The 1958 Plymouth Suburban came from an era when full-size American wagons were expected to carry people, luggage, and long-road practicality with real style. Its late-1950s design character makes tire choice especially important, because the stance and sidewall presentation affect the wagon's look as much as its road manners. This Suburban uses an 800-14 bias-ply tire on a 14-inch rim, keeping the fitment rooted in period construction. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments across well-known vintage tire series, along with modern radial equivalents for owners considering a different driving feel. The right choice depends on whether appearance, restoration character, or road-use priorities lead the decision.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 Plymouth Suburban
The 1958 Plymouth Suburban uses one primary tire size: 800-14. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 14-inch rim, and the covered 9 Passenger Suburban uses that same size. That means the main decision is not which primary size fits, but which 800-14 tire presentation suits the vehicle, and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering after checking wheel compatibility and overall fitment.
An 800-14 size uses a vintage numeric bias-ply designation, where the 800 refers to an approximate 8.00-inch nominal section width and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1958 Plymouth Suburban, this is the primary bias-ply fitment and it preserves the traditional tire profile associated with late-1950s full-size wagons. Within this size, choices include BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire offerings, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Custom Super Cushion. It is the size to evaluate if maintaining the original-era look of the wagon is part of the goal.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1958 Plymouth Suburban sub-model. The 9 Passenger version uses the same primary tire size, so the focus stays on construction style, sidewall treatment, and whether to remain with bias-ply or explore a radial equivalent.
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1958 Plymouth Suburban (9 Passenger)
The 1958 Plymouth Suburban (9 Passenger) uses the same 800-14 bias-ply fitment as the model core, keeping tire selection simple at the size level. The real choice is how traditional the wagon should look, whether that means blackwall or whitewall styling, or whether a radial equivalent deserves a closer fitment check.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1958 Plymouth Suburban
The original 800-14 tire size has four radial-equivalent options. Those alternatives 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. Together, they offer different sizing conventions and profile approaches, with the bias-look option aimed at a more traditional visual presentation. A 5-7 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be confirmed 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 Plymouth Suburban Tires for Sale
Available 800-14 choices span BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall appearances. The product grid also shows variation by tire series, bias-ply construction details, rim-width specifications, weight, and load-capacity listings where applicable.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire questions that come up with a 1958 Plymouth Suburban, including 800-14 fitment, 14-inch rim use, radial equivalents, sidewall choices, and the checks worth making before road use or a construction change.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1958 Plymouth Suburban?
The 1958 Plymouth Suburban uses an 800-14 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment mounted on a 14-inch rim, and the covered 9 Passenger Suburban uses that same primary size.
That makes the next decision less about size and more about tire type and presentation. Once 800-14 is confirmed on the vehicle, the buyer can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices, or look at radial equivalents if the wagon has wheels and clearances that support a change in construction.
What size rim does a 1958 Plymouth Suburban use?
The 1958 Plymouth Suburban uses a 14-inch rim with its 800-14 tire fitment. That rim diameter is the key wheel measurement tied to the primary tire size for this vehicle.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before any tire purchase, especially on an older wagon that may have had wheel changes over the years. After the 14-inch diameter is verified, wheel width still matters when comparing bias-ply products or radial equivalents, because construction changes can affect how the tire sits on the wheel and within the fender opening.
Does the 1958 Plymouth Suburban 9 Passenger use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1958 Plymouth Suburban (9 Passenger) uses the same 800-14 bias-ply primary tire size. There is no separate primary size within the covered Suburban sub-model fitment here.
That consistency keeps fitment simple, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the actual wheel setup on the car. A wagon restored for period appearance may stay with a traditional bias-ply and a whitewall treatment, while a road-driven example may lead the owner to compare radial-equivalent options after confirming wheel width and clearance.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 800-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1958 Plymouth Suburban?
For the 1958 Plymouth Suburban, 800-14 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available primary fitment products in this size use bias-ply construction rather than a modern radial construction.
That matters because the vehicle's original-era look is closely tied to the profile and sidewall character of a bias-ply tire. Owners considering a different road feel can compare radial-equivalent sizes, but the wheel setup should be checked carefully first so the new construction matches the rim and does not create unwanted clearance issues.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 800-14?
Radial equivalents for 800-14 include 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14. Those choices cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial option.
Each one offers a different way to approach the original size, so the best choice depends on wheel width, overall fitment, and the appearance the wagon should keep. A 5-7 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and that makes wheel measurement and clearance checks especially important before moving away from the original bias-ply construction.
