The 1936 Chrysler Airflow came from one of the most ambitious design periods in prewar American motoring, blending streamlined styling with advanced engineering in a way few domestic cars attempted at the time. That distinct character makes tire choice especially important, because the right fitment needs to support both the car’s visual presence and its road manners. The 1936 Chrysler Airflow uses either 700-16 or 750-16 bias-ply tires, depending on the specific Airflow sub-model. Within those sizes, there are meaningful choices in blackwall, wide whitewall, and several period-style bias-ply series. The best starting point is confirming the exact model designation, then matching tire size, rim width, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1936 Chrysler Airflow
The 1936 Chrysler Airflow uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both fitments are bias-ply tires for 16-inch rims, so the first step is identifying whether the car is a C-9 8 Cyl. or an Imperial C-10 & C-11 8 Cyl. After that, the decision shifts to sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the car is being restored for period-style presentation or regular collector road use.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 700-16, the 700 refers to an approximate 7.00-inch nominal section width and the 16 refers to the rim diameter in inches. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the prewar driving character and visual proportions of the 1936 Chrysler Airflow C-9 8 Cyl. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, Avon, Tornel, and STA across several classic and utility-oriented series. This size is the one to evaluate when restoring a C-9 or confirming a period-style 16-inch setup on that sub-model.
In the size 750-16, the 750 designates an approximate 7.50-inch nominal section width, while the 16 identifies the tire’s 16-inch rim diameter. This is also a bias-ply fitment, but it belongs to the larger Airflow Imperial C-10 & C-11 8 Cyl. applications rather than the smaller C-9 setup. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall designs from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Lester, and STA, with both passenger-style classic series and heavier-duty military or transport-style patterns available. This size deserves close attention when selecting tires for an Imperial and confirming that the wheel width matches the intended tire.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1936 Chrysler Airflow because the covered versions do not all use the same tire size. A C-9 8 Cyl. and an Imperial C-10 & C-11 8 Cyl. both use 16-inch rims, but the correct bias-ply size changes with the exact model designation.
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1936 Chrysler Airflow C-9 8 Cyl.
The 1936 Chrysler Airflow C-9 8 Cyl. uses the 700-16 bias-ply tire size. That keeps tire selection centered on choosing the right period-style tread and sidewall presentation, while also confirming that the wheel setup remains appropriate for a 700-16 fitment.
The 1936 Chrysler Airflow Imperial C-10 & C-11 8 Cyl. uses the larger 750-16 bias-ply tire size. Tire selection here is less about choosing between sizes and more about matching the Imperial’s wheel width, preferred sidewall style, and intended restoration or road-use character.
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 1936 Chrysler Airflow Tires for Sale
Available 1936 Chrysler Airflow tires center on 700-16 and 750-16 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, Avon, Tornel, and STA. The product grid shows the main differences in sidewall style, tire series, utility versus passenger-style tread character, and rim-width compatibility.
Owners of a 1936 Chrysler Airflow usually need to sort out exact tire size by sub-model first, then compare sidewall style, rim compatibility, restoration priorities, and basic road-use checks before putting the car back in service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1936 Chrysler Airflow?
A 1936 Chrysler Airflow uses either 700-16 or 750-16 tires, and both are bias-ply fitments on 16-inch rims. The 700-16 size applies to the 1936 Chrysler Airflow C-9 8 Cyl., while the 750-16 size applies to the 1936 Chrysler Airflow Imperial C-10 & C-11 8 Cyl.
The important step is confirming the exact Airflow model before choosing a tire, because the two sizes are not interchangeable simply because they share the same rim diameter. Once the model is confirmed, the next decision is usually sidewall appearance and whether the car needs a passenger-style classic tire or a more utility-oriented pattern.
What size rim does a 1936 Chrysler Airflow use?
The covered 1936 Chrysler Airflow fitments use 16-inch rims. Both primary tire sizes, 700-16 and 750-16, are built around that 16-inch rim diameter, even though the two sub-models use different tire widths.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on a prewar car. Wheel width still needs to match the intended tire, especially since many 700-16 products call for a 4.50 to 5.50-inch rim and many 750-16 products call for a 5.00 to 6.00-inch rim. That makes wheel confirmation worthwhile before final tire selection.
Do all 1936 Chrysler Airflow sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1936 Chrysler Airflow C-9 8 Cyl. uses 700-16, while the 1936 Chrysler Airflow Imperial C-10 & C-11 8 Cyl. uses 750-16. Both are bias-ply tires for 16-inch rims, but the primary size changes with the specific Airflow version.
