidewall code. Confirm the actual size that belongs on your Volare before using construction as the tie-breaker.

Sidewall choices for 1979 Plymouth tires range from blackwall to narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and even dual white stripe, depending on the size. Compact radial sizes such as 165R13, 155R13, 175/70R13, and 195/70R14 are blackwall only, while 155/80R13 adds narrow and wide whitewall options. Among larger domestic sizes, 700-15 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall, L78-15 in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, J78-15 in narrow whitewall and dual-white-stripe, and H78-15 in blackwall and wide whitewall.

The best sidewall style depends on the model and the look you want to preserve. Imported compact Plymouths from 1979 generally look most natural on blackwall metric radials, while domestic wagons, intermediates, and utility applications can make good visual use of whitewalls or stripe treatments. If originality matters for a show car, compare the sidewall style to period photos, factory literature, or marque-club guidance before making the final call.

1979 Plymouth tire coverage includes Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Phoenix, Vredestein, Avon, Travelstar, Maxxis, Tornel, Firestone, Coker Classic, and STA. The brand mix changes by size: 165R13 is available from Michelin and Dunlop, 185R14 from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein, 155/80R13 from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, 700-15 from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA, and L78-15 from Coker Classic and BFGoodrich.

That variety is useful because it lets a 1979 Plymouth owner choose not just a size, but also a presentation. Some brands concentrate on blackwall metric radials, while others offer the whitewall and stripe styles that matter on larger domestic cars and wagons. Start with the exact size your Plymouth uses, then compare brands within that size for sidewall appearance, construction type, and any stated load or speed information.

Rim-width guidance depends on the exact 1979 Plymouth size. Confirmed ranges include 165R13 at 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-13 at 4.00 to 4.50, 185R14 at roughly 4.00 to 6.50 depending on product, 155R13 at 4.00 to 5.50, 175/70R13 at 4.5 to 6.0, 155/80R13 at 4.00 to 5.50 or 4.50 to 5.50 depending on brand, LR78-15 and L78-15 at 5.50 to 8.00, 700-15 at 5.00 to 5.50, J78-15 and H78-15 at 5.50 to 7.00, and 800-16.5 at 6.00 to 6.50.

That range matters because two tires with the same wheel diameter may still want different wheel widths. It is especially important on 15-inch Plymouth wagons and Traildusters, where letter-series sizes cover a broad span, and on compact Arrow or Champ applications that can straddle both 13- and 14-inch wheels. Measure the wheel if needed and match both diameter and width range before settling on a tire.

Some 1979 Plymouth sizes clearly appear in tubeless form, while others should be treated more cautiously. Metric radials such as 165R13, 185R14, and 155R13 include products marked TL, which indicates tubeless construction on those individual tires. Many bias-ply and older alphanumeric sizes do not carry a tube marking in the sidewall code here, so tube use should be confirmed against the specific tire and the wheel type rather than assumed from size alone.

The practical point is to check the exact product marking and the wheel condition together. A tubeless tire can still require special attention if it is being mounted on an older wheel that was never intended for tubeless service or has corrosion where the bead seals. When working with vintage Plymouth wheels, especially larger wagon or utility applications, many owners also ask their installer to inspect the valve stem area and bead seats carefully before mounting.

No, because 1979 Plymouth sizes do not all share the same wheel diameter. The range includes 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16.5-inch applications, and those are not interchangeable with one another. Even within the same diameter, some tires require different rim-width ranges, such as 700-15 at 5.00 to 5.50 inches versus L78-15 at 5.50 to 8.00 inches.

Original wheels can absolutely still be used when they match the tire's diameter and approved width range, but the wheel has to be verified first. This is especially important on Arrow models that can appear with both 13- and 14-inch sizes, and on Wagon applications that may use either 15-inch passenger-style sizes or 16.5-inch heavy-duty tires. Read the wheel and tire together rather than relying on model name alone.

A stored 1979 Plymouth should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, or anything else that creates ozone. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the vehicle periodically so one section of tread and sidewall does not carry the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are generally more prone to flat-spotting during static storage than radials, so larger wagon, Trailduster, or restoration applications deserve extra attention if the car sits for long stretches.

For longer off-season storage, many collectors either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces continuous load without leaving the suspension hanging unnaturally. A tire cover helps if the car must sit where light reaches it. Good storage habits matter just as much as mileage on a late-1970s Plymouth, because age, ozone, and heat are often what shorten tire life on collector vehicles.

On a 1979 Plymouth, tire age matters more than miles for most collector use. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach about five to seven years from their date code, and to treat around ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if the tread still looks healthy. That applies to compact metric radials, bias-ply whitewalls, and heavier-duty wagon tires alike.

Collector Plymouths often accumulate very low mileage, which can make old tires seem better than they are. Sidewall cracking, hardening rubber, persistent vibration, or air loss are stronger warning signs than tread depth alone. Check the DOT date code if present, compare all five tires if the spare is original to the set, and remember that a thirty-minute highway run can reveal age-related weakness that short local trips never exposed.

Tires on a 1979 Plymouth should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, weathering, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure. On older wheels and vintage-style tires, a quick inspection of the valve stems and bead area is just as important, especially if the car sits for extended periods between drives.

