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Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall | 520-13

Expected Delivery - November 11, 2026

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520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire

Get period-correct looks with Austin Healey tires from the popular Firestone line of classic tires. These Firestone 520-13 tires are excellent fitments for late fifties and sixties Austin-Healey Sprite models. Firestone Bias Ply 5.20-13 Blackwall tires are also a good fitment for several Ford, Lotus and Nash vehicles that require a 13-inch tire. These tires are hand-crafted in the USA in original molds using modern materials. Coker Tire Company is the world's leading supplier of collector tires and wheels.

Blackwall Tire

Since the introduction of carbon black rocked the tire industry, the original recipe for most tires has been a solid black sidewall. For classics and collector cars alike, it's hard to beat the no-nonsense appeal of a classic blackwall style tire. British sports car, classic truck and even hot rod enthusiasts love the way a nice period correct blackwall tire looks on their vehicles.

Bias Ply Construction

Bias ply tire construction is a method that was used from the 1900's through the 1970's on passenger cars and light trucks. Bias ply tires feature ply cords that run at a 45 degree angle to the bead, and overlap in a crisscross pattern, depending on how many ply layers are used. This creates a strong tire, but bias ply tires have a tendency to follow breaks or ruts in the pavement. Bias ply tires are the most authentic choice for classic car restorations and traditional hot rod builds. Coker Tire offers a huge variety of bias ply tires for many applications.

Firestone Dragster Cheater Tires

Firestone Dragster tires are bias ply cheater slicks that have just enough tread to be DOT approved. These retro styled cheater slicks are available in black sidewall and wide whitewall, and available in four sizes to fit 15 or 16 inch wheels.

Firestone Tires for Collector Vehicles

The vintage line of Firestone tires fits a wide range of cars, trucks and motorcycles built from the 1900's through the 1970's. Firestone Non Skid tires, Firestone Deluxe Champion tires, Firestone Wide Oval tires and many more famous styles and sizes are available to fit military vehicles, motorcycles and classic commercial trucks. With whitewalls, redlines, raised white letters and other classic sidewall styles, this product line is one of the most extensive and popular brands for classic cars.

Please Note

  • Tire mounted on wheel for demonstration purposes only. Wheel and other accessories are not included. Please note that dimensions listed (tread width, section width and overall diameter) are non-scientific and based on an inflated tire, mounted to a wheel. Dimensions may vary due to rim width and inflation pressure. Please note Chemical Guys Tire and Rubber Cleaner and Adams Polish Tire shine has been linked to Whitewall browning and should not be used. We recommend using our line of tire care products.
SPECIFICATIONS
SKU 5065390
Weight 15.000000
GTIN 00842199102642
Availability Date 2023-04-01T00:00:00Z
Sidewall Style Blackwall
Tire Construction Bias Ply
Construction Ply 4 PLY POLY
Tire Series Firestone Classic Bias Ply
Rim Diameter 13 inch
Tube Type or Tubeless Tubeless
Product Size 520-13
Tread Depth (32nds) 12
Tread Width (IN) 3.80
Width Bias Ply 5.20
Brand Firestone
Max Load Capacity (LBS) 770@32 psi
Section Width (IN) 5.50
Rim Width (in) 3.5
Overall Diameter (IN) 23.10

This Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall comes in the 520-13 size, suitable for the classic and collector vehicles listed below.

About the 520-13 Tire Size

The 520-13 is a vintage tire size associated with a wide range of small-displacement import and compact vehicle applications spanning 1952 through 1971. This Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall is offered in the 520-13 size, making it relevant for buyers looking at period-style bias ply fitments with the siped upper sidewall appearance called out in the product name. For more detailed information on this tire size, explore the 520-13 tire on Coker Tire Fitment Guide.

520-13 Tire Size Alternatives

Alternative TypeTire SizeMore InformationProducts
Modern Radial Equivalent155R13155R13 Tire Fitment Guide155R13 Products for Sale
Modern Radial EquivalentP155/75R13P155/75R13 Tire Fitment GuideP155/75R13 Products for Sale
Modern Radial EquivalentP155/70R13P155/70R13 Tire Fitment GuideP155/70R13 Products for Sale

Vehicle Fitment for the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall | 520-13

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall | 520-13 is available in a tire size associated with a range of classic and collector vehicles. The vehicle applications below are organized by year, make, and model to help identify vehicles associated with the 520-13 size. Explore the linked Make & Model and Year Make & Model pages for more detailed fitment information.

Fitment information should be verified for the specific vehicle before purchase. Confirm tire size, wheel fit, load requirements, overall diameter, and available clearance.

1951–19555 makes · 11 fitments

The 1951–1955 period includes 520-13 applications across Austin, Standard, Ford, Metropolitan, and Nash. These early fitments center on small-car applications associated with this tire size.

Austin

Austin applications in this period include the A 30.

Standard

Standard applications in this period include the Eight.

