The 1926 Chrysler Imperial came from an era when Chrysler was establishing itself as a serious American luxury and engineering marque, and the Imperial stood near the top of that effort. Cars of this period rely heavily on proper tire construction and proportion because the tire is such a visible and functional part of the driving experience. The 1926 Chrysler Imperial uses bias-ply fitments in 32X6.20 and 650-20 on 20-inch rims, so the first step is confirming which of those period-style sizes matches the car. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall presentations, along with passenger and truck-oriented tread offerings. That makes fitment, appearance, and intended road use equally important in the final decision.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1926 Chrysler Imperial
The 1926 Chrysler Imperial uses two primary tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction on 20-inch rims. Because the Imperial 6 Cyl. is associated with both 32X6.20 and 650-20, the key step is confirming the wheel and the tire already on the car before choosing a replacement, then deciding whether a passenger-style or truck-style presentation better suits the vehicle's use and appearance.
The 32X6.20 size uses an older diameter-by-section format, where 32 refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches and 6.20 refers to its nominal section width. This is a bias-ply fitment suited to the upright proportions and period driving character expected of a 1926 Chrysler Imperial. Because this format is closely tied to antique-era sizing conventions, it matters to buyers focused on preserving the car's traditional stance and visual balance. Before selecting it, confirm that the wheel and the existing tire setup on the car match this older size format rather than the numeric 650-20 designation.
The 650-20 size is a numeric bias-ply designation in which 6.50 represents the tire's nominal section width in inches and 20 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1926 Chrysler Imperial, this size opens up the broadest visible product choice, including Firestone, Denman, and Deka options in blackwall and wide whitewall styles across classic bias-ply and truck-oriented series. That gives owners room to tailor the tire to restoration appearance or more utility-minded road use. Wheel width, sidewall style, and the overall character of the car should all be considered before settling on this size.
Sub-model fitment is simple here because the covered Imperial sub-model uses the same two primary tire sizes. Even so, checking the exact sub-model and the car's current wheel setup helps narrow the choice between the two period bias-ply fitments.
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1926 Chrysler Imperial 6 Cyl.
The 1926 Chrysler Imperial 6 Cyl. is associated with both 32X6.20 and 650-20 bias-ply tires on 20-inch rims. That makes tire selection less about trim differences and more about confirming which size convention the car is actually carrying, then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that match the desired presentation.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1926 Chrysler Imperial Tires for Sale
Available 650-20 choices span Firestone, Denman, and Deka, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments as well as classic bias-ply and truck-style series. That gives the product grid real variation in appearance, load-oriented character, and rim-width compatibility within the same primary size.
These 1926 Chrysler Imperial tire FAQs focus on the two primary sizes, 20-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, sidewall choices, restoration-minded selection, and the inspections worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1926 Chrysler Imperial?
The 1926 Chrysler Imperial uses two primary tire sizes: 32X6.20 and 650-20. Both are bias-ply fitments, and both are associated with the Imperial 6 Cyl., so either size may be relevant depending on the wheel and existing tire setup on the individual car.
The practical next step is to confirm what is actually mounted on the vehicle now and verify the wheel dimensions before ordering replacement tires. On an antique car like this, the size marking on the current tire, the rim diameter, and the overall appearance you want to preserve all matter when deciding between the two period-style fitments.
What size rim does a 1926 Chrysler Imperial use?
The 1926 Chrysler Imperial uses a 20-inch rim. That rim diameter is tied directly to the 650-20 size, and the overall fitment for this vehicle centers around 20-inch antique-era wheel equipment with bias-ply construction.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a collector vehicle of this age. It is still important to confirm the actual wheel on the car, especially if the vehicle has been restored, stored for many years, or altered at some point in its life, because wheel width and the tire size convention in use can affect the final choice.
What does 32X6.20 mean on a 1926 Chrysler Imperial?
32X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section tire size. In plain terms, the 32 refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches, while 6.20 refers to its nominal section width, making it a format that predates many later sizing systems.
That matters because a 32X6.20 tire should be interpreted differently from a later numeric size such as 650-20, even though both can be associated with the same vehicle. Buyers should look closely at the wheel, the current tire markings, and the visual stance they want to maintain before choosing between those two period fitment paths.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-20 tire for a 1926 Chrysler Imperial?
