1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38 Tires

The 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38 uses two primary tire sizes: 6.50-15 and 700-15. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 15-inch rims, and the covered 6-cylinder sub-model can be found with either size depending on the setup on the car.

That makes confirmation important before ordering a replacement. Checking the size stamped on the current tire and verifying the wheel diameter helps prevent mixing up the narrower 6.50-15 with the wider 700-15. Once the correct size is confirmed, the real choice becomes sidewall appearance, intended road use, and whether a passenger-style or heavier-duty bias-ply tire suits the car best.

Both primary tire sizes used on the 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38 are built for 15-inch rims. That applies to 6.50-15 and 700-15 alike, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in width class.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a collector car. It still helps to confirm the actual wheel width and inspect whether the car has replacement wheels, older service parts, or long-ago modifications. A 15-inch wheel can still vary in width and condition, and that can affect which bias-ply tire is the more sensible match for the Chrysler’s present setup.

A 700-15 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation. The 700 portion indicates an approximate 7.00-inch nominal section width, and the 15 indicates the tire fits a 15-inch rim. On the 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38, it is one of the two primary bias-ply sizes used.

Understanding that format helps when comparing it with 6.50-15, which is a narrower size in the same 15-inch family. It also explains why 700-15 product choices may vary by sidewall style, tire series, and service type. Before selecting one, verify that the Chrysler is actually running 700-15 now and that the wheel dimensions and clearances still match the tire you plan to use.

Start with the basics: confirm that 700-15 is the size actually on the car, that the wheel is a 15-inch wheel, and that the tire’s bias-ply construction matches the setup you want to keep. For this Chrysler, available 700-15 choices also vary by brand, sidewall treatment, tire series, and in some cases service-oriented design.

That means the best choice depends on how the car will be used and presented. A wide whitewall leans toward a more formal restoration-oriented look, while blackwall and truck-style patterns may suit utility use or a different appearance goal. Rim-width compatibility, overall wheel condition, and the car’s actual clearances are worth checking before settling on a particular 700-15 product.

For the 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38, the available 700-15 products include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives the car owner a meaningful appearance choice while staying within the covered bias-ply fitment range for a 15-inch Chrysler setup.

The practical difference is mostly visual unless you are also comparing different tire series or service categories. A wide whitewall generally supports a more formal postwar presentation, while blackwall choices can look more understated or more utility-focused depending on the tread and series. Matching the sidewall to the Chrysler’s restoration direction and intended driving use usually leads to a more satisfying final choice.

The 700-15 tire size used on the 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38 is available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. Those brands cover several different bias-ply product families, including traditional passenger-style offerings as well as more specialized military, traction, and transport-oriented designs.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a vintage Chrysler. It helps to compare the exact tire series, sidewall style, rim-width suitability where stated, and whether the tire’s character matches a restoration-focused sedan or a more utility-oriented setup. Looking at the complete tire specification is especially important when two products share the same size but serve different appearance or use priorities.

A period-style 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38 starts with the correct primary size and a bias-ply construction, since both 6.50-15 and 700-15 are vintage bias-ply fitments for this car. Within 700-15, passenger-style options from Firestone and BFGoodrich are especially relevant for owners trying to preserve a traditional postwar presentation.

Appearance still depends on the specific look you want the Chrysler to carry. A blackwall keeps things restrained, while a wide whitewall gives the car a more formal, dressier visual character. When exact originality matters beyond general period style, it is wise to compare the tire choice with marque references, historical photos, or restoration records tied to the individual car.

On a restored 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38, tire construction affects both stance and visual character. The primary fitments covered here are bias-ply sizes, which support the traditional look most owners expect on a full-size postwar Chrysler and align with the way vintage numeric sizing presents on a 15-inch wheel.

Construction is only part of the picture, because sidewall treatment changes the car’s impression just as much. A wide whitewall can make the Chrysler feel more formal and restoration-oriented, while a blackwall gives a plainer, more understated finish. Matching the tire’s visual style to the car’s trim, wheel treatment, and restoration goal usually matters more than chasing a one-size-fits-all appearance formula.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38 even when the car still uses one of its correct 15-inch tire sizes. Replacement wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension wear, or body repairs can all change how a 6.50-15 or 700-15 tire sits and clears.

A vintage Chrysler may have accumulated decades of changes, so it helps to inspect what is actually on the car instead of relying on model-year assumptions alone. Checking steering clearance, fender clearance, wheel condition, and the space around suspension components is especially important before moving from one primary size to the other or selecting a heavier-duty 700-15 design.

Before driving a 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire size matches the wheel and the car’s setup, and make sure each tire is inflated properly for its service use. It also helps to check valve stems, wheel hardware, and overall mounting quality before the first road miles.

A collector-era sedan should also be examined beyond the tire itself. Steering components, suspension condition, brake operation, and alignment can all affect how a new set of bias-ply tires behaves. Looking over the sidewalls for shipping damage, rechecking pressure after initial use, and listening for vibration or rubbing gives a useful early warning if something else on the Chrysler needs attention.

700-15 tires on a collector 1946 Chrysler Royal & Windsor C38 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is low, older collector tires deserve close attention for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and gradual air loss, especially if the car spends long stretches parked.

Good storage practices help preserve both appearance and service life on a postwar Chrysler. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce aging stress on the rubber. It is also smart to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive, because a low-use vehicle can hide age-related problems that are easy to miss when mileage alone looks minimal.