Ford

Ford applications in this period include the Anglia and Prefect.

Metropolitan

Metropolitan fitment in this period is represented by the 1500.

Nash

Nash fitment in this period is represented by the Metropolitan.

1956–196010 makes · 39 fitments

The 1956–1960 period covers a broad mix of 520-13 applications spanning Austin, Ford, Metropolitan, Nash, Standard, Rambler, Austin-Healey, Fairthorpe, Lloyd, and Triumph. This range shows how widely the size was associated with compact vehicle applications in the late 1950s and 1960 model year.

Austin

Austin applications in this period include the A 30, A 35, and A 40.

Ford

Ford applications in this period include the Anglia, Prefect, Escort,, and Escort, Squire & Thames.

Metropolitan

Metropolitan fitment in this period is represented by the 1500.

Nash

Nash fitment in this period is represented by the Metropolitan.

Standard

Standard applications in this period include the Eight.

Rambler

Rambler fitment in this period is represented by the Nash.

Austin-Healey

Austin-Healey fitment in this period is represented by the Sprite.

Fairthorpe

Fairthorpe fitment in this period is represented by the Atomota.

Lloyd

Lloyd fitment in this period is represented by the Arabella.

Triumph

Triumph applications in this period include the Herald and Sedan.

1961–196511 makes · 45 fitments

The 1961–1965 period includes a broad range of 520-13 applications across Austin, Austin-Healey, Ford, Lloyd, MG, Metropolitan, Triumph, Lotus, Riley, DAF, and a growing mix of small sports and compact models. These applications continue the strong association of the 520-13 size with compact vehicle fitments through the mid-1960s.

Austin

Austin fitment in this period is represented by the A 40.

Austin-Healey

Austin-Healey fitment in this period is represented by the Sprite.

Ford

Ford applications in this period include the Anglia, Escort, Squire & Thames, Consul, and Escort,.

Lloyd

Lloyd fitment in this period is represented by the Arabella.

MG

MG fitment in this period is represented by the Midget.

Metropolitan

Metropolitan fitment in this period is represented by the 1500.

Triumph

Triumph applications in this period include the Herald and Sedan.

Lotus

Lotus applications in this period include the Seven and Elan.

Riley

Riley fitment in this period is represented by the ELF.

DAF

DAF fitment in this period is represented by the Daffodil.

1966–19709 makes · 25 fitments

The 1966–1970 period includes 520-13 applications across Austin, Austin-Healey, DAF, Lotus, MG, Simca, and Fiat, with continued small sports-car and compact-car coverage. These later applications show the size extending into select late-1960s and 1970 model-year vehicles.

Austin

Austin fitment in this period is represented by the A 40.

Austin-Healey

Austin-Healey fitment in this period is represented by the Sprite.

DAF

DAF fitment in this period is represented by the Daffodil.

Lotus

Lotus applications in this period include the Elan, Seven, and Europa.

MG

MG fitment in this period is represented by the Midget.

Simca

Simca applications in this period include the 1118 and 1204.

Fiat

Fiat fitment in this period is represented by the 850.

1971–19751 make · 1 fitment

The 1971–1975 period includes a select 520-13 application from Fiat. This range is limited to a single listed fitment associated with the size.

Fiat

Fiat fitment in this period is represented by the 850.

Frequently Asked Questions

Purchase Considerations â–¼

Is the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire suitable for extended highway driving? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire is intended for classic vehicle applications where period-correct construction and driving characteristics are important. Its bias ply design produces different road behavior from modern radials, including differences in tracking and steering response.

For longer highway trips, owners should pay particular attention to tire pressure, tire condition, vehicle alignment, and suspension condition. The available specifications do not provide a highway-specific speed rating, so verify that the tire's published ratings and your vehicle's requirements are appropriate for the intended use.

Will the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire be a noticeable change if my vehicle currently uses radial tires? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire can represent a noticeable change for a vehicle currently equipped with radial tires. Its bias ply construction has different sidewall flexibility and tread movement, which can change steering response, road tracking, cornering feel, and overall feedback through the vehicle.

The tire is more closely aligned with a traditional classic-vehicle driving experience. Before purchasing, consider whether maintaining period-style construction is more important for your application than retaining the handling characteristics associated with modern radial tires.

Is the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire appropriate for a restoration where original-style specifications matter? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire features traditional bias ply construction and a classic blackwall appearance, making it relevant for restorations where original-style specifications and period-correct looks matter.

Before purchasing, compare the tire's dimensions and wheel requirements with the specifications of your particular vehicle. Its listed 23.10-inch overall diameter, 5.50-inch section width, and recommended rim width of approximately 3.5 to 4 inches should be considered as part of the complete restoration setup. Period-correct appearance alone does not guarantee fitment.

