1959 Chevrolet Wagon Tires

A 1959 Chevrolet Wagon uses either 800-14 or 850-14 tires, both in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. The 1959 Chevrolet Wagon 6 Pass. uses 800-14, while the 1959 Chevrolet Wagon 9 Pass. can use 800-14 or 850-14.

That means the first step is confirming the exact wagon sub-model and the wheels currently on the vehicle. A long-stored car, a restoration in progress, or a wagon with replacement wheels should be checked carefully so the tire size matches the actual rim width, wheel diameter, and intended appearance.

The 1959 Chevrolet Wagon uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 800-14 and 850-14. Even though the tire widths differ, the rim diameter remains the same across these fitments.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still deserves attention before choosing between available tires. That matters even more on a 9 Pass. wagon, where two primary sizes are possible, or on any wagon that may have been altered from its original wheel setup over the years.

No. The 1959 Chevrolet Wagon 6 Pass. uses 800-14, while the 1959 Chevrolet Wagon 9 Pass. can use either 800-14 or 850-14. Both are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch rims, but the fitment is not identical across the covered sub-models.

That difference makes sub-model identification important before moving on to sidewall style or brand selection. It also means a 9 Pass. wagon should be checked especially carefully if it has been restored, modified, or stored for years, since the actual wheel and tire combination on the car may guide the final choice.

On the 1959 Chevrolet Wagon, 800-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It is one of the primary original-style fitments used on this wagon and reflects the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system common to full-size American cars of the period.

Choosing 800-14 as a bias-ply tire usually appeals to owners who want a traditional look and a period-style driving character. A radial alternative can still be considered, but the wheel dimensions, tire clearance, and overall setup should be checked carefully rather than assuming a radial equivalent will behave exactly like the original bias-ply fitment.

For 800-14, radial equivalents include 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial. For 850-14, radial equivalents include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14.

Those choices give the wagon owner several ways to move from a vintage numeric bias-ply size into radial sizing, from Euro-metric 80-series style options to P-metric alternatives. Both primary sizes also reference a 5-7 inch rim-width range, but overall fit should still be checked against the wagon’s actual wheels, clearance, and intended use before converting.

Start by confirming the wagon’s actual primary size, wheel diameter, and wheel width, then compare those details with the radial equivalent being considered. On this vehicle, the relevant radial alternatives vary by sizing format, and the original fitments are 800-14 or 850-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims.

A conversion should also account for fender clearance, steering clearance, suspension condition, and the possibility of aftermarket wheels or previous modifications. A 6 Pass. and a 9 Pass. do not present the same size decision, so identifying the exact sub-model first helps avoid choosing a radial equivalent that looks or fits differently than expected.

The main considerations are the correct primary size for the wagon’s sub-model, the 14-inch rim requirement, and whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a separately evaluated radial alternative. On this vehicle, that usually means choosing between 800-14 and 850-14 before comparing individual tire options.

Once the size is confirmed, the choice becomes more about appearance and wheel compatibility. Sidewall treatment, tire series, and brand all shape the final result, especially on a restoration-minded wagon where a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall can change the vehicle’s overall character as much as the size itself.

Sidewall choices for the 1959 Chevrolet Wagon include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product selected. The broadest variety appears in 800-14, while 850-14 choices center on narrow whitewall and wide whitewall designs.

That range matters because sidewall style has a strong effect on how a late-1950s wagon presents visually. A buyer choosing for restoration, show use, or a traditional road car should decide early whether the tire should blend in with a blackwall look or become a more visible styling element through a whitewall treatment.

Tires for the 1959 Chevrolet Wagon are available from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire. The available products are bias-ply tires in the primary wagon sizes, with series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Custom Super Cushion, and Universal Classic Bias Ply.

Brand choice is best treated as part of a broader fitment and appearance decision rather than a ranking exercise. The better comparison points are whether the tire is offered in the needed size, which sidewall style it uses, what rim-width specification it calls for, and how closely its presentation matches the wagon’s intended finished look.

A period-style 1959 Chevrolet Wagon usually starts with the correct bias-ply primary size for the sub-model, either 800-14 or 850-14 on a 14-inch rim. That preserves the vintage sizing format and keeps the selection anchored in the kind of tire presentation associated with full-size Chevrolet wagons of this era.

After the size is confirmed, appearance becomes the major decision point. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options are available, and some owners may prefer blackwall for a more restrained look. When exact originality matters, marque references, build records, and restoration documentation should guide the final visual choice.

Tire construction can noticeably change the look of a restored 1959 Chevrolet Wagon. A bias-ply tire keeps the wagon in its original-style sizing format, while a radial alternative can alter the visual impression even when it is chosen as an equivalent rather than a different primary fitment.

Appearance-sensitive restorations often place as much importance on the tire’s sidewall style and overall presentation as on the size itself. A bias-look radial can help preserve a more traditional visual theme in some cases, but it should still be treated as an alternative setup and checked against the wagon’s wheels and clearances.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Chevrolet Wagon even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, suspension alterations, lowering, or body repairs can all influence how an 800-14 or 850-14 tire sits and clears.

A wagon that has been updated over the years should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, and steering and fender clearance before choosing tires. This is especially important on the 9 Pass., where more than one primary size may already be in the fitment picture before any modification-related variables are added.

Before driving a 1959 Chevrolet Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels for proper diameter and condition, make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size, and verify that inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. A basic walk-around should also include checking for clearance at the fenders and steering components.

A collector wagon deserves a broader inspection as well, especially if it has been parked for extended periods. Wheel bearings, suspension wear, alignment condition, and any signs of rubbing should be addressed early, since a freshly installed tire can reveal issues that were less obvious with old, worn, or undersized tires.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Chevrolet Wagon should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss, even if the wagon is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply tires in 800-14 or 850-14 sizes also benefit from routine pressure checks and periodic visual inspection after storage.

Storage conditions matter because low-use collector vehicles often age tires through time and environment rather than mileage. Keeping the wagon away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and any sign of age-related deterioration should be taken seriously before longer drives or sustained road use.