The 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga arrived as Chrysler moved back into civilian production after World War II, giving buyers a full-size, upscale postwar car with prewar engineering roots and unmistakably formal Chrysler presence. For many owners today, that means balancing authentic road manners with the visual character that suits a big late-1940s sedan or coupe. This vehicle uses a 700-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Available choices include traditional blackwall and wide whitewall presentations, along with several bias-ply series that lean more toward passenger-car or utility-oriented use. The right selection depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, regular touring, or a careful return to road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga
The 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga uses one primary tire size: 700-15. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same size. The main decision is not which primary size fits, but which 700-15 tire best matches the car's intended appearance, sidewall style, and driving use while staying appropriate for the wheel setup.
A 700-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 700 refers to an approximate 7.00-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga, this keeps the car in its original-era construction style and suits the stance and character expected of a large postwar Chrysler. Available 700-15 choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offerings, with blackwall and wide whitewall options across several tire series. Selecting within this size comes down to visual presentation, intended road use, and confirming compatibility with the car's 15-inch wheels.
1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga Sub-Model Tires
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga sub-models. The 8 Cyl. version uses the same primary tire size, so the focus shifts from size selection to choosing the right 700-15 tire style and series for the car's appearance and use.
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1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 8 Cyl.
The 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 8 Cyl. uses the 700-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. That makes tire selection more about choosing between blackwall, wide whitewall, and the available tire series than sorting through different primary fitments.
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 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga Tires for Sale
Available 700-15 choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA tires in blackwall and wide whitewall form, with series ranging from classic passenger-car bias-ply designs to military and transport-oriented options. Comparing sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and load-related details will narrow the field quickly.
Owners of a 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga usually need clear answers on 700-15 fitment, 15-inch wheel compatibility, sidewall choices, restoration-minded appearance, and the basic checks that matter before putting a postwar Chrysler back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga?
The 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga uses a 700-15 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the covered model. The 700 designation reflects the vintage sizing system, while the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches.
That means the first step is matching the car to a 15-inch wheel and then selecting the right 700-15 tire within that fitment. After size is confirmed, the more meaningful choices become sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the car is being set up for restoration-minded presentation, occasional touring, or more utility-oriented use.
What size rim does a 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga use?
The 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga uses a 15-inch rim with its 700-15 tire size. Product fitments in this size commonly pair with wheel widths in the 5.00- to 5.50-inch range, which is consistent with several available 700-15 passenger and utility-style bias-ply options.
Wheel diameter should always be confirmed on the car itself, especially if it has been stored for years or changed by a previous owner. Once the 15-inch diameter is verified, checking actual wheel width helps narrow the correct 700-15 choices and reduces the chance of choosing a tire that does not suit the wheel's intended fitment range.
Does the 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-15 bias-ply tire size as the main model fitment. There is no separate primary tire size shown for that sub-model, so the basic fitment question stays simple.
With the size staying the same, the real decision shifts to the type of 700-15 tire that suits the car. A wide whitewall creates a more formal late-1940s presentation, while blackwall options look more restrained. Tire series also vary, so it helps to match the choice to the car's appearance goals and planned road use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga?
Start with the correct 700-15 size and 15-inch rim fitment, then look at construction and intended use. This Chrysler's primary fitment is bias-ply, so a 700-15 in the proper vintage construction keeps the car aligned with its period character and original-style driving feel.
After that, compare sidewall style, tire series, rim-width suitability, and load-related specifications where they are given. A wide whitewall often suits a restoration-minded car, while blackwall choices can fit a more understated presentation. It also helps to consider whether the car will be driven gently on occasional outings or asked to handle more utility-style service.
What sidewall styles are available for 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga tires?
The available 700-15 tires for a 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Both appear within bias-ply offerings, so the sidewall decision does not require changing the vehicle's primary tire construction or stepping outside the proper vintage sizing format.
That choice has a strong effect on the car's overall look. Wide whitewalls usually create a more formal, upscale late-1940s appearance, while blackwalls give the car a plainer and more utilitarian presentation. Once the sidewall style is settled, comparing tire series and wheel compatibility becomes much easier.
What brands offer tires for the 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga?
Tires in the 700-15 size for the 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. Those brands cover several bias-ply series, including classic passenger-car styles as well as more truck or military-oriented patterns in the same size.
Brand alone should not make the decision. It is more useful to compare the specific tire series, the sidewall treatment, and whether the product is intended for a traditional passenger-car presentation or a more rugged service role. Matching those factors to the Chrysler's appearance and how it will be driven leads to a more sensible choice.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga?
A 700-15 bias-ply tire is the right starting point for a period-style 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga because it keeps the car in the proper vintage size format and construction type. Within that fitment, classic passenger-car bias-ply tires generally suit the Chrysler's character better than utility-oriented designs.
The final choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and the visual effect you want. A wide whitewall often complements the formal look of an upscale postwar Chrysler, while a blackwall creates a simpler presentation. When exact originality matters, marque literature and vehicle-specific historical references are worth consulting before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga?
Tire construction changes both the look and the stance of a restored 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga. A bias-ply 700-15 preserves the traditional profile and visual character associated with the car's era, which is why many restoration-minded owners stay with that original-style construction.
Appearance is not only about size; sidewall treatment matters just as much. A wide whitewall can give the Chrysler a more formal and upscale late-1940s look, while blackwall keeps things more restrained. Choosing a tire that supports the vehicle's visual theme usually produces a more convincing result than focusing on brand name alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga?
Yes. Even though the primary fitment is a 700-15 on a 15-inch wheel, modifications can change what works on a 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, brake changes, suspension work, or body repairs can all affect how a tire sits and clears the car.
That is why the actual wheel diameter and width should be checked before choosing a replacement tire. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and the car's ride height also deserve attention, especially on an older vehicle that may not still sit as it did when new. A careful inspection prevents avoidable fitment surprises.
What should I inspect before driving a 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the tires are correctly mounted on the proper 15-inch rims, and check inflation carefully. It is also smart to look over the valve stems, lug hardware, and any tube-related setup if the chosen tire and wheel arrangement requires it.
A postwar Chrysler that has spent long periods parked deserves a broader look before any meaningful drive. Brake function, steering play, suspension condition, and wheel-bearing health all influence how the new tires will behave. The goal is not just fitting fresh rubber, but making sure the entire car is ready to use it safely.
How should 700-15 tires on a collector 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga be maintained?
Collector-car 700-15 tires should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and air loss, and protected from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources. On a lightly used 1946 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga, appearance can stay good even when age or storage conditions are starting to matter.
Routine checks are especially important because collector cars often go long stretches between drives. Rolling the car occasionally, storing it on a clean dry surface, and watching for uneven wear all help preserve both the tires and the ride quality. Any sign of deterioration should be addressed before the Chrysler returns to regular road use.