By 1980, Nissan had firmly established its compact pickups as practical, durable trucks with growing appeal beyond pure work duty. The [YEAR] [MAKE] lineup in this case centers on the 720, a model that bridged utility, everyday drivability, and the increasingly international shift from traditional bias-ply sizing to radial fitments. For [YEAR] [MAKE], one model uses three different tire sizes, and the real choice is not just size but also whether you want a period-style bias-ply look or a radial better aligned with modern road manners. Before narrowing down products, confirm whether your truck is set up for 14-inch or 15-inch wheels and whether originality or regular driving is the priority.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1980 Nissan Trucks
Three tire sizes are available for 1980 Nissan Trucks, and all of them apply to the 720 rather than being split across multiple models. The key decision is first confirming whether your truck has 14-inch or 15-inch wheels, then deciding between bias-ply construction for a more period-style presentation or radial construction for more modern road manners. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the truck’s actual setup.
Year(s): 1980|Fit(s): 720|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
700-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number represents nominal section width and the 14 identifies a 14-inch wheel. It is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall and narrow whitewall form, with a 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim width range and a load rating of 1360 pounds at 32 psi. This size suits a 720 owner who wants a traditional bias-ply appearance on a 14-inch wheel with a classic light-truck look.
Year(s): 1980|Fit(s): 720|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
G78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size, with the letter-and-number code indicating the tire’s size class and the 15 identifying a 15-inch wheel. It is available from Coker Classic and STA in wide whitewall and blackwall styles; Coker Classic carries a 1620-pound load rating at 32 psi and fits 5.00 to 7.00 inch rims, while STA Super Traxion brings a more truck-oriented blackwall character. This is the bias-ply choice for 720 trucks running 15-inch wheels, so it is specific to that wheel setup rather than a universal fit across every 720.
Year(s): 1980|Fit(s): 720|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 185 indicating section width in millimeters, an implied 80-series profile by convention, and 14 identifying a 14-inch wheel. It is available from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles; tube status and speed marking vary by product, with Michelin and Vredestein carrying H-rated versions up to 130 mph and Michelin marked TL on certain fitments. This size makes sense for a 720 owner who wants a radial on a 14-inch wheel with a more modern driving feel than a period-style bias-ply.
One model is covered for this year and make. Even with a single model, tire size still matters because the 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 appears with both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel-based fitments and with both bias-ply and radial choices. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1980 Nissan Trucks 720
The 720 was Nissan’s compact pickup for the early 1980s, known for blending small-truck utility with the everyday usability that helped imported pickups gain a wider American following. On this model, tire choice depends on whether the truck is set up with 14-inch or 15-inch wheels, with both bias-ply and radial options appearing across the available fitments.
Nine products are available across three tire sizes for 1980 Nissan Trucks vehicles. 700-14 includes two BFGoodrich bias-ply choices in blackwall or narrow whitewall, G78-15 includes three Coker Classic and STA bias-ply options in wide whitewall or blackwall, and 185R14 includes four radial choices from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in blackwall or narrow whitewall. Confirm wheel diameter first, then check each product’s tube marking and speed rating where those details vary.
These FAQs cover how 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 tire sizes differ between 14-inch and 15-inch wheel setups, when bias-ply or radial construction makes sense, and what to check for sidewall style, tubes, storage, and highway use on a collector-era compact pickup.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1980 Nissan Trucks vehicles?
1980 Nissan Trucks 720 models use three sizes: 700-14, G78-15, and 185R14. The 700-14 and 185R14 both mount on 14-inch wheels, while G78-15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel. Where rim width guidance appears, 700-14 fits 5.00 to 5.50 inch rims, G78-15 fits 5.00 to 7.00 inch rims, and 185R14 appears on rims ranging from 4.00 to 6.50 inches depending on the specific product.
That means the first thing to confirm on a 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 is wheel diameter, because a 14-inch tire and a 15-inch tire are not interchangeable. Once wheel size is confirmed, the remaining choice is usually between a period-style bias-ply look and a radial fitment that better reflects later driving expectations for a compact pickup.
What does 700-14 mean on a 1980 Nissan Trucks tire?
On a 1980 Nissan Trucks tire, 700-14 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 700 designates the tire’s nominal section width in the older inch-based system, and the 14 indicates a 14-inch wheel diameter. In this application, 700-14 appears as a bias-ply fitment with blackwall and narrow whitewall versions.
That older numeric format is common on vehicles from the bias-ply era and on reproduction tires meant to preserve a vintage look. If your 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 has 14-inch wheels and you want a more traditional appearance, 700-14 is the fitment to compare against the radial 185R14 before making a final choice.
What does 185R14 mean on a 1980 Nissan Trucks tire?
On a 1980 Nissan Trucks tire, 185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 185 is the section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. When no aspect ratio is written in this older Euro-metric style, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile.