Should I choose the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire if my vehicle will be driven infrequently? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire can suit a classic vehicle used primarily for occasional cruising or collector purposes, provided it matches the vehicle's specifications and intended use.

Infrequent driving does not eliminate the need to monitor tire condition. Vehicles parked for extended periods require attention to inflation, storage conditions, aging, and potential flat spotting. Check the tire's condition and pressure before returning the vehicle to regular use.

Fitment & Compatibility â–¼

Will the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire fit my classic vehicle? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire is designed for classic vehicles that originally used a 13-inch tire, including Austin-Healey Sprite models and other period-correct European vehicles. It has a listed overall diameter of 23.10 inches.

Fitment depends on wheel size, vehicle specifications, and available clearance. The recommended rim width range is approximately 3.5 to 4 inches. Verify your wheel dimensions and suspension clearance before installation.

Can the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 work on Austin-Healey Sprite and similar British vehicles? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire is listed for several British vehicle applications, including Austin-Healey Sprite models from the late 1950s through the 1960s. It is also associated with other classic vehicles requiring a 13-inch tire.

Confirm your vehicle's original tire requirements and wheel specifications before installation. Age-related suspension changes or modifications may affect clearance, alignment, and final fitment.

Is the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 compatible with original 13-inch wheels? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire is designed for 13-inch wheels and has a recommended rim width range of approximately 3.5 to 4 inches. Matching the wheel width helps maintain the intended tire shape and performance.

Before mounting, inspect the wheels, verify their measurements, and ensure they meet the tire's requirements. An unsuitable rim width can change the sidewall profile and affect handling response.

Tire Size Equivalents & Conversions â–¼

How does the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 compare with modern tire sizes? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire has similar size alternatives listed as 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13 radial equivalents. These provide a general comparison but do not guarantee identical fitment.

Bias ply and radial tires can differ in overall behavior, sidewall shape, and steering feel. Compare actual diameter, width, and wheel requirements before replacing one construction type with another.

Will changing to the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 affect speedometer accuracy? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire can influence speedometer accuracy if its overall diameter differs from the previously installed tire. A larger diameter may reduce the indicated speed, while a smaller diameter may increase it.

The tire has a listed overall diameter of 23.10 inches. Compare this with your current tire's diameter before changing sizes. Maintaining a similar diameter helps preserve the vehicle's original driving characteristics.

Performance & Use Case â–¼

How does the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 bias ply construction affect handling? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire uses bias ply construction, which creates different sidewall flexibility and tread movement compared with modern radial tires. Drivers may notice differences in steering response, road tracking, cornering feel, and overall feedback.

Bias ply tires are often chosen for restoration accuracy and vintage styling. Proper inflation, alignment, and suspension condition help support more consistent handling while retaining the tire's classic driving characteristics.

Does the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 provide a period-correct driving experience? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire is designed around traditional bias ply construction and a classic blackwall appearance. These features suit vintage vehicles where authentic styling and original-style driving characteristics are priorities.

Compared with modern radial tires, drivers may notice differences in tracking, steering response, and cornering behavior. The tire can help maintain a period-style experience when its dimensions and wheel requirements are appropriate for the vehicle.

Construction, Durability & Load Capacity â–¼

How does inflation pressure affect the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13? â–¼

Inflation pressure directly affects the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire's contact patch, ride quality, steering response, and wear pattern. Incorrect pressure can change how the tire performs on the road.

Because bias ply tires respond differently from radials, maintaining the appropriate pressure is especially important. Correct inflation helps support the tire's shape, reduce unnecessary heat buildup, and improve driving consistency. Follow the appropriate pressure specifications for the tire and vehicle.

Does the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 behave differently from radial tires? â–¼

The Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire behaves differently from radial tires because its internal construction creates different sidewall flexibility and tread movement. This produces a distinct steering and handling experience.

Bias ply tires are commonly chosen for restoration accuracy and vintage styling. Drivers switching from radials may notice changes in road tracking, cornering response, and overall road feedback.

Installation & Maintenance â–¼

What should I check before installing the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13? â–¼

Before installing the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire, confirm the wheel size, rim width, and vehicle clearance. The tire is designed for a 13-inch rim with a recommended rim width range of approximately 3.5 to 4 inches.

Inspect fender clearance, suspension movement, and steering travel. Vintage vehicles may have worn or modified components that affect fitment, so checking the complete setup helps prevent rubbing or installation issues.

How should inflation pressure be managed on the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13? â–¼

Inflation pressure should be monitored carefully on the Firestone Bias Ply Siped Upper Sidewall 520-13 Firestone Classic Blackwall Tire because it affects handling, ride quality, and tire wear. The tire's shape and contact patch change as pressure changes.

Check pressure regularly, especially after storage or before longer drives. Correct inflation helps maintain predictable steering behavior, supports the tire structure, and reduces unnecessary heat buildup. Use the appropriate pressure specifications for the tire and vehicle.

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