The 1958 Chrysler Town & Country came from an era when Chrysler wagons combined dramatic late-Fifties styling with true full-size family-car presence. Whether kept as a carefully restored long-roof or maintained as a roadgoing collector, this model depends on getting its tire size right because fitment varies within the lineup. The primary fitments are 850-14 and 900-14, both bias-ply sizes on 14-inch rims. Available choices stay true to that period look with whitewall treatments in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, and 850-14 also has modern radial equivalents for owners considering a different construction. The key is matching the tire to the exact wagon configuration, wheel size, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 Chrysler Town & Country
The 1958 Chrysler Town & Country uses two primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a simple one-size-fits-all answer. Both sizes are bias-ply fitments for 14-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the wagon is a 2 Seat Wagon or a 3 Seat Wagon and then checking the wheels currently on the vehicle.
An 850-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 8.50 designation refers to nominal section width in inches and the 14 identifies the rim diameter. For the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country, it preserves the period-style bias-ply construction used on this model and appears across both covered wagon configurations. Available choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with either a 2.25 inch wide whitewall or a 1.00 inch narrow whitewall. This size also has radial-equivalent alternatives, making it the size to examine closely if appearance, ride character, and construction choice all matter.
A 900-14 follows the same vintage numeric bias-ply format, with the 9.00 figure indicating a wider nominal section width than 850-14 and the 14 still calling for a 14-inch rim. On the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country, this size is tied to the 3 Seat Wagon fitment and should not be assumed for every configuration. BFGoodrich offers this size in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall presentations. It is the size to verify carefully when preserving the stance and visual balance of a longer, heavier-looking late-Fifties wagon matters.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country because the wagon lineup does not use the exact same tire selection across the board. The 2 Seat Wagon stays straightforward, while the 3 Seat Wagon is the configuration that requires closer attention to the size shown on the car and the wheels actually installed.
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1958 Chrysler Town & Country 2 Seat Wagon
The 1958 Chrysler Town & Country 2 Seat Wagon uses the 850-14 bias-ply size on a 14-inch rim. Tire selection then becomes a matter of choosing the whitewall presentation you want and deciding whether to stay with the original-style bias-ply format or evaluate one of the radial equivalents tied to 850-14.
The 1958 Chrysler Town & Country 3 Seat Wagon is the version that needs the closest fitment check because it is associated with both 850-14 and 900-14 bias-ply sizes. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before ordering, along with comparing the tire already on the car against the restoration goal and overall stance you want to maintain.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country
The original 850-14 tire size has three radial-equivalent options. 215R14 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P225/75R14 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P235/70R14 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than by serving as the same kind of tire. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches is associated with these alternatives, and overall dimensions, wheel compatibility, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before making the change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
215R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (850-14)
P225/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (850-14)
P235/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (850-14)
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 Chrysler Town & Country Tires for Sale
Available 1958 Chrysler Town & Country tires focus on period-style BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options in 850-14 and 900-14. The main comparison points are size, rim-width specification, and whether a wide whitewall or narrow whitewall best suits the wagon’s appearance.
Owners usually want to sort out the correct wagon sub-model first, then compare 850-14 versus 900-14 fitment, bias-ply construction, radial alternatives for 850-14, whitewall appearance, and the wheel and condition checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1958 Chrysler Town & Country?
The 1958 Chrysler Town & Country uses either 850-14 or 900-14, depending on the exact wagon configuration. Both are bias-ply tire sizes for 14-inch rims. The 2 Seat Wagon uses 850-14, while the 3 Seat Wagon is associated with 850-14 and 900-14.
That means the right starting point is identifying the sub-model and then confirming what wheels are actually on the vehicle today. Many collector wagons have been restored or altered over time, so checking the current rim diameter and the tire size already mounted helps prevent choosing a size that does not match the car’s present setup.
What size rim does a 1958 Chrysler Town & Country use?
The covered tire fitments for the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country use a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 850-14 and 900-14 are built around that same 14-inch wheel size, so the change between sizes is not a change in rim diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a full-size collector wagon. Wheel width still matters, especially because 850-14 and 900-14 products carry different rim-width specifications. A quick check of the wheel itself and the tire currently on the car is worthwhile before moving from one primary size to the other.
Do all 1958 Chrysler Town & Country sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country sub-models do not all use the exact same tire size. The 2 Seat Wagon uses 850-14, while the 3 Seat Wagon is associated with both 850-14 and 900-14. Both remain bias-ply fitments on 14-inch rims.
That variation is important because two Town & Country wagons from the same year can need different tires even though they look closely related. Checking the body configuration first keeps the search focused, and confirming the wheel width and the size already mounted helps narrow the choice when working with a 3 Seat Wagon.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 850-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country?
For the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country, 850-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is the original-style construction used on this application, and the available products in that size are bias-ply tires rather than radial tires.
