1956 Chrysler New Yorker Tires

The 1956 Chrysler New Yorker sits firmly in the height of Detroit’s Forward Look era, when Chrysler styling, V8 power, and upscale road manners gave its big cars a distinct presence. On a car like this, tire choice affects far more than basic fitment because sidewall proportions and construction help define the way the car looks and feels on the road. The 1956 Chrysler New Yorker uses an 800-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, the main visual choice is wide whitewall treatment, while modern radial equivalents are also available for owners considering a different driving setup. The right selection starts with preserving the New Yorker’s intended stance while confirming wheel and use requirements.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1956 Chrysler New Yorker

The 1956 Chrysler New Yorker uses one primary tire size: 800-15. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch rim, and that same size is shared across the covered New Yorker sub-models here. That means the main decision is not which primary size fits, but whether to stay with the original-style bias-ply construction, compare available whitewall presentations, or evaluate a radial equivalent carefully against your wheel and vehicle setup.

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800-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): 300 C72 and C72
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

An 800-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 800 designates an approximate 8.00-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker, that size preserves the tall sidewall look and construction style associated with a mid-1950s full-size Chrysler. Available choices in this size center on Coker Classic Bias Ply tires with wide whitewall styling, including different whitewall widths. It is the size to evaluate when maintaining a traditional visual profile and stock-type bias-ply presentation remains the priority.

Explore 800-15 Tires

1956 Chrysler New Yorker Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1956 Chrysler New Yorker sub-models because both use the same primary tire size and construction. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that you are selecting the right tire within the correct period-style fitment and appearance range.

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1956 Chrysler New Yorker 300 C72

The 1956 Chrysler New Yorker 300 C72 uses the same 800-15 bias-ply fitment as the other covered New Yorker configuration. Tire selection therefore comes down to choosing the right whitewall presentation, confirming wheel compatibility, and deciding whether to stay with bias-ply construction or compare radial-equivalent alternatives.

Associated Tire Sizes
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1956 Chrysler New Yorker C72

The 1956 Chrysler New Yorker C72 also uses the 800-15 bias-ply tire size on a 15-inch rim. That keeps fitment simple, so the buying decision shifts toward appearance, construction preference, and making sure the tire suits the car’s actual wheel setup before installation.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker

The original 800-15 tire size has four radial-equivalent options to compare. 225R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P235/75R15 is the 75-series P-metric radial equivalent, and P235/70R15 is the 70-series P-metric radial equivalent. An 800R15 is also available as a bias-look radial for a more traditional visual presentation. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 6 to 8 inches, and each option should be checked against wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance before changing construction.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 225R15

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (800-15)

  • P235/75R15

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (800-15)

  • P235/70R15

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (800-15)

  • 800R15

    Bias-look Radial Equivalent (800-15)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (6-8 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
  • Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
  • Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.

Important Fitment Notes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1956 Chrysler New Yorker Tires for Sale

Available 800-15 choices focus on Coker Classic Bias Ply tires with wide whitewall styling. The main comparison points in the product grid are whitewall width, shared 15-inch fitment, and the restoration-oriented bias-ply presentation suited to a mid-1950s Chrysler.

Showing 2 of 2
Bias Ply

Coker Classic 3.00 Inch Whitewall | 800-15

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1800@32 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

Coker Classic 2.50 Inch Whitewall | 800-15

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1800@32 psi
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs focus on 1956 Chrysler New Yorker tire size, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, wide whitewall selection, and the checks worth making before driving or changing wheel and tire construction.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1956 Chrysler New Yorker?

The 1956 Chrysler New Yorker uses an 800-15 tire size. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used across the covered New Yorker sub-models, including the 300 C72 and C72, and it mounts on a 15-inch rim.

Because there is one primary size, the main task is choosing the right tire within that fitment rather than sorting through multiple factory sizes. Buyers should still confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, especially if it has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over the years.

What size rim does a 1956 Chrysler New Yorker use?

The 1956 Chrysler New Yorker uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 800-15 tire fitment. That rim diameter is consistent across the covered New Yorker sub-models tied to this page, so the tire and wheel relationship is straightforward at the size level.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is worth checking the wheel width before selecting a tire. The available 800-15 bias-ply products here are built around a 6.00 to 6.50-inch rim width, and radial-equivalent choices should also be matched carefully to the actual wheel on the car.

Do all 1956 Chrysler New Yorker sub-models use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1956 Chrysler New Yorker sub-models here use the same 800-15 bias-ply tire size. That includes both the New Yorker 300 C72 and the New Yorker C72, which keeps primary fitment simple at the year-make-model level.

Shared size does not eliminate the need to inspect the car itself. A New Yorker with replacement wheels, suspension changes, or a long restoration history may no longer have the same wheel setup it left with, so checking rim diameter, wheel width, and general clearance remains a smart step before choosing a tire.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 800-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker?

For the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker, 800-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That construction matches the vintage sizing format and gives the car the tall sidewall profile and traditional presentation most owners expect from a mid-1950s full-size Chrysler.

