The 1958 Chevrolet Wagon came from one of the boldest styling years of the late 1950s, when full-size family cars carried dramatic sheet metal, long rooflines, and plenty of curb presence. That character makes tire choice especially important, because the right proportions and sidewall treatment have a big effect on how the wagon sits and looks. This Chevrolet Wagon uses an 800-14 bias-ply tire on a 14-inch rim. Within that size, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs, along with modern radial-equivalent options for owners considering a different construction. The best choice depends on whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, relaxed road use, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 Chevrolet Wagon
The 1958 Chevrolet Wagon uses one primary tire size: 800-14 in bias-ply construction on a 14-inch rim. The Base sub-model uses that same fitment, so the main decision is not which size fits, but which version of 800-14 best suits the wagon's appearance, driving goals, and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering.
An 800-14 size uses the traditional numeric bias-ply system, where the leading number refers to nominal section width in inches and the final number indicates a 14-inch wheel. For the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon, this is the primary bias-ply fitment and it supports the tall, substantial tire profile associated with late-1950s full-size Chevrolets. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire offerings in series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Custom Super Cushion, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners room to tailor the wagon's look while staying with the correct primary size format.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1958 Chevrolet Wagon sub-models. The shared 800-14 sizing means the key decisions center on sidewall style, brand, and whether to keep the original-style bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent.
1
1958 Chevrolet Wagon Base
The 1958 Chevrolet Wagon Base uses the 800-14 bias-ply tire size on a 14-inch rim. That keeps selection focused on presentation and use, including blackwall versus whitewall appearance, period-style bias-ply options, or a carefully checked radial-equivalent alternative.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon
The original 800-14 tire size has four radial-equivalent choices. Those include 205R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, these options range from traditional metric radial sizing to a lower-profile P-metric alternative and a radial intended to preserve a more vintage visual character. A 5-7 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel compatibility, overall dimensions, and clearance should all be checked before changing construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
205R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (800-14)
P215/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (800-14)
P225/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (800-14)
800R14
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (800-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 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:
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 1958 Chevrolet Wagon Tires for Sale
Available 800-14 choices for the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon include BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire offerings across Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Custom Super Cushion series. Sidewall presentation ranges from blackwall to narrow whitewall and wide whitewall, which makes appearance a major part of the decision.
Common questions for the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon usually center on the 800-14 tire size, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, and how sidewall style affects a restoration-oriented or road-use setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1958 Chevrolet Wagon?
The 1958 Chevrolet Wagon uses an 800-14 tire size as its primary fitment. This is a bias-ply size mounted on a 14-inch rim, and it is the same size used for the covered Base sub-model.
That makes the selection process fairly straightforward, because the main question is not choosing between multiple primary sizes. The more important step is confirming that the wagon still has the correct 14-inch wheels and then deciding which 800-14 version best matches the vehicle's intended appearance, road use, and construction preference.
What size rim does a 1958 Chevrolet Wagon use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon is built around a 14-inch rim. The 800-14 tire size uses that wheel diameter, so confirming a 14-inch wheel is one of the first checks before ordering tires.
Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture on an older wagon. It also helps to verify actual wheel width, especially if the car has had replacement wheels installed over the years, because tire choice within the 800-14 range or among radial equivalents should still match the wheel and the wagon's available clearance.
Does the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1958 Chevrolet Wagon Base uses the same 800-14 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this model. That means there is no separate primary size to sort through for that covered sub-model.
Even with shared fitment, it is still worth checking the actual wheel setup on the car. A wagon that has been modified, fitted with later wheels, or converted to a different construction may need closer review of wheel width, clearance, and overall tire dimensions before moving from a traditional 800-14 bias-ply tire to any radial alternative.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 800-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon?
For the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon, 800-14 is the primary bias-ply tire fitment. That sizing format belongs to the traditional numeric bias-ply system commonly seen on full-size American cars from this era.
Keeping a bias-ply tire preserves the original size format and the period-style visual character many owners want on a late-1950s wagon. Anyone considering a radial instead should treat that as a change in construction, not simply a different brand choice, and should confirm wheel compatibility, tire dimensions, and clearance before making the switch.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 800-14?
Radial equivalents for 800-14 include 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14. These cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial equivalent.
Those options give the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon owner several ways to compare radial sizing styles, but they should not be treated as automatic replacements. A 5-7 inch rim-width range is associated with the equivalents, and the final choice should be checked against the wheel, the wagon's available space at steering and suspension travel, and the overall stance you want to preserve.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1958 Chevrolet Wagon?
