1959 Plymouth Belvedere Tires

A 1959 Plymouth Belvedere uses either 750-14 or 800-14 tires, and both primary fitments are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch rims. The covered Belvedere 6 Cyl. is associated with both sizes, so this is not a one-size-only application.

The practical next step is confirming what is actually on the car now, along with wheel width and overall wheel setup. If the Belvedere has had wheel changes during its life, that matters just as much as the original size range when deciding whether to stay with bias-ply tires or compare one of the available radial equivalents.

The 1959 Plymouth Belvedere tire sizes covered here use a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 750-14 and 800-14 are built around that same rim diameter, so the final number in each size code matches a 14-inch wheel.

That does not mean every 14-inch wheel is automatically suitable for either size. Rim width still matters, especially if the car has replacement wheels or a different wheel style than expected. Checking the actual wheel dimensions before choosing between 750-14, 800-14, or a radial equivalent helps avoid clearance and fitment surprises.

The 1959 Plymouth Belvedere is associated with two primary tire sizes, 750-14 and 800-14, both in bias-ply construction. That means the buying decision starts with identifying which of those two sizes belongs on the specific car rather than assuming every Belvedere uses the same tire.

A size difference can affect both appearance and the range of product choices available, including sidewall styles and radial-equivalent options. Looking at the existing tires, measuring the wheels, and confirming the current setup is the best way to settle the size question before comparing brands, tire series, or restoration-oriented sidewall treatments.

For the 1959 Plymouth Belvedere, 750-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing convention common to the period, and the available primary products in that size are bias-ply tires rather than modern radial tires.

That matters because a buyer deciding on 750-14 is really choosing between keeping the original-style construction or considering one of the radial equivalents tied to that size. Construction choice affects the vehicle’s presentation and can affect the setup requirements, so wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance should all be reviewed before changing tire type.

The radial equivalents for 750-14 are 195R14, P205/75R14, P215/70R14, and 750R14 as a bias-look radial. For 800-14, the equivalents are 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial.

Those options represent different radial sizing conventions, including Euro-metric, P-metric, and bias-look radial formats. Each one can be considered as an alternative to the original bias-ply size, but the decision should still include wheel width, overall dimensions, steering clearance, and fender clearance rather than assuming every equivalent behaves the same on the car.

Start by matching the Belvedere’s primary tire size to the correct radial equivalent, then confirm that the wheel diameter and wheel width are suitable for that alternative. For 750-14, the recommended radial-equivalent rim-width range is 4 to 6 inches, while 800-14 equivalents use a 5 to 7 inch range.

The car’s actual setup still needs a close look before conversion. Wheel changes, suspension wear, steering travel, and body clearance can all affect how a radial alternative works in service. A careful comparison of tire dimensions and available space is especially worthwhile on an older full-size car that may no longer be on its original wheels.

Begin with the correct primary size for the car, since the 1959 Plymouth Belvedere is associated with both 750-14 and 800-14. After that, compare construction, brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and any available load figures that suit how the car will be used.

A restoration-oriented Belvedere may call for a very different visual result than a driver-focused car. Whitewall width, blackwall versus redline presentation, and whether the owner wants traditional bias-ply construction or a radial alternative all shape the final choice. Sorting those priorities early makes the product comparison far more useful.

1959 Plymouth Belvedere tires in these sizes are available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. The 750-14 assortment also includes a redline option, giving that size a broader visual range than many period full-size fitments.

Sidewall treatment has a major effect on the car’s finished look, especially on a late-1950s Plymouth where the tire and wheel opening are visually prominent. Choosing between a plain blackwall, a restrained narrow whitewall, a more dramatic wide whitewall, or a redline should follow the overall style goal rather than size alone.

Available brands for the 1959 Plymouth Belvedere include BFGoodrich, US Royal, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. Those offerings appear across the 750-14 and 800-14 bias-ply sizes, with some variation in tire series and sidewall treatments depending on the exact size.

Brand selection is best handled as part of the whole fitment decision rather than as a separate shortcut. Once the right size is confirmed, compare the sidewall style, series character, rim-width specification, weight, and any stated load figure that matters to your planned use. That approach keeps the decision practical instead of purely cosmetic.

A period-style 1959 Plymouth Belvedere usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size, either 750-14 or 800-14, depending on the car’s setup. From there, the tire choice becomes a matter of visual presentation, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and, in 750-14, redline options available.

The most convincing restoration-oriented result comes from matching the tire’s size, construction, and sidewall character to the way the car is being finished. If exact originality is important, compare the tire choice with marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific historical material before settling on a particular whitewall width or sidewall treatment.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1959 Plymouth Belvedere; it also influences how authentically the car reads at a glance. A bias-ply tire preserves the vintage sizing format and traditional look of a late-1950s full-size Plymouth more closely than a modern-looking radial sidewall typically does.

That does not mean a radial alternative cannot suit the car, especially for a driver-oriented restoration. A bias-look radial can offer a middle ground for owners who want a more traditional visual impression while considering radial construction. The key is deciding whether the project prioritizes historical appearance, touring use, or a balance of both.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1959 Plymouth Belvedere even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowering, or body work can all influence whether a 750-14, 800-14, or radial equivalent has enough space in actual use.

That is why checking the current car matters more than relying on a size code alone. Look at steering travel, fender clearance, and the distance to suspension components with the car at normal ride height. A Belvedere that has been changed over the years may need closer fitment verification than an untouched example.

Before driving a 1959 Plymouth Belvedere on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure lug hardware is in good condition, and confirm that the tires have proper clearance at the front and rear. Tire pressure and valve condition should also be checked before the first road miles.

An older collector car deserves a broader walk-around as well. Look for suspension looseness, uneven ride height, rubbing marks, and anything that suggests alignment or steering issues. A short initial drive followed by another inspection can reveal contact points, air loss, or seating issues before the Belvedere is taken on a longer outing.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Plymouth Belvedere should be checked regularly for air pressure, visible cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss. That applies whether the car runs 750-14 or 800-14 tires, because long storage and light use can age tires differently than frequent driving does.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a fin-era car. Keeping the Belvedere away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect them before any trip after the car has been sitting, since age-related issues may appear before tread wear does.