That makes 185R14 the more modern-format choice among 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 fitments. It is still a 14-inch tire, so it competes directly with 700-14 only when the truck has 14-inch wheels, but the construction and driving character are different enough that buyers should decide on wheel diameter and intended use before selecting a product.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 700-14, G78-15, or 185R14 for my 1980 Nissan Trucks?
For a 1980 Nissan Trucks 720, the right choice starts with wheel diameter. If the truck has 14-inch wheels, the comparison is between 700-14 bias-ply and 185R14 radial. If it has 15-inch wheels, G78-15 is the applicable size. The bias-ply options keep a more traditional period presentation, while the radial option aligns more closely with later everyday driving expectations.
A restored truck built around original-style appearance often leans toward the bias-ply choices, especially if the wheel setup is part of the truck’s factory-era look. A 720 that sees more regular road use may point you toward 185R14 if it is already on 14-inch wheels. The important step is not to treat these three sizes as interchangeable just because they all appear within the same year and model.
What sidewall styles are available for 1980 Nissan Trucks tires?
1980 Nissan Trucks tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles depending on size. The 700-14 appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall, G78-15 appears in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 185R14 appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall. That gives the 720 owner room to tune the look of the truck without changing the basic fitment category.
For most compact pickups of this era, blackwall is the most workmanlike and broadly appropriate visual choice, especially on regular-driver trucks. Whitewall styles create a more stylized or custom presentation and can also suit a period restoration depending on the truck’s trim, market, and intended look. If authenticity matters, compare the sidewall style to period photos or marque-club references before deciding.
What brands make tires for 1980 Nissan Trucks vehicles?
1980 Nissan Trucks fitments are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, STA, Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein. BFGoodrich covers 700-14, Coker Classic and STA cover G78-15, and Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein cover 185R14. Those brand choices span both reproduction-style bias-ply offerings and radial options in the 14-inch size.
That brand spread matters because the choice is not only about name recognition but also about construction, sidewall style, and intended presentation. A buyer comparing tires for a 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 should first narrow the search by wheel diameter, then compare brands within that size for the look and specification details that best match the truck’s role.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1980 Nissan Trucks tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1980 Nissan Trucks varies by size. The 700-14 fits 5.00 to 5.50 inch rims, G78-15 fits 5.00 to 7.00 inch rims, and 185R14 spans from 4.00 to 6.50 inches depending on the specific radial product. Michelin and Vredestein 185R14 products appear around 4.5 to 6.5 or 4.5 to 6.0 inches, while one Michelin fitment starts as narrow as 4.00 inches.
That range is why wheel diameter alone is not enough when choosing a tire for a 1980 Nissan Trucks 720. A truck may have the correct 14-inch or 15-inch wheel and still need a product that suits the actual wheel width. Measure the wheel or confirm its specification before final selection, especially if the truck has replacement or custom wheels.
Do 1980 Nissan Trucks tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements for 1980 Nissan Trucks tires depend on the specific size and product. The 185R14 radial category includes Michelin versions marked TL, meaning tubeless, while other products in the same size do not all carry the same marking. The bias-ply 700-14 and G78-15 products here are not uniformly marked in a way that supports one blanket tube rule for every version.
The practical move is to check the sidewall marking on the exact tire you intend to use and compare it with the wheel design on your 1980 Nissan Trucks 720. Tube use can be influenced by both tire construction and wheel type, so treat the product marking and the wheel’s condition as a matched decision instead of assuming all tires in the same size follow one rule.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1980 Nissan Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 1980 Nissan Trucks should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid long-term contact with damp surfaces, and move the truck periodically if possible. Bias-ply tires are generally more prone to flat-spotting during storage than radials, so that matters if your 720 sits for long periods.
If the truck will remain parked for an extended season, rolling it occasionally or using stands to reduce constant load can help preserve tire shape. Storage habits affect appearance as much as function on a collector-era pickup, so protecting the sidewalls from sunlight and ozone is especially important if your 1980 Nissan Trucks runs whitewall or vintage-style bias-ply tires.
How long do tires on a 1980 Nissan Trucks typically last?
On a 1980 Nissan Trucks, tire life is usually judged more by age than by miles, especially on low-use collector or hobby trucks. A good rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.
A 720 that is driven occasionally can still age out its tires long before wearing them out. Sidewall cracking, hardening, vibration, and long storage periods all matter as much as tread depth. If a tire on your 1980 Nissan Trucks looks old but still appears usable, age and condition should still guide the decision rather than mileage alone.
How often should tires on a 1980 Nissan Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 1980 Nissan Trucks should be inspected before every drive and given a more thorough check before any longer outing. Look for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, visible cords, and signs that the tire is losing pressure. If your 720 uses a tube-type setup, pay close attention to valve stems and any slow air loss that could point to tube or stem issues rather than tread damage.
