1959 Ford Fairlane Tires

The 1959 Ford Fairlane uses two primary tire sizes: 800-14 and 850-14. Both are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch rims, so the correct choice depends on the car’s exact setup rather than a change in wheel diameter. The covered Fairlane sub-models fall within that same two-size range.

The practical step is to confirm which size is already on the car and whether the wheels match that setup before choosing a replacement. Once the primary size is verified, the decision usually shifts to sidewall appearance, brand and series differences, or whether to compare that original bias-ply fitment with an available radial equivalent.

The primary tire sizes for a 1959 Ford Fairlane both use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to both 800-14 and 850-14 fitments, so the wheel-diameter question is more straightforward here than on vehicles that used multiple rim diameters across the same model year.

Even with the same 14-inch diameter, wheel width still matters when comparing tires. Some 800-14 products are built around 5.00 to 6.00-inch rim widths, while 850-14 products center on slightly wider ranges, so it helps to confirm the actual wheel on the car before settling on a specific tire.

The covered 1959 Ford Fairlane sub-models share the same overall fitment range rather than one single mandatory size. Both the Retractable Hardtop and the Fairlane w/Air are associated with 800-14 and 850-14 bias-ply tire sizes, so either size can be relevant depending on the individual car’s setup.

That means sub-model identification helps, but it does not finish the job by itself. A buyer should still verify the size currently fitted, the wheel width, and whether the car remains stock or has been changed over time. Those checks matter before selecting a bias-ply replacement or comparing a radial-equivalent alternative.

On the 1959 Ford Fairlane, 800-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. In this format, the size belongs to the traditional numeric bias-ply system used on many American cars of the period, and the available 800-14 products for this Fairlane stay within that bias-ply construction.

Radial alternatives do exist for buyers considering a different construction, but those are equivalent sizes rather than the original primary fitment. That distinction matters because construction changes can affect wheel compatibility, tire profile, and appearance, so the vehicle’s actual wheel setup and clearances should be reviewed before making the switch.

For 800-14, the radial equivalents are 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial. For 850-14, the radial equivalents are 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. These options cover 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, and 70-series P-metric formats, with a bias-look radial choice available for 800-14.

Equivalent sizing is a useful starting point, but it is not automatic interchangeability. The Fairlane owner should compare the selected radial against the car’s wheel width, overall wheel-and-tire clearance, and intended appearance before converting. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, which is another important compatibility check.

Start by confirming the Fairlane’s original primary size, then match that size to the appropriate radial equivalent rather than guessing from wheel diameter alone. The wheel should also be checked for proper width, since the listed radial-equivalent guidance for these sizes uses a 5 to 7-inch recommended rim-width range.

A conversion should also include a close look at fender and steering clearance, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or a slightly different stance than stock. Owners who want a more traditional appearance may also want to compare a bias-look radial for 800-14 against standard metric or P-metric radial alternatives.

The first decision is confirming whether the car needs 800-14 or 850-14, since both are primary bias-ply sizes for the 1959 Ford Fairlane. After the correct size is established, the main comparison points become construction path, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the wheel width matches the tire being considered.

Appearance often matters as much as fitment on a car from this era. A Fairlane owner may want blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styling depending on the car’s presentation, while another owner may be more focused on choosing a radial equivalent for regular road use. Matching the tire to the vehicle’s purpose usually leads to the best decision.

The available sidewall styles for 1959 Ford Fairlane tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the size and product selected. Most of the variety appears in 800-14, while 850-14 choices center on narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply options.

That gives the buyer a meaningful appearance decision even after the correct size is confirmed. A blackwall can create a cleaner, more understated look, while narrow and wide whitewalls change the visual character of the car much more dramatically. The best choice depends on the Fairlane’s overall presentation, trim level, and restoration style.

Tires for the 1959 Ford Fairlane are available from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire within the covered primary sizes. Brand choice is broader in 800-14, while 850-14 focuses on BFGoodrich options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

Brand should be compared alongside the other practical details rather than by name alone. Sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and whether the tire supports the look you want on the car all matter. On a collector-era Fairlane, the right brand choice is usually the one that aligns with the correct size and the intended appearance.

A period-style 1959 Ford Fairlane usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size, either 800-14 or 850-14, depending on the car’s setup. Staying with a bias-ply tire preserves the vintage sizing format and visual character that many restorations seek, especially when paired with an appropriate sidewall treatment.

The next decision is how closely the tire’s appearance should support the rest of the car. Wide whitewall and narrow whitewall choices can change the Fairlane’s look significantly, while blackwall gives a more restrained presentation. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and vehicle history should guide the final appearance choice.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1959 Ford Fairlane; it also changes visual character. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in its traditional construction family, while a radial equivalent may alter the presentation through a different sizing convention and sidewall profile, even when chosen as the closest modern alternative.

That is why many restoration-minded owners decide on appearance before they compare brands or sidewall details. An 800R14 bias-look radial can be relevant for someone who wants radial construction while holding onto a more traditional look, but every equivalent still deserves a careful wheel and clearance check before the final selection.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Ford Fairlane even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body modifications can influence how an 800-14, 850-14, or radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening.

That makes a visual and physical clearance check worthwhile before ordering replacement tires. The owner should look at steering clearance, fender room, and the actual wheel dimensions on the car rather than assuming a stock fitment remains in place. This is especially important when moving from the original bias-ply format to a radial alternative.

Before driving a 1959 Ford Fairlane on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and suitable width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the car’s setup. It also helps to check valve stems, wheel condition, inflation pressure, and basic clearance at the fenders and steering components.

A short, careful road test is a smart next step on any collector-era car. Watch for rubbing, unusual pull, vibration, or signs that the tire is too close to suspension or body components. If the Fairlane has been sitting for long periods, it is also wise to inspect brakes, steering, and suspension before regular road use.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Ford Fairlane should be checked regularly for inflation, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss. Because these cars are often driven less frequently, age and storage condition can matter as much as tread depth, whether the Fairlane is running 800-14, 850-14, or a radial equivalent.

Storage habits also play a role in long-term tire condition. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls during inactive periods. A Fairlane that sees occasional highway use or longer drives deserves an inspection before each outing, especially after extended storage.