A brief walk-around can prevent the most common collector-car tire problems from turning into roadside failures. If your Plymouth uses a bias-ply size, pay attention to vibration or temporary flat spotting after storage. If it uses an older utility or truck-style size on a wagon or Trailduster, inspect for age-related separation and make sure the spare is still serviceable. The best habit is simple: inspect first, then drive.

A 1979 Plymouth Arrow could be associated with both bias-ply and radial sizing depending on the exact application, with 165R13 and 185R14 representing radial formats and 600-13 and 6.00-14 representing bias-ply formats. By 1979, radial tires were already well established in imported compact cars, while bias-ply sizes still appeared in the replacement world and on certain trim or wheel combinations. The key point is that the original fitment direction should be confirmed by the sidewall code on the car, factory literature, or a marque specialist rather than guessed from the model name alone.

If your Arrow is being restored for factory-style presentation, matching the original size format matters as much as matching the wheel diameter. A metric radial and a numeric bias-ply can both look plausible at a glance, yet they send the car in very different visual and driving directions. Owners aiming for judging-level accuracy should compare surviving tires, window-sticker paperwork, or Arrow-specific enthusiast references before making a final decision.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1979 Plymouth because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size family, construction type, and sidewall style. A Volare restored with a bias-ply look but fitted with an obviously modern metric radial can stand out as incorrect, and the reverse can also be true on models that commonly used radial sizing. Sidewall treatment matters too, especially on wagons and larger domestic applications where narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, blackwall, or dual stripes meaningfully change the period impression.

The right target depends on the event. Some local shows are more flexible, while marque-specific judging can be stricter about whether a car should wear a numeric bias-ply, an alphanumeric radial, or a certain sidewall presentation. If your 1979 Plymouth is being judged for originality, consult model-specific club standards and period sales material before choosing a tire simply because it shares the right wheel diameter.

For a 1979 Plymouth using L78-15, Coker Classic and BFGoodrich both offer bias-ply construction with the same 1,970-pound load rating at 32 psi and the same 5.50 to 8.00-inch rim-width range. The main difference is presentation. Coker Classic appears in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, while BFGoodrich offers a narrow whitewall version in this size. Product weight is also very close, generally around 30 to 31 pounds.

That makes the decision largely an appearance question rather than a fitment one, provided your Plymouth actually uses L78-15. A wagon or Trailduster owner chasing a broad whitewall look may lean one way, while a narrower stripe or blackwall preference may point another direction. Because both occupy the same size and load class, the sidewall style is often what determines which one looks most authentic on the finished vehicle.

They can be, provided the tires are in good condition, properly matched to the wheel, and used within their construction and speed limits. Several 1979 Plymouth radial sizes carry explicit speed ratings, including H at 130 mph on 165R13, 185R14, 155R13, and 175/70R13, T at 118 mph on some 155/80R13 products, and V at 149 mph on 195/70R14. Many bias-ply sizes in the larger Plymouth range do not carry a modern speed letter here, so they should be treated as vintage-style tires intended for era-appropriate use rather than modern high-speed expectations.

In real-world driving, the condition of the entire vehicle often matters more than the tire's rated ceiling. A 1979 Plymouth with original-style brakes, suspension, steering, or alignment may reach its practical comfort limit before the tire does. For longer highway use, choose the correct size, inspect for age and damage, and keep speeds appropriate to both the tire type and the mechanical condition of the vehicle.

Inflation pressure on a 1979 Plymouth should follow the vehicle's factory recommendation first, then be checked against the tire's own rated load-and-pressure information where that is given. Examples include 600-13 at 1,010 pounds at 32 psi, 700-15 at 1,700 pounds at 32 psi, L78-15 at 1,970 pounds at 32 psi, J78-15 at 1,860 pounds at 32 psi, H78-15 at either 1,770 pounds at 32 psi or 1,830 pounds at 45 psi depending on product, and 800-16.5 at 2,045 pounds at 60 psi on one application. Those numbers should never be transferred casually from one size to another.

The important distinction is that maximum sidewall pressure is not automatically the same as the correct operating pressure for your Plymouth. A compact Horizon on 155/80R13 and a heavy wagon on 800-16.5 live in very different worlds. Use the owner's manual or door-jamb guidance when available, then confirm that the chosen tire can safely support the vehicle at that pressure range. If the car has been modified or carries unusual loads, reassess accordingly.

Before a longer drive in a 1979 Plymouth, inspect every tire for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation, uneven wear, and correct cold pressure. Check valve stems, confirm that all lug nuts are properly tightened, and inspect the spare as carefully as the four road tires. On models running older bias-ply or heavy-duty wagon tires, pay extra attention to age and any signs of prolonged storage damage.

Tires are only one part of the trip-prep routine on a late-1970s Plymouth. A sound cooling system, healthy belts and hoses, good wheel bearings, proper brake operation, and a stable alignment all work together with the tires. If the car has been sitting, take a short local drive first to feel for vibration, pull, or thumping before committing to a highway run. That quick shakedown often catches problems early.