1958 Imperial Tires

The 1958 Imperial uses a 950-14 tire size. That is a numeric bias-ply fitment for a 14-inch wheel, and the covered Imperial V8 LY1-L sub-model uses that same primary size rather than a separate alternate fitment.

A single primary size makes selection simpler, but it does not eliminate the need to confirm the actual wheel setup on the car. Older luxury cars are sometimes found with replacement wheels, so checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and general clearance before mounting new 950-14 tires helps keep the fitment consistent with the car’s intended stance and use.

The primary tire fitment for the 1958 Imperial is built around a 14-inch rim. In available 950-14 tire options, the usable rim-width range is 6.50 to 7.50 inches, which gives a practical wheel-width window for this vintage bias-ply size.

Rim diameter is the first checkpoint, but wheel width matters too, especially on a large car where appearance and handling feel can change with the wrong wheel. A car that has been modified over the years may no longer have its original wheel setup, so measuring the wheel before ordering tires is a smart step even when the tire size itself is clear.

Yes. The 1958 Imperial V8 LY1-L uses the same 950-14 bias-ply tire size as the core 1958 Imperial fitment. There is no separate primary size to sort out for that covered sub-model.

That consistency means the main decision is not which size fits the LY1-L, but which version of the 950-14 best suits the car. Whitewall style becomes the visible differentiator, while wheel width, tire condition on any existing spares, and the presence of aftermarket wheels should still be checked before putting the car into regular road use.

Start with the correct primary fitment: 950-14 in bias-ply construction for a 14-inch rim. On this car, the biggest selection factors are wheel compatibility, the traditional look you want the Imperial to carry, and whether a narrow whitewall or wide whitewall better suits the vehicle’s restoration direction.

Available 950-14 options share the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, the same 2000@32 psi load specification, and the same 6.50 to 7.50-inch rim-width range. That means the buying decision is less about sorting through radically different tire types and more about choosing the sidewall presentation that matches the car’s visual style and intended use.

The available 950-14 tires for the 1958 Imperial come in two distinct sidewall styles: Narrow Whitewall and Wide Whitewall. Both are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, so the difference is mainly visual rather than a change in basic size, construction, or wheel diameter.

That choice has a real effect on how the car presents itself. A narrower whitewall gives a more restrained appearance, while a wide whitewall creates the bolder late-1950s luxury look many owners want from an Imperial. Matching the sidewall style to the car’s trim, restoration theme, and wheel covers usually leads to a more cohesive finished appearance.

The available 950-14 options for a 1958 Imperial are closely related, so the decision is mostly about appearance. Both available tires are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply products with the same load rating, the same 14-inch rim diameter, and the same recommended 6.50 to 7.50-inch rim-width range.

Because the core specification stays the same, compare the sidewall treatment against the car’s overall look and your ownership goals. A car aimed at period-style presentation may call for a different whitewall emphasis than one intended for casual driving and easy upkeep. It also helps to verify that all four wheels match before committing to one visual style.

A period-style starting point for the 1958 Imperial is the 950-14 bias-ply size used on the car’s primary fitment. That keeps the construction type, overall visual character, and wheel diameter aligned with the kind of tire presentation expected on a large late-1950s American luxury car.

Within that size, the appearance choice shifts to whitewall treatment rather than a different primary fitment. Exact originality can depend on trim, delivery details, and surviving historical references, so owners pursuing a highly accurate restoration should compare the tire’s look against marque literature, period photos, or established Imperial restoration guidance before making the final selection.

Both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall 950-14 tires can create a strong period-style look on a 1958 Imperial, but they do so with a different visual emphasis. Since both options share the same basic size and bias-ply construction, the choice is really about how bold or restrained the finished car should appear.

On a dramatic late-1950s body design, sidewall width can noticeably change the car’s stance and visual balance. A wide whitewall tends to draw more attention to the wheel opening and trim, while a narrow whitewall gives a quieter presentation. Looking at the car’s full trim package and restoration intent usually helps narrow the decision quickly.

Yes. A 1958 Imperial may still use the correct 950-14 tire size on paper, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or bodywork repairs can change the space available around the tire. Even a correct-size bias-ply tire should be checked against the car’s actual wheel and chassis setup.

Wheel diameter and width are the first items to verify, followed by steering clearance, fender clearance, and the condition of suspension components. A collector car that sits unevenly or has worn bushings and springs may present fitment issues that are not obvious at first glance. A careful pre-installation inspection helps avoid rubbing or stance problems.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated, and check for adequate clearance at the fenders and steering stops. On a large collector car like a 1958 Imperial, the condition of suspension, steering, and brake components also matters before any meaningful driving begins.

A short driveway check is not enough for a car that may have spent long periods parked. Look for fluid leaks, worn bushings, loose steering feel, and any signs that the car tracks unevenly. It also helps to recheck pressure after the first few miles and confirm that the spare and jack arrangement are usable before taking a longer trip.

Collector-car tires in 950-14 size should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is minimal, bias-ply tires on a low-use 1958 Imperial should be watched for cracking, sidewall damage, bulges, flat spotting, and gradual air loss.

Long idle periods can be harder on vintage tires than frequent moderate use. Keeping the car out of prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the car occasionally can reduce prolonged flat-spotting. An inspection before every driving season is a smart routine, especially on a heavy full-size collector vehicle.