1958 Pontiac Tires

The 1958 Pontiac uses an 850-14 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment on a 14-inch rim, and it is the primary size used across the covered sub-models, including the Wagon and All Models w/Air Except.

That means the first step is usually confirming that the car still has the expected 14-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel setup over the years. Once that is settled, the real choice is between available whitewall presentations in the original-style bias-ply size or a carefully checked radial equivalent.

The primary tire fitment for a 1958 Pontiac uses a 14-inch rim. The 850-14 size is built around that wheel diameter, so the rim diameter needs to match before moving ahead with any replacement tire selection.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a collector car like this. It is also smart to confirm the actual wheel width on the car, especially if the Pontiac has been modified or has replacement wheels, since that can affect how the tire sits and whether an equivalent radial is worth considering.

The covered 1958 Pontiac sub-models here use the same 850-14 bias-ply tire size. That includes the Wagon and the All Models w/Air Except configuration, so the basic tire-size decision does not change between those versions.

Even with shared fitment, it still helps to confirm what is actually on the car today. Older vehicles are often fitted with replacement wheels or different tire constructions over time, and that can shape whether staying with a period-style bias-ply or moving to a radial equivalent makes more sense.

For the 1958 Pontiac, 850-14 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available products in this size keep that traditional bias-ply construction, which matches the visual character and road feel many owners want from a late-1950s full-size Pontiac.

Construction matters because a bias-ply tire and a radial can change the car’s appearance and behavior even when the wheel diameter stays the same. Anyone considering a different construction should verify wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming that the same rim diameter makes every alternative equally suitable.

Radial equivalents for 850-14 include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving the 1958 Pontiac several modern-format alternatives to compare.

Each option should be treated as an alternative, not as an automatic replacement. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches applies to the equivalents, and it is important to compare the actual wheel setup on the car along with steering, suspension, and fender clearance before changing from the original-style bias-ply fitment.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width actually on the car, then compare the intended radial equivalent against the Pontiac’s available space at the fenders, suspension, and steering components. The 850-14 fitment has radial alternatives, but each one needs to be evaluated against the vehicle’s real setup.

A conversion is also a good time to inspect suspension condition and alignment, especially on a collector car that may have sat for long periods. Changes in wheel design, ride height, or previous restoration work can affect the outcome, so the best approach is to check the entire tire-and-wheel package before making the switch.

The first priority is staying with the correct 850-14 size on the proper 14-inch wheel setup. From there, the main decisions are whether to keep the original-style bias-ply construction and which sidewall presentation best suits the car’s character and your restoration or driving goals.

Available 850-14 choices here are both BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, so the comparison centers on appearance and wheel compatibility rather than a change in construction. Looking at whitewall width, intended road use, and the actual wheel dimensions on the car will usually narrow the decision quickly.

The available 850-14 tires for a 1958 Pontiac come in two whitewall styles: a 2.25-inch wide whitewall and a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall. Both are bias-ply tires in the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the difference is primarily visual rather than dimensional.

That gives owners a clear appearance choice depending on how formal, bright, or understated they want the car to look. On a 1958 Pontiac, sidewall treatment has a strong effect on the overall presentation, so this decision often matters as much as the tire size once correct fitment has already been confirmed.

Since the available 850-14 options share the same BFGoodrich brand, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, and bias-ply construction, the biggest distinction is whitewall width. One uses a 2.25-inch wide whitewall and the other uses a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall, while both carry the same 1740-pound maximum load at 32 psi.

That means the choice is less about fitment differences and more about how the tire complements the car’s style. It still helps to confirm the wheel width on the Pontiac, because both tires are intended for a 5.50- to 6.00-inch rim-width range rather than every 14-inch wheel.

A period-style approach for a 1958 Pontiac usually starts with the original-size 850-14 bias-ply format. That keeps the car in the construction type associated with its era and preserves the tall-sidewall visual character that helps a late-1950s full-size Pontiac look properly grounded.

The next decision is sidewall presentation rather than size, since both available choices stay within the same bias-ply series. Owners focused on exact historical detail should compare whitewall treatment against marque references or restoration documentation, because a period-style tire can still differ from a specific factory-delivered appearance.

Tire construction can noticeably change how a restored 1958 Pontiac sits and reads visually, even before the car moves. An 850-14 bias-ply tire supports the traditional late-1950s presentation, while a radial equivalent can shift the look simply because it uses a different sizing convention and construction type.

For many restorations, the tire is part of the car’s overall design language rather than just a mechanical replacement item. Owners who want a more authentic visual impression often stay with bias-ply, while those prioritizing modern road use may compare radial alternatives carefully after checking wheel dimensions and clearances.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Pontiac even when the intended tire size is still 850-14 or a related radial equivalent. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension components, or body clearance can all influence whether the tire package remains appropriate.

That is why an older car should be checked as it sits today rather than assumed to match its original configuration. A quick review of wheel dimensions, suspension travel, and clearance at full steering lock can prevent problems that are easy to miss when the car has seen decades of repairs or upgrades.

Before driving a 1958 Pontiac on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm proper inflation, and make sure the tires have adequate clearance at the fenders and steering components. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, wheel hardware, and general suspension condition before heading out.

A collector car often reveals issues once it begins moving again, especially if it has been stored or driven only occasionally. After the first few miles, recheck pressure and take another look for rubbing, unusual wear, or any sign that the car’s alignment or wheel setup needs attention.

850-14 tires on a collector 1958 Pontiac should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Look for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, or slow air loss, especially on a vehicle that spends long periods parked between drives.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on many older Pontiacs. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and occasional inspection of wheel condition and suspension alignment can catch problems before they affect road manners or tire life.