1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer Tires

The 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer came from Chrysler’s dramatic late-1950s fin era, when full-size American performance and high-style luxury often traveled together. As one of De Soto’s most memorable late-decade models, the Adventurer carries the long, low stance and visual presence that make tire choice especially important to its overall look. This model uses an 850-14 bias-ply tire on a 14-inch rim, so the main decision is usually whether to stay with the original-style construction or consider a radial equivalent. Available choices also include different whitewall treatments within the same size. That makes fitment, appearance, and driving intent equally important when selecting tires for restoration or road use.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer

The 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer uses one primary tire size: 850-14. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 14-inch rim, and the covered Base sub-model uses the same size. That means the key decision is not which primary size fits, but which version of 850-14 best matches the car’s appearance goals, driving use, and any interest in a modern radial equivalent.

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850-14Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Base
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 14 in

An 850-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 8.50 designation refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer, this is the primary bias-ply fitment and it suits the tall, substantial stance expected on a large late-1950s American car. In this size, the available choices center more on appearance than size variation, with BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options offered in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall form. It is the size to evaluate when preserving the car’s traditional presentation on its correct rim diameter.

Explore 850-14 Tires

1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer sub-model. The Base version uses the same primary tire size, so the focus stays on construction choice, whitewall style, and verifying that the car still has the expected 14-inch wheel setup.

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1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer Base

The 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer Base uses the 850-14 bias-ply size. That keeps tire selection centered on whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply look with either a wide or narrow whitewall, or a carefully checked radial-equivalent alternative for a different road-use balance.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer

The original 850-14 tire size has three radial-equivalent options to consider. Those include 215R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P235/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Together, they provide a range of modern sizing conventions and profile shapes relative to the original bias-ply size. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches applies to these equivalents, and final choice should still be checked against wheel dimensions, overall tire proportions, and vehicle clearance.

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:

  • 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 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer Tires for Sale

Current 850-14 choices for the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer focus on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires. The main comparison in the product grid is sidewall presentation, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions available in the same bias-ply size.

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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 850-14

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD1740@32 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 850-14

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD1740@32 psi
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs for the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer focus on the 850-14 tire size, 14-inch rim fitment, radial-equivalent choices, whitewall selection, and the checks that matter before putting a collector car back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer?

The 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer uses an 850-14 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the model covered here. The Base sub-model uses the same 850-14 size, which keeps the fitment question fairly simple compared with vehicles that changed tire sizes by trim or package.

Once the size is confirmed, the decision moves to tire style and construction. A traditional 850-14 bias-ply keeps the original-style sizing format, while radial equivalents are also available for owners considering an alternate road-use setup. It still makes sense to confirm that the car has the correct 14-inch wheels and that no previous owner changed the wheel or suspension package.

What size rim does a 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer use?

The primary 850-14 tire size for the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer is built for a 14-inch rim diameter. That wheel diameter is central to the fitment, because the final number in the size code must match the wheel diameter. The available 850-14 bias-ply products also stay within the expected 14-inch rim specification for this application.

Wheel diameter should be verified before ordering, especially on a collector car that may have seen aftermarket changes over the years. Rim width matters too, since the available 850-14 bias-ply products call for a 5.50 to 6.00 inch rim width. Checking the actual wheel size on the car prevents avoidable mismatch problems even when the tire size itself appears straightforward.

Does the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer Base use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer Base uses the same 850-14 bias-ply tire size as the covered model fitment. There is no separate primary size change shown for that sub-model, so buyers do not need to sort through multiple original-size options in this case.

That consistency makes shopping simpler, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the actual car. A previous wheel swap, altered ride height, or replacement rims with a different width can affect which tire version is the best match. Once the wheel setup is confirmed, selection usually comes down to sidewall appearance or whether a radial equivalent deserves consideration.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 850-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer?

For the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer, 850-14 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That means the original fitment format is a vintage numeric bias-ply rather than a radial. The available products in this size are also bias-ply tires, which suits owners who want to stay with the traditional construction associated with this application.

Bias-ply choice usually appeals to owners focused on a period-style look and the traditional tire profile that complements a late-1950s full-size car. Buyers considering a change in construction should treat that as a separate decision from simple size replacement. Rim dimensions, tire proportions, and vehicle clearance should all be reviewed before moving from the original-style bias-ply setup to a radial alternative.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 850-14?

Radial equivalents for 850-14 include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. The 215R14 is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, P225/75R14 is a 75-series P-metric radial equivalent, and P235/70R14 is a 70-series P-metric radial equivalent. These options give the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer owner several modern sizing formats to compare against the original bias-ply size.

Each of those equivalents should be evaluated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range attached to the equivalent set is 5 to 7 inches, which makes wheel measurement important before any conversion. It is also wise to confirm actual tire clearance at the fenders and suspension, especially if the car no longer sits at stock ride height.

