1959 Chrysler Saratoga Tires

The 1959 Chrysler Saratoga uses 850-14 and 900-14 tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. Fitment depends on sub-model: the Saratoga Wagon uses 850-14, while Saratoga All Except Wagon applications can use 850-14 or 900-14.

That means the first step is identifying whether the car is a Wagon or an All Except Wagon configuration, then confirming the wheel setup already on the vehicle. Since both sizes are correct within the Saratoga range, the practical decision is not just size alone but also wheel width, whitewall appearance, and whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply format.

The 1959 Chrysler Saratoga uses a 14-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 850-14 and 900-14 bias-ply fitments, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire widths vary by application.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on a car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. A Saratoga with replacement wheels should also have the actual wheel width checked before choosing between 850-14 and 900-14, since the two sizes are intended for different width ranges and that affects safe, proper tire selection.

No. The 1959 Chrysler Saratoga Wagon uses 850-14, while the 1959 Chrysler Saratoga All Except Wagon can use either 850-14 or 900-14. All of these primary fitments are bias-ply tires mounted on 14-inch rims.

That difference matters because a buyer should not assume every Saratoga uses the wider 900-14 tire. Body style identification should come first, and the wheels currently on the car should still be measured if there is any doubt about originality or past modifications. Once the correct application is confirmed, sidewall style and construction choice become much easier decisions.

On the 1959 Chrysler Saratoga, 850-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is the standard construction used in the available period-style products for this application, and it appears on the Saratoga Wagon as well as some other Saratoga configurations.

A radial alternative can still be considered for an 850-14 application, but that does not change the original primary fitment type. Owners usually make that decision based on restoration goals, wheel compatibility, and how closely they want to retain the traditional look and feel of a late-1950s full-size Chrysler rather than treating the two constructions as interchangeable.

Radial equivalents for 850-14 include 215R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R14 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P235/70R14 as a P-metric 70-series radial. A recommended rim width range of 5 to 7 inches accompanies those equivalent sizes.

Those alternatives give an owner several radial sizing formats to compare, but each one should still be checked against the car's wheel width and available clearance. The choice is not simply about finding any 14-inch radial; it is about making sure the overall tire dimensions and wheel match remain suitable for the Saratoga's specific setup.

Start by confirming which original size the car uses, because radial equivalents are only established here for the 850-14 fitment. The wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and the selected radial size all need to be reviewed together before treating a radial option as a workable alternative.

A careful conversion also includes checking fender and steering clearance, suspension condition, and whether the Saratoga still has its original-style wheels. Cars that have sat for long periods or have been altered over the years deserve extra attention, since even a correct equivalent size should be evaluated against the vehicle's present-day wheel and chassis condition.

Begin with the exact Saratoga sub-model, because Wagon and All Except Wagon applications do not share the same fitment range. From there, confirm whether the car needs 850-14 or 900-14, keep the 14-inch rim diameter in mind, and decide whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial-equivalent evaluation where applicable.

Once the basic fitment is settled, compare sidewall style, wheel-width compatibility, and load capacity within the correct size. A period-style restoration may lean toward preserving the original construction type and visual character, while a road-use oriented owner may spend more time comparing equivalent sizing paths and the car's current wheel setup before making a final choice.

The available 1959 Chrysler Saratoga tires include wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices are offered in both 850-14 and 900-14 within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, so the visual decision can be made without changing the overall size or traditional construction type.

Sidewall style has a strong effect on how a late-1950s Chrysler presents, especially on a large body with substantial chrome and trim. The right choice depends on whether the car is being restored toward a more formal period look or maintained as a driver with a slightly more restrained appearance, but the tire still needs to match the correct size and wheel requirements first.

The first distinction is application, not brand, because 850-14 and 900-14 do not serve the same role across the Saratoga line. Wagon models stay with 850-14, while All Except Wagon applications may use 850-14 or 900-14, and each size carries its own wheel-width range and load-capacity specification.

After confirming which size belongs on the car, the next comparisons are whitewall treatment and how closely the tire supports the vehicle's intended appearance. A wider tire is not automatically the better choice, especially if the wheels on the car do not match the intended rim-width range, so measuring the actual wheels is just as important as reading the sidewall.

A period-style 1959 Chrysler Saratoga usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model, using 850-14 or 900-14 on a 14-inch rim as appropriate. Staying within the available bias-ply Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offerings preserves the traditional construction and the visual character associated with a full-size Chrysler of this era.

The next step is choosing the sidewall look that best suits the car's trim and restoration direction. Owners pursuing exact originality should still compare their Saratoga against marque references, period photography, or other vehicle-specific documentation, since a correct size and correct era style do not automatically establish the precise sidewall treatment the car carried when new.

Tire construction influences more than ride and road feel on a restored 1959 Chrysler Saratoga; it also affects the car's visual presentation. The primary Saratoga fitments are bias-ply tires, and that construction is closely associated with the stance and period-style look expected on a late-1950s full-size American car.

An owner considering a radial equivalent for an 850-14 application should think about appearance as carefully as fitment. Even when the size comparison is sensible, the finished look may differ from a traditional bias-ply presentation, so the decision often comes down to whether the Saratoga is being restored for historical character, regular road use, or a compromise between the two.

Yes. Modifications such as aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all affect tire fitment on a 1959 Chrysler Saratoga. That matters even more here because the car may use either 850-14 or 900-14 depending on sub-model, while both sizes still rely on a 14-inch wheel diameter.

A Saratoga that has been changed from its original wheel or suspension setup should have actual wheel width and clearance checked before any tire is chosen. Steering lock, fender space, and rear-wheel opening room are all worth reviewing, since a collector car's present configuration can differ meaningfully from what its original tire fitment assumed.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire size matches the car's sub-model, and make sure the tires are mounted on the proper 14-inch rims with suitable wheel width. Valve stems, lug hardware, brake condition, and basic suspension health also deserve attention before the Saratoga is put back into regular service.

Collector cars often sit for long periods, so the first drive should also include a careful check for rubbing, unusual pull, vibration, or air loss after installation. A short local test drive is a smart way to confirm that the tires, wheels, and chassis are working together properly before asking the car to handle higher speeds or a longer highway trip.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Chrysler Saratoga should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and tread wear, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources. Those habits matter whether the car uses 850-14 or 900-14, because low-use vehicles often age tires by time and storage conditions as much as by mileage.

Regular visual checks are especially important before a car show, weekend cruise, or longer drive after storage. Rotating attention between tire condition and wheel condition helps prevent small issues from being missed, and any Saratoga that has been parked for extended periods should have its tires examined closely for flat spotting, pressure loss, or age-related sidewall deterioration.