By 1982, Plymouth Trucks reflected the compact pickup era that grew from practical imports and badge-engineered utility models, giving buyers a light-duty truck with car-like size and everyday usefulness. The 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup sits in that transitional period when many small trucks could still be found with either traditional bias-ply sizing or newer metric radial fitments. For 1982 Plymouth Trucks, one model uses two 14-inch tire sizes, and the real choice is less about model differences than about whether you want a period-style 6.00-14 bias-ply or a 185R14 radial. Before choosing a tire, confirm your Arrow Pickup's current wheel setup and decide whether originality or more modern road manners matters more.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1982 Plymouth Trucks
Two tire sizes are available for 1982 Plymouth Trucks, and both apply to the Arrow Pickup rather than being split across different models. Because both sizes mount on 14-inch wheels, the main decision is construction choice: a traditional bias-ply size for an earlier look and feel, or a metric radial for more contemporary road behavior. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the truck and the way you use it.
Year(s): 1982|Fit(s): Arrow Pickup|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
6.00-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 6.00 designation refers to nominal section width in inches and the 14 indicates a 14-inch rim. It is a model-specific size for the Arrow Pickup and represents the traditional fitment path within the 1982 Plymouth Trucks range. Buyers usually choose this size when they want the period character and visual profile associated with bias-ply construction on a compact pickup of this era.
Year(s): 1982|Fit(s): Arrow Pickup|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185R14 is a euro-metric radial size with a nominal section width of 185 millimeters, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter; when no aspect ratio is shown in this format, it conventionally indicates an 80-series profile. This Arrow Pickup size is available from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in blackwall and narrow whitewall versions, and tube status and speed markings vary by product, with H-rated versions carrying a 130 mph ceiling. Buyers who want a more modern radial driving feel or a wider choice of sidewall appearance generally gravitate to 185R14.
Because both sizes use a 14-inch rim, either can often be run on the same wheels after confirming the specific wheel width against the tire's approved rim-width range.
1982 Plymouth Trucks Models
One model is covered for 1982 Plymouth Trucks. Fitment choice does not vary by model in this case, but it does vary by tire type, since the Arrow Pickup can be equipped with either a bias-ply 6.00-14 or a radial 185R14 on 14-inch wheels. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup
The Arrow Pickup was Plymouth's compact truck offering, derived from the small imported pickup formula that became increasingly popular for light-duty work and personal use in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its tires mount on 14-inch rims, and the available fitments reflect the era's overlap between older inch-based bias-ply sizing and newer metric radial sizing.
Four products are available across two tire sizes for 1982 Plymouth Trucks vehicles. The 185R14 radial comes from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles. Confirm your preferred size and construction first, since tube markings and speed ratings can vary between 185R14 products.
These FAQs cover the key choices for 1982 Plymouth Trucks owners, including the difference between 6.00-14 bias-ply and 185R14 radial fitments, 14-inch wheel compatibility, sidewall appearance options, and storage and inspection practices for a lightly used collector pickup.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1982 Plymouth Trucks vehicles?
1982 Plymouth Trucks vehicles use two tire sizes: 6.00-14 and 185R14. Both sizes apply to the 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup, and both mount on 14-inch rims. The radial 185R14 has approved rim-width ranges that run from 4.00 to 6.50 inches depending on the specific tire, with some versions calling for 4.5 to 6.5 inches or 4.5 to 6.0 inches.
That means a 1982 Plymouth Trucks buyer does not need to sort between multiple model fitments, but does need to decide whether the truck should wear an older-style bias-ply size or a metric radial. Verifying the actual wheel width is especially important before choosing a 185R14, since different radial products are approved for slightly different rim-width ranges.
What does 6.00-14 mean on a 1982 Plymouth Trucks tire?
On a 1982 Plymouth Trucks tire, 6.00-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.00 figure refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 14 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system commonly associated with bias-ply tires and fits the 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup's 14-inch wheels.
A buyer looking at 6.00-14 is usually considering an earlier visual style and the road feel that comes with bias-ply construction. It is a sensible route for a truck being restored to an era-correct appearance, but the choice should still be matched to the wheel and to how the Arrow Pickup will actually be driven.
What does 185R14 mean on a 1982 Plymouth Trucks tire?
On a 1982 Plymouth Trucks tire, 185R14 is a euro-metric radial size. The 185 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 14 is the rim diameter in inches. In this older metric format, the absence of a printed aspect ratio conventionally points to an 80-series profile.
That makes 185R14 the more modern-feeling of the two fitments available for the 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup. It also opens up blackwall and narrow whitewall choices, along with H-rated versions from some brands, so it often appeals to owners who want a classic-looking truck that will spend more time on regular roads.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 6.00-14 or the 185R14 for my 1982 Plymouth Trucks?
