1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite Tires

The 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 850-14 and 900-14. Both sizes are associated with this vehicle, and both use a 14-inch rim. The covered wagon sub-models are tied to these same two sizes rather than one unique size for each body style.

That means the real fitment question is not simply year and model, but which wheel and tire setup is actually on the car. Checking the current wheel width, the tire size already fitted, and available clearance around the fender and suspension will help determine whether 850-14 or 900-14 is the appropriate choice for your particular Fireflite.

Both primary tire sizes for the 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite are built around a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to 850-14 and 900-14, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizes differ. The first step is confirming that the car still has 14-inch wheels rather than later replacements.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the entire fitment decision, because wheel width also matters. The available 850-14 products are suited to 5.50-6.00 inch rims, while the 900-14 products are suited to 6.00-7.00 inch rims. A wheel can still be 14 inches in diameter yet need a different tire size because of width and overall setup.

The covered 2 Seat Wagon and 3 Seat Wagon sub-models share the same overall fitment pattern. Each is associated with both 850-14 and 900-14 bias-ply tire sizes on 14-inch rims, so there is not a separate one-size-only split between those two wagon sub-models.

Shared fitment does not mean every individual car should automatically use either size without checking. Many collector vehicles have had wheels changed over time, and wagon owners often want to preserve an existing stance or restoration direction. Verifying the mounted wheel width and the current tire size on the vehicle is the safest way to narrow the decision.

On the 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite, 850-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing format, and the available products in this size are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires. That makes it the traditional construction choice for owners who want to stay with a period-style setup.

Construction affects both appearance and selection strategy. Staying with 850-14 bias-ply keeps the original-style sizing format intact, while moving away from it means evaluating radial-equivalent dimensions, wheel-width suitability, and clearance. A buyer choosing this size should decide whether the goal is a traditional restoration-oriented presentation or a different road-use approach through an equivalent radial.

Radial equivalents for 850-14 include 215R14, which is the 80-series metric radial option, P225/75R14, which is the 75-series P-metric option, and P235/70R14, which is the 70-series P-metric option. These are alternate radial size formats associated with the original 850-14 fitment rather than additional primary De Soto tire sizes.

The recommended rim-width range tied to those radial equivalents is 5-7 inches, which makes wheel measurement an important part of the decision. Buyers should also compare the actual wheel setup, body clearance, and intended use of the car before converting. An equivalent size can be a useful option, but it still needs to match the vehicle’s wheel and space requirements.

Start by confirming the original tire size on the car, then compare any intended radial equivalent against wheel diameter and wheel width. For an 850-14 conversion path, the associated radial equivalents are 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14, with a recommended rim-width range of 5-7 inches tied to those options.

A conversion also calls for checking clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering range, especially on a large late-1950s wagon that may no longer sit exactly as built. Radials and bias-ply tires differ in construction, so the owner should also consider whether the car’s purpose is restoration display, occasional touring, or more regular road use before choosing the final setup.

A 850-14 choice for the 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite starts with confirming that the car is actually set up for that size rather than 900-14. In bias-ply form, 850-14 is available in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with either a wide whitewall or a narrow whitewall, so appearance is one of the main deciding factors.

Wheel width should also be part of the comparison, because the available 850-14 bias-ply products are suited to 5.50-6.00 inch rims. Buyers considering a radial equivalent should separately review the equivalent-size rim guidance and vehicle clearance. Choosing the right 850-14 tire is really a balance of confirmed fitment, sidewall look, and whether the car will remain bias-ply or move toward radial construction.

The available tire choices for the 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite include two whitewall presentations: wide whitewall and narrow whitewall. Those sidewall styles are offered in both 850-14 and 900-14 within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, giving the car a traditional late-1950s look in either a broader or more restrained whitewall treatment.

Sidewall choice mainly affects visual character rather than basic fitment, but it can significantly change how the wagon reads in profile. A wide whitewall tends to emphasize the period luxury feel, while a narrow whitewall offers a subtler appearance. Owners trying to match an existing restoration should compare the new tire’s whitewall style with the car’s trim, stance, and overall presentation.

In 900-14, the 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite currently has BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply choices in two visual treatments: wide whitewall and narrow whitewall. Since both share the same bias-ply construction and tire series, the main comparison points are the sidewall look and whether the vehicle’s wheel setup suits the size.

The available 900-14 products are matched to 6.00-7.00 inch rim widths, so measuring the wheel is important before settling on this size. Buyers should also think about how substantial they want the whitewall to appear on a large Forward Look wagon. Once fitment is confirmed, the decision becomes more about appearance and restoration direction than about radically different product types.

For a period-style 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite, the starting point is one of the original-format bias-ply sizes used on the car: 850-14 or 900-14. The available products in both sizes are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, which keep the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction that suit a late-1950s wagon.

The right choice depends on which size the car is actually set up to use and how you want the finished vehicle to present. Whitewall style plays a large role in the final look, and exact originality may call for checking marque-specific historical references. For many restorations, confirming the wheel setup and selecting the right size and whitewall treatment are the key first moves.

Tire construction changes more than the driving feel on a restored 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite; it also changes how the car presents visually. A bias-ply tire in 850-14 or 900-14 preserves the vintage sizing format and period-style profile associated with this era, while a radial alternative introduces a more modern sizing convention.

That difference matters on a long, finned wagon where sidewall shape and overall stance are highly visible. Owners focused on a traditional restoration usually begin with the bias-ply fitment, then decide between wide and narrow whitewalls. Anyone considering a radial equivalent should compare the wheel setup and desired look carefully before moving away from the original-style construction.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can all influence whether 850-14 or 900-14 remains the better match and whether clearance stays acceptable.

A modified car should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before new tires are chosen. Wheel width is especially important here, because the available 850-14 and 900-14 products are intended for different rim-width ranges. On a collector wagon, small setup changes can have a noticeable effect on stance, appearance, and available tire room.

Before driving a 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm that the tires are mounted in the intended 850-14 or 900-14 size, and make sure inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. It is also wise to check valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition.

Roadworthiness depends on more than the tires themselves. A Fireflite that has sat for long periods should also be checked for brake condition, steering play, suspension wear, and any rubbing points near the tire. After the first few miles, recheck pressure and look for any signs of contact, uneven stance, or unusual wear that could signal a setup issue.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 De Soto MS 3-H-8 Fireflite should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Whether the wagon wears 850-14 or 900-14 bias-ply tires, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, tread irregularities, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven only occasionally.

Storage habits matter on a low-use vehicle of this era. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, excess moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the sidewalls over time. Tires should also be inspected before longer drives rather than assuming low mileage means low risk, since age and storage history can matter as much as tread depth on a collector wagon.