That difference matters because a buyer cannot choose by year and model name alone. The correct approach is to verify the exact sub-model and then check the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been restored, modified, or pieced together over time. On prewar cars, matching the size to the model and wheel is more important than appearance alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-16 or 750-16 tire for a 1936 Chrysler Airflow?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact Airflow sub-model, then compare construction, rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, and tire series. Since both fitments are bias-ply, the real choice is usually between a more restoration-oriented passenger tire presentation and a more utility-focused tread or load specification.
A wide whitewall can change the car’s visual character just as much as the brand or tread pattern, so appearance goals matter on an Airflow. It also helps to think about how the car will be used. A show-focused restoration, occasional touring car, and service-style vehicle may all point toward different products within the same correct tire size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1936 Chrysler Airflow tires?
The available 1936 Chrysler Airflow tires include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices appear in both 700-16 and 750-16, giving owners a traditional blackwall option as well as a more formal prewar presentation through wide whitewall designs.
Sidewall style does not change the required tire size, but it has a major effect on how the car looks. Blackwalls suit a simpler or more utilitarian appearance, while wide whitewalls often complement the Airflow’s upscale streamlined body. Buyers who want a historically appropriate feel should compare period photos, marque references, and the car’s overall restoration direction before deciding.
What brands offer tires for the 1936 Chrysler Airflow?
Tires for the 1936 Chrysler Airflow are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, Avon, Tornel, and STA, depending on the size and tire type. The 700-16 selection includes several passenger-style bias-ply choices along with military or truck-oriented patterns, while 750-16 also spans classic and heavier-duty offerings.
Brand should be considered alongside the tire’s series, sidewall style, and intended use rather than as a stand-alone decision. One product may suit a restoration-oriented passenger-car look, while another may lean toward commercial or service use. The strongest comparison points are size, wheel compatibility, sidewall presentation, and the kind of driving the Airflow will actually see.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1936 Chrysler Airflow?
A period-style 1936 Chrysler Airflow tire choice starts with the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 700-16 for the C-9 8 Cyl. and 750-16 for the Imperial C-10 & C-11 8 Cyl. From there, passenger-style classic bias-ply tires are usually the most natural starting point for a restoration-oriented look.
The final decision often comes down to sidewall treatment and how formal or understated the car should appear. Wide whitewalls create a strong prewar luxury impression, while blackwalls present a simpler look. When exact originality matters, period photos, marque-club guidance, and other Chrysler-specific references are worth checking before settling on a brand or sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1936 Chrysler Airflow?
On a 1936 Chrysler Airflow, the primary fitment is bias-ply, and that construction plays a major role in the car’s visual stance and period character. Bias-ply tires typically present the kind of profile and overall look most owners expect on a prewar streamlined Chrysler.
Construction also affects how the tire complements the wheel opening and sidewall style. A restored Airflow with wide whitewalls and a traditional bias-ply shape will read differently than one wearing a more utility-oriented blackwall pattern. Even within the correct size, the tire’s series and sidewall treatment can shift the car’s appearance from formal touring presentation to more service-minded character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1936 Chrysler Airflow?
Yes. Even when a 1936 Chrysler Airflow is matched to the correct 700-16 or 750-16 size, modifications can still affect fitment. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, brake conversions, or bodywork repairs can all change how much room the tire has at the fender, steering, and chassis.
That is especially important on older collector cars, where decades of repairs may have changed the original setup without drawing much attention. A car that has been lowered, re-sprung, or fitted with non-original wheels deserves a careful clearance check at full steering angle and under normal load. Verifying the actual wheel dimensions is just as important as ordering the correct nominal tire size.
What should I inspect before driving a 1936 Chrysler Airflow on new tires?
Before driving a 1936 Chrysler Airflow on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, check that the tires are seated properly, and confirm there is no interference at the fenders or steering components. It also makes sense to look over valve stems, wheel hardware, and general suspension condition before road use.
A short initial drive followed by another visual inspection is a smart habit on collector cars. Pay attention to air retention, any signs of rubbing, and how the car tracks and steers once the tires have been put into service. Older cars that sit for long periods also benefit from a broader look at wheel bearings, brakes, and alignment before regular driving resumes.
How should 700-16 and 750-16 tires on a collector 1936 Chrysler Airflow be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1936 Chrysler Airflow should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Proper inflation matters on bias-ply tires, and a low-use vehicle still needs periodic pressure checks and visual inspection rather than simple tread-depth monitoring.
Storage conditions play a big role in tire life on prewar cars. Keeping the Airflow away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, and moving the car occasionally can reduce long static loading in one spot. Before any longer trip, recheck pressures, look for changes in sidewall condition, and confirm the spare is serviceable as well.
