1938 Chrysler Royal Tires

The 1938 Chrysler Royal uses two primary tire sizes: 6.25-16 and 650-16. Both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch rims, but they do not apply to the same Royal configuration. The Royal C18 6 Cyl. uses 6.25-16, while the Royal C18 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16.

That means the right tire choice starts with identifying the exact sub-model, not just the year and model name. Since both sizes share the same rim diameter, it is easy to assume they are interchangeable, but the proper starting point is the original size for the specific Royal body configuration and the actual wheel setup on the car today.

The 1938 Chrysler Royal uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car takes 6.25-16 or 650-16, the wheel diameter remains the same. The difference between the two fitments is the tire size itself, not a change from one wheel diameter to another.

Even with the correct 16-inch diameter, wheel condition and wheel width still deserve attention on a prewar car. A long-stored Royal may have replacement wheels, repaired rims, or other changes made over the decades, so checking the actual wheel before mounting tires helps avoid mismatch issues and keeps the fitment process focused on the correct size.

No. The 1938 Chrysler Royal does not use one shared tire size across the covered sub-models. The Royal C18 6 Cyl. uses 6.25-16, while the Royal C18 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16, and both are bias-ply sizes on 16-inch rims.

That distinction matters because a buyer looking only at the model name could end up comparing the wrong tire group. On this Royal, the sub-model determines the primary fitment, so confirming the exact configuration first helps narrow the search to the right vintage size and the right range of appearance and product options.

Start with the exact sub-model, because 650-16 applies to the 1938 Chrysler Royal C18 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger), not the other covered Royal fitment. From there, compare the tire’s intended character, including whether it is a passenger-car style bias-ply or a more truck-oriented design, along with sidewall treatment and rim-width specification.

Appearance is a major factor on a prewar Chrysler, especially if the car is being restored or shown. Blackwall and wide whitewall choices create very different presentations, and the available tire series also vary in tread style, load figures, and wheel compatibility, so the best choice depends on how the Royal will be driven and how authentic a period-style look you want.

For the 1938 Chrysler Royal options available in 650-16, the main sidewall styles are blackwall and wide whitewall. That gives owners a clear visual choice between a more understated period look and a brighter prewar presentation that puts more emphasis on the tire as part of the car’s overall appearance.

Sidewall style should be chosen only after the correct tire size is confirmed for the sub-model. Once fitment is settled, the decision becomes one of restoration direction and personal taste, since a wide whitewall can dramatically change the way a Royal sits visually without changing the basic tire construction or the required 16-inch rim diameter.

In 650-16, the 1938 Chrysler Royal has choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those options span several vintage bias-ply series and include both passenger-car and truck-style tread patterns, depending on the look and use the owner has in mind.

Brand selection should come after size and application are settled. Once the Royal’s exact fitment is confirmed, comparing brand offerings by sidewall style, tire series, rim-width range, load figure, and visual character is more useful than focusing on the name alone, especially on a collector vehicle where appearance and intended use often matter as much as brand preference.

A period-style 1938 Chrysler Royal should begin with the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 6.25-16 for the Royal C18 6 Cyl. and 650-16 for the Royal C18 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger). Bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing system and the sidewall profile that suits a late-1930s Chrysler’s original road presence.

From there, the visual decision usually comes down to blackwall versus wide whitewall, plus the tread style and brand presentation you want on the finished car. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking period photographs, marque references, or restoration documentation so the tire’s appearance supports the car’s specific restoration goal instead of only matching the era generally.

On a restored 1938 Chrysler Royal, bias-ply construction plays a major role in preserving the proper prewar look. The tire shape, sidewall contour, and overall visual stance of a late-1930s Chrysler are closely tied to vintage bias-ply proportions, so the construction itself affects the car’s finished presentation as much as the sidewall color does.

That is especially important on a large, formal car where the tires are part of the visual balance. A blackwall setup gives a more restrained appearance, while a wide whitewall adds period drama, but both still rely on the correct size and vintage construction to look appropriate against the body, wheel openings, and trim of the Royal.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1938 Chrysler Royal even when the car still uses a 16-inch wheel. Replacement wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, brake conversions, or body and suspension changes can all affect the space available around a vintage bias-ply tire.

A Royal that has been updated over the years should be measured as it sits now rather than assumed to match original specifications. Checking wheel width, wheel diameter, steering travel, and clearance at the fender and suspension points helps prevent surprises, especially if the car has had decades of service, restoration work, or non-original parts installed.

Before putting a 1938 Chrysler Royal back on the road, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall condition of the mounting surfaces in addition to the tires themselves. On the car, look for steering or suspension wear that could affect tracking, and confirm that the selected size matches the correct Royal sub-model.

After installation, recheck tire pressure, verify that the tires clear through full steering movement, and look for any rubbing once the car is on the ground. A prewar Chrysler that has spent long periods parked may also need a careful review for brake drag, uneven stance, or aged components that can influence how the new tires behave in road use.

Tires on a 1938 Chrysler Royal should be inspected regularly for air loss, cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, especially because collector cars often spend more time parked than driven. Bias-ply tires also benefit from consistent inflation and periodic visual checks after storage, seasonal use, or extended time sitting in one position.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older vehicle. Keeping the Royal away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, while moving the car occasionally and checking the tires before each drive reduces the chance of discovering age-related issues only after the car is already back on the road.