1958 Chrysler Windsor Tires

A 1958 Chrysler Windsor uses one of two primary tire sizes: 800-14 or 850-14. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes intended for 14-inch wheels, and the Windsor Base is associated with both sizes rather than with a single universal fitment.

The practical next step is to confirm which size is already on the car and whether the wheel width matches the tire being considered. Since both sizes belong to the same vehicle line, choosing correctly depends on the actual wheel and tire setup on your Windsor, not just the year and model name alone.

The 1958 Chrysler Windsor uses 14-inch rims with its primary tire sizes. Both 800-14 and 850-14 are 14-inch fitments, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in nominal section width.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to confirm wheel width before choosing a tire. The available tires in these sizes do not all share the same rim-width specification, which matters when selecting between 800-14 and 850-14 or when considering a radial-equivalent alternative.

The 1958 Chrysler Windsor is associated with both 800-14 and 850-14, which means more than one primary bias-ply size is used within this model coverage. Both sizes mount on 14-inch rims, but they represent different nominal widths within the same vintage sizing system.

That makes the first decision a physical verification of what is on the car now rather than an assumption based on model name alone. Checking the current tire size, wheel width, and overall stance of the car helps narrow the choice and avoids selecting a tire that does not suit the existing wheel setup.

For the 1958 Chrysler Windsor, 800-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system, where the number refers to nominal section width and the final number identifies the 14-inch rim diameter.

That matters because staying with 800-14 preserves the original-style construction and opens up period-style sidewall choices such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Owners thinking about a radial alternative should treat that as a separate conversion decision and compare wheel compatibility, dimensions, and vehicle clearance before changing construction.

Radial equivalents for 800-14 include 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial. Radial equivalents for 850-14 include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. These alternatives cover 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, and 70-series P-metric formats, with a bias-look option available for 800-14.

The useful distinction is that these sizes give different radial-format paths rather than one automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range is 5 to 7 inches, so the right comparison includes wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance before selecting a radial-equivalent size for a Windsor.

Start by confirming the car’s actual primary tire size, wheel diameter, and wheel width. A 1958 Chrysler Windsor may use 800-14 or 850-14, and each size has its own radial-equivalent choices, so the conversion should begin with the existing wheel and tire setup rather than with a general assumption.

It also helps to compare overall dimensions, front steering clearance, rear fender clearance, and suspension condition before changing construction. A radial equivalent can be a useful alternative, but it should still be checked against the car’s wheels and the space available around the tire, especially on an older vehicle that may have had repairs or modifications over time.

The main decision points are the correct primary size, the 14-inch wheel setup, and whether the car should remain on bias-ply construction or move to a radial-equivalent alternative. Since the Windsor is associated with both 800-14 and 850-14, confirming the size already on the car is the first step.

After size is confirmed, the choice becomes more about use and presentation. Some owners want a traditional late-1950s look with a specific whitewall treatment, while others focus on staying within a certain rim-width range or comparing available series and brands in the correct size before making a final selection.

The available sidewall styles for 1958 Chrysler Windsor tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the size and product selected. Most of the variation appears in 800-14, while 850-14 is available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.

That gives the Windsor owner some flexibility in how the car presents visually without moving away from the correct primary size family. A blackwall creates a more restrained look, while narrow and wide whitewalls lean further into period styling, so the best choice depends on the car’s overall restoration direction and trim presentation.

Tires for the 1958 Chrysler Windsor are available from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire. Across the two primary sizes, those brands appear in series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Custom Super Cushion, and Universal Classic Bias Ply.

Brand alone should not be the only filter. It helps to compare which brand offers the sidewall style you want in the exact size your Windsor uses, along with the stated rim-width specification and other product details that affect fitment and presentation on a 14-inch wheel.

For a period-style 1958 Chrysler Windsor, the starting point is one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 800-14 or 850-14, depending on the car’s actual setup. Keeping the original-style construction preserves the traditional tire profile and overall visual character that suit a late-1950s full-size Chrysler.

After the size is confirmed, sidewall presentation becomes the main appearance choice. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options are both available, and 800-14 also includes blackwall choices. Owners pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare those options against marque-specific references and the individual car’s restoration goals before deciding.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1958 Chrysler Windsor; it also changes how the car sits visually and how the sidewall presents. A bias-ply tire keeps the Windsor in its original-style construction family, which generally supports a more traditional late-1950s look.

A radial-equivalent option can still be considered, especially if a different driving setup is desired, but the visual result may not mirror a bias-ply presentation exactly. That makes construction an appearance decision as much as a fitment decision, particularly on a car where whitewall style and overall stance are central to the finished look.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Chrysler Windsor even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can change the available space around an 800-14 or 850-14 tire.

That is why a modified Windsor should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before settling on a tire. A size that belongs within the car’s original fitment range still needs to be verified against the actual wheel, clearance, and stance of the vehicle as it sits today.

Before driving a 1958 Chrysler Windsor on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm that lug hardware seats properly, and make sure the tires clear the fenders and steering components. It also helps to check valve stems, wheel condition, and inflation pressure before the first road test.

Once the tires are mounted, look for any rubbing marks after a short drive and recheck pressure after the car has settled. On an older Chrysler, it is also wise to inspect suspension and steering components so that worn parts do not create vibration, uneven wear, or clearance problems that look like a tire issue.

Collector-car tires on a 1958 Chrysler Windsor should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 800-14 or 850-14, watch for sidewall cracking, tread damage, bulges, irregular wear, or air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently.

Storage conditions matter because long periods of inactivity can age tires even when tread still looks good. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and occasional inspection of wheel alignment and suspension condition can prevent problems from developing unnoticed.