1959 Mercury Monterey Tires

The 1959 Mercury Monterey uses two primary tire sizes: 800-14 and 850-14. Both are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch wheels, and the correct one depends on the exact Monterey configuration. The Base model can use either size, while the Convertible w/Power Steering uses 850-14.

That means tire selection starts with identifying the sub-model and confirming what is already on the car. If the Monterey has had wheel, suspension, or brake changes over the years, it is worth checking the actual wheel diameter and width before ordering a replacement or comparing a radial equivalent.

The Monterey tire sizes covered here are built for a 14-inch rim. Both 800-14 and 850-14 share that rim diameter, so the key measurement is not diameter alone but also making sure the wheel width matches the tire being considered.

A 14-inch wheel does not automatically make every 14-inch tire a suitable choice. It is smart to verify the wheel actually on the car, especially on a collector vehicle that may have seen replacements over time, and then compare the tire's rim-width requirements before moving to a different size or construction.

No. Tire fitment varies within the 1959 Mercury Monterey line covered here. The Monterey Base can use 800-14 or 850-14, while the Monterey Convertible w/Power Steering uses 850-14, so not every sub-model shares the same primary size.

That difference matters because the tire decision is not only about whitewall style or brand. Identifying the exact sub-model first helps avoid choosing the wrong section width, and it becomes even more important if the car has aftermarket wheels or if a radial-equivalent size is being considered alongside the original bias-ply format.

On the 1959 Mercury Monterey, 800-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric sizing system rather than a modern radial format, which is part of why it carries the traditional look and construction associated with late-1950s American cars.

A radial alternative can still be considered, but it should be treated as an equivalent option rather than the same tire in a different construction. The practical step is to compare the wheel setup, confirm the car's actual clearance, and decide whether period-style appearance or a different road-use feel is the higher priority.

For 800-14, radial equivalents include 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 represent 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, and 70-series P-metric formats, with one bias-look choice available for 800-14.

Those equivalent sizes give a useful range of alternatives, but they still need to be checked against the wheel and vehicle setup. Rim-width guidance of 5-7 inches is relevant here, and overall wheel compatibility, steering travel, and body clearance should be confirmed before changing from the original bias-ply sizing format.

Start by matching the Monterey's original tire size to the correct radial equivalent rather than choosing a radial by wheel diameter alone. The 800-14 and 850-14 fitments each have their own equivalent radial sizes, and the wheel should also fall within the applicable rim-width range before any conversion is considered.

The next step is checking the real-world setup on the car. Wheel width, steering clearance, suspension condition, and fender space all matter, especially on a large 1959 car that may have had changes over the years. A conversion also affects the visual character, so appearance should be weighed alongside fitment and road use.

The first consideration is the correct primary size for the exact car: 800-14 or 850-14. After that, the important choices are construction format, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility, since both Monterey sizes are vintage bias-ply fitments built around a 14-inch rim.

A restoration-oriented Monterey may call for a traditional bias-ply presentation, while a driver-focused car may lead you to compare radial equivalents. Sidewall appearance also changes the car's character noticeably, so it helps to balance visual goals with practical checks such as wheel width, load capacity, and the way the car will actually be used.

The available sidewall styles for 1959 Mercury Monterey tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product line. The broadest range appears in 800-14, while 850-14 choices focus on narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That sidewall decision matters because a full-size 1959 Mercury puts a lot of visual emphasis on the tire. A blackwall gives a simpler presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the look in a more traditional direction. Once the correct size is confirmed, sidewall style becomes one of the most visible distinctions in the final result.

Tires for the 1959 Mercury Monterey are available from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire. The exact brand mix depends on tire size, with 800-14 offering the broadest spread across multiple brands and 850-14 centered on BFGoodrich bias-ply choices.

Brand is only one part of the decision, since the available tires also differ by series and sidewall treatment. A useful way to compare them is to start with the correct size, then look at whitewall style, rim-width suitability, and whether the tire supports the period-style appearance or road-use goal you have for the Monterey.

A period-style 1959 Mercury Monterey usually starts with the original bias-ply sizing format, using either 800-14 or 850-14 as required by the car's configuration. Staying in the correct vintage size family helps preserve the look these late-1950s full-size Mercurys are known for, especially on a car with a restoration-oriented presentation.

The finer choice often comes down to sidewall treatment and how authentic you want the finished appearance to feel. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options can change the car's visual character dramatically, so buyers concerned with exact originality should compare those details with marque references or period photos before making a final selection.

Tire construction influences more than ride feel on a restored 1959 Mercury Monterey; it also affects the visual impression of the car. A bias-ply tire keeps the Monterey in its original sizing language and traditional presentation, while a radial equivalent shifts the tire into a more modern format even when overall fitment remains close.

That difference is especially noticeable on a big late-1950s car where whitewall proportion and sidewall shape play a strong visual role. Buyers aiming for a more traditional look often stay with bias-ply construction, while those balancing appearance with alternate road-use priorities may consider a bias-look radial where one is available.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1959 Mercury Monterey even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, brake conversions, altered ride height, suspension repairs, or body changes can all affect whether the original 800-14 or 850-14 sizing still matches the wheel and available clearance.

That is why fitment should be checked on the actual car instead of relying only on model-year expectations. Measuring wheel width, confirming diameter, and looking at steering and fender clearance become especially important before moving to a wider bias-ply size or trying a radial equivalent that changes the tire's sizing convention.

Before driving a 1959 Mercury Monterey on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware and seating surfaces, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the car's configuration. Tire pressure, valve stems, and visible clearance at the fenders and steering components should also be checked.

A collector car benefits from a broader walk-around before regular road use resumes. Look for suspension looseness, uneven stance, rubbing marks, and anything that suggests the car has been modified from stock dimensions. A short, low-speed test drive followed by another visual inspection can catch issues before a longer trip.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Mercury Monterey should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car runs 800-14 or 850-14 tires, watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked between drives.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older hobby vehicle. Keeping the Monterey away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls, and periodic movement can reduce flat-spotting concerns. Any tire that shows age-related damage should be evaluated before the car returns to normal road use.