The 1935 Chrysler AS comes from a period when Chrysler balanced advanced engineering with upscale comfort, and tire choice still played a major role in how a prewar car looked and felt on the road. For this model, fitment centers on two 16-inch bias-ply sizes: 6.26-16 for the AS 6 Cyl. and 650-16 for the AS CZ 8 Cyl. That makes sub-model identification the first step, followed by deciding between blackwall and wide whitewall presentations and, in 650-16, among several period-style tire series. For a restoration-minded owner, the real goal is matching the tire to the car's exact configuration, appearance, and intended driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1935 Chrysler AS
The 1935 Chrysler AS uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both are bias-ply tires for 16-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the car is an AS 6 Cyl. or an AS CZ 8 Cyl. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to the style of tire you want on the car, especially if period-style blackwall or wide whitewall appearance matters to the restoration.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 6.26-16, the first number refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and the final number indicates a 16-inch rim. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment for the 1935 Chrysler AS 6 Cyl., giving the car the kind of construction and visual character expected from a prewar setup. Buyers looking at this size should focus on keeping the correct size and construction for the specific sub-model. Wheel condition, true rim diameter, and overall restoration goals should be checked before moving ahead with a replacement.
A 650-16 numeric bias-ply tire uses the same vintage sizing convention, with 6.50 inches as the nominal width reference and 16 inches as the rim diameter. On the 1935 Chrysler AS, this size belongs to the CZ 8 Cyl. sub-model and opens up a wider range of product choices in bias-ply construction. Available options include brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Garfield, Lester, STA, Tornel, and Excelsior, with both blackwall and wide whitewall styles across several series. That variety makes this size especially important for owners balancing prewar appearance, load capability, and the car's intended road use.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1935 Chrysler AS because the covered configurations do not share the same tire size. Both use 16-inch bias-ply construction, but the AS 6 Cyl. and AS CZ 8 Cyl. must be matched to their own correct size before comparing tire styles or product options.
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1935 Chrysler AS 6 Cyl.
The 1935 Chrysler AS 6 Cyl. uses the 6.26-16 bias-ply size, which keeps tire selection focused on maintaining the correct vintage fitment. For this sub-model, the priority is confirming the existing wheel setup and choosing a tire that supports the car's prewar stance and restoration direction.
The 1935 Chrysler AS CZ 8 Cyl. uses the 650-16 bias-ply size, also on a 16-inch rim. That gives this sub-model more visible choice in period-style tire series and sidewall treatments, so selection often comes down to whether the car is being finished with a blackwall or wide whitewall 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 1935 Chrysler AS Tires for Sale
Available 1935 Chrysler AS tire choices center on 650-16 bias-ply fitment, with BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Garfield, Lester, Excelsior, STA, and Tornel offerings. Buyers can compare blackwall and wide whitewall styles, traditional passenger-car series, and heavier-duty military or truck-oriented tread patterns.
Common 1935 Chrysler AS tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct sub-model, understanding the difference between 6.26-16 and 650-16 fitment, and choosing the right bias-ply tire style for restoration, maintenance, and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1935 Chrysler AS?
The 1935 Chrysler AS uses one of two bias-ply tire sizes, depending on sub-model. The AS 6 Cyl. uses 6.26-16, while the AS CZ 8 Cyl. uses 650-16. Both sizes are built for 16-inch rims, but they are not the same primary fitment and should not be treated as interchangeable simply because they share the same rim diameter.
The first step is identifying the exact sub-model on the car before selecting a tire. Once that is confirmed, check the actual wheel diameter and the condition of the wheels themselves, especially on a prewar vehicle that may have seen restoration work, wheel replacement, or long-term storage.
What size rim does a 1935 Chrysler AS use?
The tire fitments for the 1935 Chrysler AS use a 16-inch rim. Both of the vehicle's primary tire sizes, 6.26-16 and 650-16, are tied to that rim diameter, even though the correct tire size still depends on whether the car is the 6-cylinder AS or the CZ 8-cylinder sub-model.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on a car of this age. It is still worth confirming wheel width, wheel condition, and whether the car retains its intended wheel setup before mounting replacement tires, especially if the vehicle has been restored or altered over the years.
Why does the 1935 Chrysler AS have more than one tire size?
The 1935 Chrysler AS has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. The AS 6 Cyl. uses 6.26-16, while the AS CZ 8 Cyl. uses 650-16. Both are bias-ply 16-inch applications, but the two configurations are not grouped under a single tire size for replacement purposes.