Start with the basics: 650-20 must match the car's actual wheel setup, and the tire should suit the way the Imperial will be used. In this size, available choices include classic passenger-style bias-ply options, truck-oriented series, blackwall sidewalls, and a 3.75-inch wide whitewall presentation.
After confirming the size, compare the tire's visual character and construction details against your goals for the car. A wide whitewall can support a more formal restoration-oriented look, while blackwall and truck-style tread options may better suit a more utilitarian presentation or a vehicle that sees broader secondary-road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1926 Chrysler Imperial tires?
For the 1926 Chrysler Imperial, the available sidewall styles in 650-20 include blackwall and wide whitewall. The whitewall offering appears as a 3.75-inch whitewall, while several other choices use a straightforward blackwall presentation.
Sidewall style changes the car's look immediately, especially on a tall-tire, high-wheel antique vehicle where the tire is a major visual element. Buyers should choose the sidewall treatment that best matches the car's finish level, restoration goals, and overall period presentation rather than treating all tires in the same size as visually interchangeable.
What brands offer tires for the 1926 Chrysler Imperial?
Available 650-20 tires for the 1926 Chrysler Imperial come from Firestone, Denman, and Deka. Those options include Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Firestone Classic Truck offerings, along with Denman Highway Classic Truck and Deka Classic Truck series.
Brand choice should be considered alongside tire series, sidewall treatment, and the role the car plays in your collection. Some options lean toward a more traditional passenger-car appearance, while others carry truck-oriented character, so the better question is which combination best suits the Imperial's intended look and road use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1926 Chrysler Imperial?
A period-style 1926 Chrysler Imperial should stay with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 32X6.20 or 650-20, after confirming which size convention matches the car. Keeping the correct general proportions and antique-era construction matters more here than chasing a modernized look.
Within 650-20, the sidewall treatment and tire series help refine the presentation. A wide whitewall can create a more formal restoration-oriented appearance, while blackwall tires can support a more restrained look. When exact originality is important, compare your choice against marque references, period photos, and restoration records for the specific car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1926 Chrysler Imperial restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters greatly on a 1926 Chrysler Imperial because the tires strongly influence the car's stance, wheel-to-body proportion, and overall period presentation. On an antique luxury car, an incorrect size or visibly mismatched style can change the appearance as much as an incorrect wheel finish.
Fitment also affects practical use, since antique bias-ply tires must match the wheel and the vehicle's intended driving pattern. Even when both 32X6.20 and 650-20 are associated with the Imperial, the right choice depends on the actual setup on the car, so restoration decisions should begin with close inspection rather than assumption.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1926 Chrysler Imperial?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1926 Chrysler Imperial. Changes such as replacement wheels, altered wheel width, brake updates, suspension work, or body repairs around the fenders can all influence how an antique bias-ply tire sits and clears the chassis.
That is especially important when a car has passed through multiple restorations over many decades. A buyer should confirm actual rim diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at full steering lock before choosing between 32X6.20 and 650-20, since both sizes are period fitments but may not behave identically on an altered vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 1926 Chrysler Imperial on new tires?
Before driving a 1926 Chrysler Imperial on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and confirm the tire is seated correctly on the rim. It is also wise to check valve stems, inflation pressure, lug security, and the visible clearance around fenders, steering components, and suspension parts.
Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so the rest of the running gear deserves attention too. Look over wheel bearings, brakes, suspension joints, and steering response before heading onto the road, then recheck tire pressure and any signs of rubbing or uneven wear after the first few miles of driving.
How should 650-20 tires on a collector 1926 Chrysler Imperial be maintained?
650-20 bias-ply tires on a collector 1926 Chrysler Imperial should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and unexplained air loss all deserve prompt attention, even if the car is driven only occasionally.
Storage conditions matter on a low-use antique vehicle because heat, sunlight, moisture, and long stationary periods can age tires even when tread wear is minimal. Moving the car periodically, keeping the tires properly inflated, and inspecting them before each outing helps preserve both appearance and roadworthiness on a tall, narrow vintage fitment.