Regular inspection matters because an older truck can spend weeks or months parked between drives, and problems often develop during storage rather than on the road. A quick walkaround before using your 1980 Nissan Trucks can catch age-related issues early and help you avoid discovering a weakened sidewall or underinflated spare when you are already headed out.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1980 Nissan Trucks 720?
A 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 sits in a transition period when both bias-ply and radial fitments could be encountered, and the fitments here reflect that with 700-14 and G78-15 bias-ply sizes alongside 185R14 radial. That means original-style fitment depends heavily on the truck’s wheel size, market specification, and how the individual truck was configured. No single brand should be assumed as universal original equipment for every 720.
For a restoration, start with the truck’s existing wheel diameter and period literature, then compare that with factory brochures, sales material, or marque-club references. If the goal is strict factory accuracy on a 1980 Nissan Trucks 720, construction type, sidewall style, and wheel diameter all matter, and a Nissan truck specialist can help confirm the most appropriate combination for your truck.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1980 Nissan Trucks?
Correct tire fitment does matter when a 1980 Nissan Trucks is judged for originality. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire size matches the wheel diameter, whether the construction is era-appropriate, and whether the sidewall style suits the truck’s original presentation. A radial on a truck judged to factory-bias standards, or an incorrect whitewall treatment, can stand out quickly.
That does not mean every 720 must use the same tire for every event or owner goal. A truck built for touring may prioritize different qualities than one prepared for show judging. If authenticity is your focus, use your event’s judging rules and Nissan truck community references to decide whether 700-14, G78-15, or 185R14 best supports the kind of 1980 Nissan Trucks restoration you are building.
What is the difference between Michelin MXV and Vredestein Sprint Classic for the 1980 Nissan Trucks?
For a 1980 Nissan Trucks 720 in 185R14, Michelin MXV and Vredestein Sprint Classic are both radial options, but their details differ. Michelin appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall forms and uses rim width ranges from 4.00 to 6.50 inches depending on version. Vredestein Sprint Classic appears as a blackwall 185HR14 with a 4.5 to 6.0 inch rim width range and a stated load figure of 1,323 pounds at 51 psi.
The choice between them usually comes down to appearance and wheel compatibility rather than simple brand preference. A buyer restoring a 1980 Nissan Trucks may favor the sidewall look that best matches the truck, while a buyer with a known wheel width may narrow the field by rim-range fit first. Compare the exact wheel width and preferred sidewall treatment before deciding.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1980 Nissan Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
1980 Nissan Trucks tires can be suitable for highway use when the tire is in good condition, properly inflated, and matched to the truck’s wheel setup. The 185R14 radial options include H-rated versions, which carry a 130 mph ceiling, while the bias-ply sizes here do not show equivalent speed markings in the same way. On an older compact pickup, the truck’s brakes, suspension, alignment, and overall mechanical condition are often more limiting than the tire’s theoretical top-speed rating.
That makes condition and application more important than chasing a high speed symbol on paper. A 720 used for normal road driving should have sound tires, correct pressure, and no age-related cracking before any highway trip. If your 1980 Nissan Trucks still runs bias-ply tires, expect a more vintage driving feel and build your cruising speed around the truck’s overall condition.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1980 Nissan Trucks tires?
Pressure guidance on 1980 Nissan Trucks tires depends on the exact size and product. The 700-14 BFGoodrich fitment carries a load figure of 1360 pounds at 32 psi, G78-15 Coker Classic carries 1620 pounds at 32 psi, Phoenix 185R14 carries 1323 pounds at 35 psi, and one Vredestein 185HR14 carries 1,323 pounds at 51 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not a universal pressure setting for every 720.
Use the truck’s factory recommendation as your baseline when originality and stock loading are the goal, then compare that with the tire maker’s rated guidance for the exact product you choose. Do not transfer a pressure number from one size to another on a 1980 Nissan Trucks, because the 14-inch bias-ply, 15-inch bias-ply, and 14-inch radial options do not share the same construction or pressure relationship.
What should I check before taking a 1980 Nissan Trucks on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1980 Nissan Trucks on a longer drive, inspect all five tires including the spare for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Check valve stems closely, especially if the truck uses a tube-type arrangement, and make sure the spare can still hold air. Confirm lug tightness, look over the wheels for damage, and make sure the tire size on the truck matches the wheel diameter actually installed.
Tire checks are only one part of preparing an older pickup for distance. A longer trip in a 1980 Nissan Trucks also deserves a quick review of brakes, cooling system, steering, and lights, because a sound tire cannot compensate for neglected mechanical systems. Starting with the tires, though, is smart because age-related rubber problems are among the easiest issues to spot before you leave home.