The core difference for a 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup is construction type. The 6.00-14 is a bias-ply size, while the 185R14 is a radial size, and both fit 14-inch wheels. That means the decision is usually about the character you want from the truck rather than about one model needing one size and another model needing a different one.
Owners pursuing a more period-style presentation often lean toward the 6.00-14, while owners who expect more regular road use often prefer the 185R14 radial. Either way, confirm the wheel width and the truck's current setup first, especially if the wheels may have been changed at some point during the Arrow Pickup's life.
What sidewall styles are available for 1982 Plymouth Trucks tires?
For 1982 Plymouth Trucks in 185R14, sidewall styles include blackwall and narrow whitewall. Michelin offers both blackwall and narrow whitewall versions, Phoenix offers a narrow whitewall, and Vredestein offers a blackwall. The 6.00-14 bias-ply fitment is part of the year's size range, but the sidewall variation shown here centers on the radial 185R14 choices.
A blackwall usually suits an everyday compact pickup appearance, especially on a truck intended to look factory-clean and understated. A narrow whitewall can add a more customized or dressed-up look, so the right choice depends on whether your 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup is being restored, lightly personalized, or simply fitted to match its current style.
What brands make tires for 1982 Plymouth Trucks vehicles?
The 185R14 fitment for 1982 Plymouth Trucks is available from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein. Michelin appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall versions, Phoenix offers a narrow whitewall radial, and Vredestein offers the Sprint Classic in blackwall form. Those options give the Arrow Pickup a mix of traditional-looking and more European-flavored classic radial choices.
Brand choice often comes down to the look you want on the truck and the details that matter to you, such as sidewall treatment, weight, and H speed rating where applicable. Once you have settled on 185R14 versus 6.00-14, comparing the individual tire's sidewall style and approved wheel-width range is usually the most useful next step.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1982 Plymouth Trucks tires require?
For 1982 Plymouth Trucks fitted with 185R14 radials, approved rim widths depend on the specific tire. Michelin's blackwall 185R14 fits rims from 4.00 to 6.50 inches, Michelin's narrow whitewall 185HR14 fits 4.5 to 6.5 inches, and Vredestein's 185HR14 fits 4.5 to 6.0 inches. All of those tires use a 14-inch rim diameter.
That spread is close, but not identical, so the exact wheel on your 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup matters. Measure the wheel or confirm its width before committing to a radial product, especially if the truck has aftermarket wheels or wheels carried over from an earlier repair or restoration.
Do 1982 Plymouth Trucks tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements for 1982 Plymouth Trucks vary by size and by product. The 185R14 radial category includes clearly tubeless versions such as Michelin's 185R14 90H TL and 185HR14 90H TL, while other 185R14 products do not use the same marking. That means the safe approach is to check the exact sidewall marking on the tire you plan to use rather than assuming every 185R14 is identical.
For an Arrow Pickup owner, the practical takeaway is simple: match the tube decision to the exact tire and wheel combination, not just the nominal size. Wheel condition also matters, so a restorer or tire installer should inspect the wheel itself before deciding whether tube-type or tubeless service is appropriate.
Can the original 1982 Plymouth Trucks wheels be used with both tire sizes?
Yes, both 6.00-14 and 185R14 for 1982 Plymouth Trucks use a 14-inch rim diameter, so they share the same wheel diameter requirement. The point that still needs confirmation is wheel width, because radial 185R14 products have specific approved rim-width ranges and those ranges are not identical from one tire to another.
That makes original wheels a plausible home for either size, but not automatically for every radial version without checking. If your 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup still has its factory wheels, confirm their width and condition before moving from a bias-ply style fitment to a radial, especially when originality and drivability are both part of the goal.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1982 Plymouth Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires out of direct sunlight, maintain proper inflation, and move the truck occasionally so one spot of the tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are generally more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than radials.
If the truck will sit for an extended period, many owners reduce stress on the tires with stands placed correctly under the chassis or suspension, while still supporting the vehicle safely. Clean, stable storage conditions help preserve both the sidewalls and the overall ride quality when the Arrow Pickup goes back on the road.
How long do tires on a 1982 Plymouth Trucks typically last?
Tires on a 1982 Plymouth Trucks usually age out before they wear out, especially on a collector or lightly used pickup. A sensible rule is to begin paying close attention around the five- to seven-year mark and to treat ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best way to establish age.