That distinction matters because a buyer should start with the exact vehicle configuration, not just the year and make. On a prewar Chrysler, original wheels, later service replacements, and restoration choices can all affect what is currently on the car, so the installed wheel and tire setup should be verified before purchasing.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-16 tire for a 1935 Chrysler AS?
A 650-16 tire for a 1935 Chrysler AS should first match the correct sub-model, which is the AS CZ 8 Cyl. After that, the main considerations are bias-ply construction, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and the type of tread or series that best suits how the car is being restored or driven.
Some 650-16 choices lean toward traditional passenger-car presentation with blackwall or wide whitewall styling, while others use military or truck-oriented tread patterns. Looking at rim-width guidance, maximum load figures where stated, and the overall appearance you want on the car will help narrow the choice without losing sight of proper vintage fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 1935 Chrysler AS tires?
For the 1935 Chrysler AS, the available 650-16 product assortment includes both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives the CZ 8 Cyl. owner a meaningful appearance choice, whether the goal is a more restrained traditional look or a brighter prewar presentation with a larger whitewall visual presence.
Sidewall style does not change the need to keep the correct tire size for the sub-model. It is best treated as the appearance decision that comes after size, construction, and wheel compatibility are confirmed, especially on a restoration where stance and visual period character matter as much as basic fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1935 Chrysler AS?
The 650-16 fitment used on the 1935 Chrysler AS CZ 8 Cyl. is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those choices span traditional bias-ply passenger-car lines as well as heavier-duty military and truck-oriented series in the same size.
Brand selection should come after confirming that 650-16 is the correct size for the car. Once size is settled, compare sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width guidance, and whether the tire's tread style matches the intended use of the vehicle, since a touring restoration and a utility-style setup may point in different directions.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1935 Chrysler AS?
A period-style 1935 Chrysler AS tire choice starts with the correct bias-ply size for the specific sub-model: 6.26-16 for the AS 6 Cyl. or 650-16 for the AS CZ 8 Cyl. From there, the appearance decision usually centers on a traditional blackwall look or a wide whitewall presentation that better suits the car's restoration theme.
Because prewar cars can vary widely in restoration approach, the right period-style tire is the one that respects the car's actual configuration and intended finish. Owners pursuing exact historical authenticity should also compare their tire choice against marque references, old photography, and other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1935 Chrysler AS?
On a restored 1935 Chrysler AS, bias-ply construction plays a large role in preserving the visual character of a prewar car. The tire's profile, stance, and overall presentation look more in keeping with the era when the vehicle remains on its correct bias-ply type rather than shifting the appearance toward a later style.
Construction is not only about looks, though; it also shapes the kind of tire choices available in each size. Once the correct 6.26-16 or 650-16 fitment is confirmed, sidewall style and tread series become the finishing details that help the car read as a thoughtful restoration instead of a generic old-car tire replacement.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1935 Chrysler AS?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1935 Chrysler AS even when the car still uses a 16-inch wheel. Changes such as replacement wheels, altered wheel width, brake conversions, suspension work, or body adjustments can influence which tire clears properly and whether the original-size bias-ply fitment still matches the current setup.
A prewar car should be inspected as it sits today rather than assumed to remain exactly as built. Checking actual wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and fender clearance before mounting new tires is especially important if the Chrysler has been restored long ago, updated over time, or acquired with an undocumented parts mix.
What should I inspect before driving a 1935 Chrysler AS on new tires?
Before driving a 1935 Chrysler AS on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components. The tires themselves should be checked for correct inflation, secure seating on the rim, and any early signs of air loss once mounted and settled on the vehicle.
A short local drive is a smart first step with any prewar Chrysler returning to the road. After that, recheck pressure, look for rubbing marks or uneven contact, and confirm that lock-to-lock steering and normal suspension movement do not create clearance problems with the selected 6.26-16 or 650-16 fitment.
How should tires on a collector 1935 Chrysler AS be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1935 Chrysler AS should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-use cars deserve extra attention because age, flat-spotting, sidewall cracking, and slow air loss can develop even when the car is driven only occasionally.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older collector car. Keeping the Chrysler away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources, then inspecting tread and sidewalls before each drive, helps preserve the tires and supports safer road use when the car comes out for tours, shows, or weekend operation.