Choosing to stay with bias-ply usually centers on preserving appearance and period-style character. A different construction can change both the look and the way the car responds on the road, so owners considering an alternative should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and fender or steering clearance before making the switch.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 800-15?

Radial equivalents for 800-15 include 225R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P235/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R15 as a bias-look radial. Those options give the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker several radial sizing formats to compare.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic replacement. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 6 to 8 inches, and a careful check of wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance helps prevent problems when moving away from the original bias-ply construction.

What should I check before converting my 1956 Chrysler New Yorker from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the radial equivalent size you plan to use. For an 800-15 New Yorker, the available radial equivalents include 225R15, P235/75R15, P235/70R15, and 800R15, with a recommended rim-width range of 6 to 8 inches.

A conversion should also include a close look at steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the car’s actual stance. A full-size 1950s Chrysler may have had wheels or suspension components changed over time, so verifying the installed setup matters just as much as choosing the equivalent size itself.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 800-15 tire for a 1956 Chrysler New Yorker?

The first priority is staying with the correct 800-15 size on a 15-inch wheel. From there, the real selection points are construction, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility, since the available options in this fitment are bias-ply tires intended to preserve a traditional mid-1950s full-size appearance.

It helps to decide whether the car is being judged for restoration-style appearance, driven regularly, or used mainly for occasional touring. Matching the tire to the New Yorker’s actual wheel width, intended use, and preferred whitewall look will usually narrow the choice more effectively than focusing on brand name alone.

What sidewall styles are available for 1956 Chrysler New Yorker tires?

The available 800-15 tires for the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker use a wide whitewall sidewall style. Within that presentation, the visible difference is the width of the whitewall, with 3.00-inch and 2.50-inch whitewall versions available in the same Coker Classic Bias Ply series.

That choice is mainly about the car’s finished look rather than basic fitment. Owners aiming for a stronger period-style presence may prefer one whitewall width over another, but it is still important to keep the tire size, construction, and wheel compatibility aligned with the New Yorker’s actual setup.

What tire series are available for the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker?

The available tires in the primary 800-15 fitment are from the Coker Classic Bias Ply series. That keeps the choice focused on a traditional bias-ply construction and wide whitewall appearance rather than splitting the size across several very different product families.

With one series represented, the main comparison is not between radically different tire lines but between visual treatments within the same general type. Buyers should concentrate on whitewall width, fitment on the car’s actual wheels, and whether they want to remain with the New Yorker’s original-style construction or explore radial equivalents separately.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1956 Chrysler New Yorker?

For a period-style 1956 Chrysler New Yorker, the natural starting point is the 800-15 bias-ply fitment. That size and construction preserve the tall, upright sidewall look associated with a big mid-1950s Chrysler, and the available Coker Classic Bias Ply tires keep the selection rooted in that traditional presentation.

From there, the appearance decision comes down to details such as whitewall width and the overall look you want the car to project. Owners chasing exact restoration accuracy should compare those details with marque references, period photography, or other vehicle-specific documentation rather than assuming every available wide whitewall was used the same way originally.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1956 Chrysler New Yorker?

Tire construction affects both shape and visual character on a restored 1956 Chrysler New Yorker. An 800-15 bias-ply tire maintains the traditional vintage profile most closely associated with the car’s era, while a radial alternative can change the tire’s presentation even when it remains in a comparable overall fitment range.

That matters because a large 1950s luxury car carries a lot of its personality in its stance, sidewall height, and whitewall treatment. Buyers who place appearance first often stay with bias-ply, while those considering a radial should compare the finished look just as carefully as the fitment details before deciding.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1956 Chrysler New Yorker?

Yes. A 1956 Chrysler New Yorker may no longer match its original wheel and suspension setup if it has aftermarket wheels, replacement rims, altered springs, or other chassis changes. Even though the primary tire size is 800-15, modifications can change the wheel width, available clearance, and the tire construction that makes practical sense.

That is especially important when considering radial equivalents such as 225R15 or P235-series sizes. A quick measurement of wheel diameter and width, followed by a visual check of steering and fender clearance at full lock and normal ride height, helps confirm whether the current setup supports the tire you are considering.

What should I inspect before driving a 1956 Chrysler New Yorker on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and general condition, then make sure the tires are seated properly and inflated appropriately for the application. It also helps to look over valve stems, wheel hardware, and visible suspension or steering components, especially on a large collector car that may have spent long periods parked.

A short local drive followed by a second inspection is a smart next step. Recheck air pressure, look for any signs of rubbing, and confirm that the car tracks cleanly without unusual vibration or pull. Catching those issues early is particularly valuable on a vintage New Yorker with tall sidewalls and substantial vehicle weight.

How should 800-15 tires on a collector 1956 Chrysler New Yorker be maintained?

Collector-car tires in 800-15 size should be inspected regularly even if the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker is driven only occasionally. Check for sidewall cracking, tread damage, bulges, embedded debris, and gradual air loss, since age and storage conditions can affect a low-mileage collector vehicle as much as road miles do.

Good storage habits also make a difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving or driving the car periodically can help avoid long-term flat spotting. Any tire showing visible deterioration deserves closer evaluation before the New Yorker returns to regular road use.