Yes, an 800R14 bias-look radial equivalent is available for the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon. It gives owners a radial construction option while keeping a size presentation that is closer in spirit to the wagon's original-style 800-14 fitment.
That can be appealing when appearance matters as much as road manners, especially on a restoration-oriented car that still sees regular driving. Even so, a bias-look radial is still a radial, so the wheel setup, rim width, and available clearance deserve the same careful review as any other construction change before installation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing an 800-14 tire for a 1958 Chevrolet Wagon?
Start with the correct 800-14 size and the 14-inch wheel requirement, then decide whether the wagon calls for a traditional bias-ply tire or a radial equivalent. After that, the meaningful differences are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility within the available options.
A restoration-oriented wagon may point you toward a period-style bias-ply with the right visual proportions, while a driver-focused setup may lead you to compare radial alternatives separately. It also helps to consider load figures where stated, the actual wheel dimensions on the car, and whether you want a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Chevrolet Wagon tires?
The available 800-14 tires for the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices appear across several bias-ply offerings, giving the wagon owner flexibility in how formal, understated, or distinctly late-1950s the finished look appears.
Sidewall choice has a strong effect on the wagon's visual balance, especially on a full-size Chevrolet with broad body lines and a high-profile tire. The right selection depends less on fitment than on presentation, so it helps to compare the wagon's trim, wheel covers, and restoration goals before settling on a blackwall or either whitewall treatment.
What brands offer tires for the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon?
BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire all offer 800-14 options for the 1958 Chevrolet Wagon. The available products span series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Custom Super Cushion, and Universal Classic Bias Ply.
That variety gives buyers more than one path to the correct size, and the decision usually comes down to sidewall appearance, series character, and wheel specifications rather than brand ranking. Comparing rim-width details where shown, load figures where stated, and the overall look each tire creates on the wagon will usually narrow the choice quickly.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 Chevrolet Wagon?
A period-style 1958 Chevrolet Wagon usually starts with the original 800-14 size in bias-ply construction. That keeps the correct size format and preserves the tall, traditional profile that suits a full-size Chevrolet wagon from the late 1950s.
From there, the visual decision often comes down to blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall presentation. Exact originality can vary by how a particular car was delivered, so owners pursuing highly detailed restoration work should compare the tire choice with era photography, marque references, and vehicle-specific documentation before finalizing the look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1958 Chevrolet Wagon?
Tire construction affects both shape and character on a restored 1958 Chevrolet Wagon. A bias-ply tire keeps the traditional 800-14 format that many owners associate with a more authentic late-1950s stance, while a radial alternative can change the visual impression even when the sizing is chosen carefully.
That difference matters on a wagon with large wheel openings and prominent sidewall visibility. Owners who want a traditional presentation often stay with bias-ply or consider a bias-look radial, while those placing more emphasis on road use may explore other radial equivalents after checking wheel size, rim width, and clearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 Chevrolet Wagon?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Chevrolet Wagon even when the original tire size is 800-14. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, brake conversions, or suspension work can all influence how much space the tire has.
A wagon that no longer has its original wheel and suspension setup should be measured before choosing between bias-ply and radial alternatives. Checking wheel diameter, actual rim width, steering clearance, and fender clearance is especially important on a long, heavy full-size car where small changes in tire dimensions can have visible and practical effects.
What should I inspect before driving a 1958 Chevrolet Wagon on new tires?
Before driving a 1958 Chevrolet Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper installation, and make sure the tires clear the fenders and suspension through normal steering travel. It also helps to verify inflation pressure, valve condition, and overall balance.
Collector vehicles often reveal other issues once fresh tires are installed, so a quick review of steering components, suspension wear, and brake condition is worthwhile before regular road use. After the first few drives, recheck pressure and look for any signs of rubbing, uneven wear, or air loss that could point to a setup problem.
How should 800-14 tires on a collector 1958 Chevrolet Wagon be maintained?
800-14 tires on a collector 1958 Chevrolet Wagon should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and periodic evaluation for age-related deterioration. Even a low-mileage wagon can develop cracking, flat spotting, or air loss if it sits for long periods without attention.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older vehicle. Keeping the wagon away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional movement of the vehicle can reduce stress from long-term parking. Any sign of bulges, cuts, or persistent pressure loss deserves immediate attention before road use.