That timing matters because an Arrow Pickup may spend long stretches parked, and storage conditions can speed or slow aging far more than mileage alone. A truck that looks fine at a glance can still have hardened rubber or early cracking, so age should be part of your maintenance planning even if the odometer barely moves.
How often should tires on a 1982 Plymouth Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 1982 Plymouth Trucks should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and inspect the valve stems at the same time. If your Arrow Pickup uses a tube-type setup, the condition of the tube and the sealing surfaces also deserves periodic attention during service.
Frequent inspection is especially important on an older compact pickup because a tire problem may show up after long storage rather than after heavy mileage. Catching a weak stem, a drying sidewall, or a slowly losing tire before departure is one of the simplest ways to make an occasional-use 1982 Plymouth Trucks safer and more dependable.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup?
The 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup falls into the period when compact trucks could be found with either older bias-ply sizing or newer radial metric sizing, and the fitments here reflect exactly that overlap with 6.00-14 and 185R14. Radials were becoming widely established by the early 1980s, while bias-ply sizing still appeared in replacement and period-style fitment discussions for vehicles of this type.
For a strict restoration, size, construction, and sidewall appearance all matter, and market-specific details can affect what is considered correct. If the goal is maximum historical accuracy for a particular truck, trim, or delivery market, it is wise to compare the truck's surviving labels and literature and consult Arrow Pickup specialists or marque clubs before finalizing the tire choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1982 Plymouth Trucks?
Yes, correct tire fitment can matter when a 1982 Plymouth Trucks is judged, especially if the event emphasizes factory-correct presentation. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often pay attention to tire size, construction type, and sidewall appearance because those details affect stance and authenticity. A modern-looking radial or an unexpected sidewall treatment can stand out on a truck being presented as highly original.
That does not mean every Arrow Pickup must wear the same style of tire for every event. It does mean you should match the tire to the standard being used, whether that is preservation, restored stock, or a tasteful period-style driver, and verify the event's expectations with the sponsoring club before the truck is judged.
What is the difference between the Michelin MXV and Vredestein Sprint Classic for the 1982 Plymouth Trucks?
For 1982 Plymouth Trucks in 185R14, Michelin MXV and Vredestein Sprint Classic are both radial options, but they differ in details. Michelin appears as both a blackwall 185R14 90H and a narrow whitewall 185HR14 90H, with approved rim-width ranges of 4.00 to 6.50 inches or 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on version. Vredestein Sprint Classic appears as a blackwall 185HR14 with a 4.5 to 6.0 inch approved rim-width range and a maximum load of 1,323 pounds at 51 psi.
The practical choice comes down to appearance and wheel compatibility. A 1982 Plymouth Trucks owner who wants a narrow whitewall has a Michelin path, while an owner with a wheel near the narrower part of the approved range may find one tire's fit window suits the truck better than another's after measuring the actual rim.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1982 Plymouth Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
1982 Plymouth Trucks tires can be suitable for highway use when the correct size, condition, inflation, and wheel match are all in place. Among the 185R14 radial options, H-rated versions are present, and H corresponds to a 130 mph speed ceiling. In real use, the Arrow Pickup's age, braking system, suspension condition, and overall mechanical state are usually more relevant than the tire's published speed ceiling at ordinary highway speeds.
The important point is to treat the tire as one part of the whole vehicle. An older compact truck with fresh, properly matched tires and sound mechanicals is very different from one with aged rubber or deferred maintenance, so highway confidence starts with condition and setup rather than with the speed symbol alone.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1982 Plymouth Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure for 1982 Plymouth Trucks should be matched to the exact tire size and tire model you are using. Among the 185R14 radials, Phoenix carries a maximum load of 1,323 pounds at 35 psi, while Vredestein carries 1,323 pounds at 51 psi. Those figures are tire-specific load-and-pressure limits, not a universal operating pressure for every 185R14 or for the 6.00-14 bias-ply size.
Use the truck's factory literature as your starting point for recommended running pressure, then confirm that choice against the tire maker's guidance for the exact product. Never transfer one pressure figure from a different tire model or from a different size, because the safe operating range depends on both construction and the tire's intended load carrying characteristics.
What should I check before taking a 1982 Plymouth Trucks on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1982 Plymouth Trucks Arrow Pickup, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Check the valve stems, make sure the spare is usable, and verify that the tires are seated correctly on the wheels. If your setup uses tubes, stem condition and any sign of leakage deserve extra attention.
A longer trip in an older compact pickup should also include a broader mechanical once-over, since tire readiness is only part of the equation. Wheel bearings, brakes, steering components, lights, and fluid levels all matter on a vehicle of this age, so the best pre-trip routine treats the tires as one key checkpoint within a complete roadworthiness inspection.