What should I check before converting my 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual rim width on the car, then compare those measurements with the radial-equivalent size being considered. The 850-14 equivalents include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14, with a recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches. That establishes the baseline for whether a radial alternative is worth evaluating further.

Clearance should be checked at the fenders, steering range, and suspension travel before making the switch. It also helps to inspect overall vehicle condition, since worn suspension parts can affect how a different tire construction sits and moves under the car. On a restored or largely original Adventurer, appearance matters too, because a radial can change the visual character even when the rim diameter stays the same.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 850-14 tire for a 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer?

The first priority is staying with the correct primary size, which is 850-14 on a 14-inch rim. From there, the main considerations are whether the car should keep a bias-ply construction, what sidewall appearance best suits the vehicle, and whether the wheel width matches the tire’s requirements. For the available bias-ply products, the rim-width range is 5.50 to 6.00 inches.

A restoration-oriented Adventurer may call for a different visual presentation than a car intended mainly for casual road use. Whitewall width can change the overall look substantially on a 1958 De Soto, so appearance is not a minor detail here. It is also helpful to inspect the actual wheels before buying, because an older car may no longer have the same rims it left the era with.

What sidewall styles are available for 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer tires?

The available 850-14 bias-ply options for the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer include both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. Both are offered within the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the size and general construction remain consistent while the outward appearance changes. That makes sidewall styling one of the main selection points for this car.

On a late-1950s De Soto, whitewall treatment has a strong effect on the car’s stance and visual balance. A wider whitewall tends to emphasize a more formal, dramatic period presentation, while a narrower whitewall can create a slightly cleaner and more restrained look. The better choice depends on the car’s restoration direction, trim presentation, and the owner’s preference rather than a one-style-fits-all answer.

What tire series are available for the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer?

The available 850-14 products for the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer are offered in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That means the main distinction in the current product selection is not between multiple series names, but between sidewall treatments within the same traditional bias-ply family. Buyers are comparing appearance details more than broad product-family changes here.

A single-series offering can actually simplify the buying decision on a collector car like this one. Instead of sorting through several unrelated product lines, attention can stay on the correct vintage size, construction type, rim-width compatibility, and the look that best suits the car. For many Adventurer owners, the whitewall choice will matter more than the absence of multiple series options.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer?

A period-style approach starts with the original-format 850-14 bias-ply size. That keeps the vintage numeric sizing system and the traditional construction associated with the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer. Since the available products in this size are bias-ply tires, the real appearance choice becomes the sidewall treatment rather than selecting among very different construction types within the same primary size.

For a restoration-minded car, the goal is usually to match the vehicle’s visual era as closely as practical. Wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions can create distinctly different impressions, so photographs, period advertising, marque references, and other vehicle-specific historical sources are worth reviewing if exact presentation matters. That extra research is especially useful before committing to a whitewall style.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer?

Tire construction can influence how a restored 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer looks even when the rim diameter stays the same. The primary 850-14 fitment is bias-ply, and that construction supports the traditional visual character many owners expect on a large American car from the fin era. A radial equivalent changes the sizing format and can alter the car’s overall presentation.

That does not make a radial wrong for every build, but it does make the decision more than a simple technical substitution. Owners focused on a strong period impression often start with the original-style bias-ply format and then choose the whitewall treatment that suits the restoration. Buyers more interested in regular road use may weigh appearance differently, but the visual tradeoff should be considered deliberately.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer?

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer even when the original tire size is known. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different rim widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how an 850-14 tire or a radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening. Clearance and wheel measurement become especially important once the car has moved away from stock-style hardware.

A buyer should confirm actual wheel diameter and width on the car before choosing tires, then check steering and fender clearance through normal suspension travel. Cars from this era are often restored in stages, so one changed component can affect tire choice more than expected. Any conversion to radial-equivalent sizing deserves a second look if the Adventurer no longer retains its original wheel setup.

What should I inspect before driving a 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the new tires match the wheel diameter and appropriate rim width. It also helps to verify inflation, look over the valve stems, and make certain there is no interference at the fenders, steering components, or suspension. On a large collector car like the 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer, those basics matter immediately.

A short local test drive is a sensible first step after installation, especially if the car has been parked for long periods. Listen for rubbing, pay attention to steering feel, and recheck tire pressure after the first outing. Older vehicles can reveal unrelated chassis issues once fresh tires are installed, so a quick inspection of alignment and suspension condition is worthwhile before longer highway use.

How should 850-14 tires on a collector 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer be maintained?

Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and clean, dry storage conditions whenever the car is parked for extended periods. On 850-14 tires, watch for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, or gradual air loss. Even a lightly driven 1958 De Soto LS 3-S-8 Adventurer can develop tire-condition issues simply from age and inactivity.

Long idle periods are often harder on collector tires than steady use, so moving the car occasionally and avoiding prolonged exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources is helpful. It is also wise to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive rather than assuming low mileage means low risk. A large, heavy late-1950s car benefits from careful tire attention before touring or event use.