What should I check before converting my 1958 Plymouth Suburban from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the Suburban still has 14-inch wheels and that the wheel width matches the radial-equivalent size being considered. For 800-14 equivalents, 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14 are the relevant options, with a 5-7 inch rim-width range tied to the equivalent fitment guidance.
The next step is checking how the actual car sits and clears at the front and rear. Steering travel, suspension condition, ride height, and any aftermarket wheel changes can all affect whether a radial alternative works cleanly, so the conversion should be treated as a fitment evaluation rather than an automatic size swap.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing an 800-14 tire for a 1958 Plymouth Suburban?
Begin with the correct primary size, which is 800-14, and then narrow the choice by construction, sidewall appearance, and brand or tire series. For this Plymouth, available options include bias-ply tires from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire in several visual styles.
A restoration-oriented wagon may lean toward the sidewall treatment that best matches the vehicle's era and trim presence, while a driver-focused car may place more emphasis on wheel compatibility and whether a radial equivalent is under consideration. Product details such as rim-width guidance, weight, and load listings can also help separate two tires in the same size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Plymouth Suburban tires?
The available 800-14 tire choices for a 1958 Plymouth Suburban include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those sidewall treatments appear across multiple brands and series in the primary bias-ply size.
Sidewall style has a major effect on how a late-1950s wagon presents visually, so this is often the biggest selection factor after size. A blackwall gives a plainer traditional look, while narrow and wide whitewalls push the appearance toward a more decorative period-style presentation without changing the vehicle's primary tire size.
What brands offer tires for the 1958 Plymouth Suburban?
BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire all offer 800-14 tires for the 1958 Plymouth Suburban. Their available products appear in bias-ply series including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Custom Super Cushion, and Universal Classic Bias Ply.
Brand alone is not the whole decision, because the available choices also vary by sidewall style and some product specifications. It helps to compare the exact tire series, the visual treatment, and any stated rim-width or load details that matter to the way the wagon will be used and the kind of period-style look it should maintain.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 Plymouth Suburban?
A period-style 1958 Plymouth Suburban usually starts with the original 800-14 bias-ply fitment, because that size and construction preserve the visual character expected on a late-1950s full-size wagon. From there, the choice becomes one of brand, tire series, and sidewall presentation rather than primary size.
Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions can all change the wagon's finished look in noticeable ways. When exact originality matters, period photos, marque references, and restoration documentation are worth checking before settling on a specific sidewall treatment, since a correct-size vintage tire is not automatically the exact appearance the car carried when new.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1958 Plymouth Suburban?
Tire construction affects more than road feel on a restored 1958 Plymouth Suburban; it also influences the wagon's visual stance and overall period impression. An 800-14 bias-ply keeps the vehicle aligned with its original-era construction style, while a radial equivalent changes the approach even when the wheel diameter remains the same.
That difference is why some owners stay with a traditional bias-ply for shows or restoration-focused presentation, while others consider an 800R14 bias-look radial to keep a more vintage appearance. The decision should balance how authentic the wagon should look with the wheel setup actually on the car and how it will be driven.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 Plymouth Suburban?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Plymouth Suburban even when the intended tire size is correct on paper. Wheel changes, altered ride height, suspension work, brake conversions, and body modifications can all change the space available around a tire.
That matters most when comparing a stock-type 800-14 bias-ply with any radial-equivalent alternative. An owner should verify actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at steering lock and full suspension travel before mounting tires, because an older wagon may no longer sit exactly as it did when it left the factory era.
What should I inspect before driving a 1958 Plymouth Suburban on new tires?
Before driving a 1958 Plymouth Suburban on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm lug hardware, valve stems, and inflation. It is also smart to look over the steering and suspension so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.
A short initial road test should include checking for rubbing, unusual pull, vibration, or uneven stance. After a little use, recheck air pressure and look for any marks that suggest contact with fenders or suspension components, especially if the wagon has been restored, stored for long periods, or fitted with anything other than stock-style wheels.
How should 800-14 tires on a collector 1958 Plymouth Suburban be maintained?
Collector-car 800-14 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. A 1958 Plymouth Suburban that spends long periods parked deserves extra scrutiny for sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss before it goes back on the road.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older collector vehicle. Keeping the wagon away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic movement can reduce long-term stress in one spot. Any tire showing concerning age or condition should be evaluated before regular road use.