That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and the way a late-Fifties wagon presents on the road. Owners keeping a restoration-oriented look often stay with the bias-ply format, while anyone considering a radial alternative should compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance instead of assuming every 14-inch option behaves the same way.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 850-14?
Radial equivalents for 850-14 include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric 75-series radial, and a P-metric 70-series radial. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches is associated with these radial alternatives.
Each of those sizes gives a different way to translate an older numeric bias-ply size into a modern radial format. The next step is checking the wagon’s actual wheel width, the space around the tire, and how closely you want to preserve the original visual character before choosing one of those equivalent sizes.
What should I check before converting my 1958 Chrysler Town & Country from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start with the original tire size on the wagon, then compare the radial equivalent against the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the space available around the tire. On an 850-14 application, 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14 are the radial sizes to evaluate rather than random 14-inch options.
A conversion also deserves a close look at suspension condition, steering clearance, and any prior modifications that may have changed ride height or wheel position. The goal is not only mounting the tire on the rim, but also making sure the overall setup still clears properly and suits how the car will actually be driven.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 850-14 tire for a 1958 Chrysler Town & Country?
Choosing an 850-14 tire starts with confirming that 850-14 is the correct fitment for the specific wagon. After that, the main decisions are staying with a bias-ply construction, selecting the whitewall style, and making sure the tire matches the wheel width used on the vehicle.
BFGoodrich offers 850-14 in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions. A wide whitewall often supports a stronger late-Fifties presentation, while a narrower whitewall gives a more restrained look. Matching the tire’s visual style to the vehicle’s restoration theme usually matters as much as the size itself.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Chrysler Town & Country tires?
The available 1958 Chrysler Town & Country tire choices include two whitewall styles: Wide Whitewall and Narrow Whitewall. Those sidewall options appear in both 850-14 and 900-14 within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply lineup.
That gives owners a useful appearance choice without changing the underlying vintage bias-ply character of the tire. A wider whitewall tends to emphasize the dramatic styling of a late-Fifties Chrysler wagon, while a narrower whitewall creates a subtler period-style look. The best choice depends on the presentation you want rather than a mechanical requirement.
What tire series are available for the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country?
The available products for the 1958 Chrysler Town & Country fall within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That series is offered in both 850-14 and 900-14, with whitewall variations that let the buyer tailor the wagon’s appearance while staying in a traditional bias-ply format.
Since the series itself stays consistent, selection comes down to making sure the tire size matches the sub-model and that the sidewall style suits the vehicle’s look. It also helps to compare the wheel width on the car with the rim-width specification attached to the chosen size before committing to a particular tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 Chrysler Town & Country?
A period-style 1958 Chrysler Town & Country usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact wagon configuration: 850-14 for the 2 Seat Wagon, and either 850-14 or 900-14 for the 3 Seat Wagon. Staying with a bias-ply construction preserves the traditional visual character of the vehicle.
From there, the choice becomes more about presentation than basic fitment. A whitewall treatment can change the wagon’s overall personality significantly, especially on a large late-Fifties Chrysler. When exact originality matters, comparing the tire choice against marque references, period photography, or restoration records is a smart final step.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1958 Chrysler Town & Country?
Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1958 Chrysler Town & Country; it also changes how the vehicle sits and reads visually. A bias-ply tire maintains the traditional construction associated with the wagon’s original era, while a radial alternative can shift the presentation even when it uses the same rim diameter.
That is why many restoration-oriented owners begin with the correct primary bias-ply size before looking at modern alternatives. Sidewall style also plays a major role, since a wide whitewall and a narrow whitewall create distinctly different period impressions. Appearance goals should be weighed alongside wheel compatibility and intended driving use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 Chrysler Town & Country?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Chrysler Town & Country even when the tire size sounds correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body work can all influence whether an 850-14, 900-14, or radial equivalent has the clearance it needs.
A collector wagon that has changed hands several times may no longer match its original wheel setup. Measuring the current rim diameter and width, then checking steering and fender clearance at rest and through movement, is the practical way to confirm that the selected tire suits the vehicle as it sits today.
What should I inspect before driving a 1958 Chrysler Town & Country on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify the tires are seated properly, and confirm there is no rubbing at the fenders or steering components. It also helps to look over the suspension and steering parts on a 1958 Chrysler Town & Country, especially if the car has been stored for long periods.
New tires cannot compensate for worn hardware or an incorrect wheel setup. A careful walkaround should also include checking inflation pressure, lug security, and any signs of uneven stance that might point to underlying chassis issues. On a large vintage wagon, those checks matter before routine driving and even more before a longer trip.
How should 850-14 tires on a collector 1958 Chrysler Town & Country be maintained?
Collector-car 850-14 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even on a low-mileage 1958 Chrysler Town & Country, tires should be watched for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, or gradual air loss that may not be obvious until the car is moved.
Storage conditions make a real difference on a seldom-driven wagon. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic movement prevents long static periods on one contact patch. A fresh inspection before each driving season is a sensible routine for any collector Chrysler.