1962 Chrysler 300 Tires

The 1962 Chrysler 300 uses three primary bias-ply tire sizes: 800-14, 850-14, and 760-15. Base models use the 14-inch sizes, while 300 H High Performance and 300 H Series cars use 760-15 on a 15-inch rim. That means the correct answer depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter on the car.

A Base car with 14-inch wheels still needs the actual wheel and existing setup checked, because both 800-14 and 850-14 are associated with that sub-model. On 300 H variants, the 15-inch wheel fitment points you toward 760-15. Confirming the sub-model, wheel diameter, and any previous wheel changes is the best way to narrow the tire choice before comparing sidewall style or radial equivalents.

The 1962 Chrysler 300 uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the version of the car. The 800-14 and 850-14 tire sizes mount on 14-inch rims, while the 760-15 size mounts on a 15-inch rim. Rim diameter is one of the key fitment differences across this model line.

Because this Chrysler spans two rim diameters, wheel confirmation should come before any tire purchase. A 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 15-inch wheel, and a 15-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel. On cars that have been restored or modified over time, checking the wheel itself is more reliable than assuming the current tire size is still correct.

No, the 1962 Chrysler 300 does not use one tire size across every sub-model. The Base model is associated with 800-14 and 850-14 bias-ply tires, while the 300 H High Performance and 300 H Series use 760-15 bias-ply tires. The fitment difference also brings a change in rim diameter between 14-inch and 15-inch applications.

That makes the sub-model name more than a trim detail when choosing tires. A buyer looking at a Base car needs to verify which 14-inch fitment is actually on the vehicle, while a 300 H variant points to the 15-inch size. This matters not only for primary bias-ply selection, but also when comparing modern radial equivalents and sidewall appearance options.

For the 1962 Chrysler 300, 760-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is the original-style sizing format used on the 300 H High Performance and 300 H Series fitments, and current product choices in that size are offered as bias-ply tires rather than as a standard primary radial fitment.

A radial alternative does exist, but it should be treated as an equivalent rather than the original primary construction. If considering that change, the important next steps are confirming the 15-inch wheel setup, checking wheel width against the equivalent’s recommended range, and making sure the tire’s dimensions and clearance suit the car as it sits today.

Radial equivalents for 800-14 include 205R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial. These options give the 1962 Chrysler 300 owner several radial-format choices while staying in the same general fitment family.

Each option represents a slightly different sizing convention and visual approach, especially the bias-look radial, which keeps a more traditional appearance than a modern metric sidewall. The recommended rim-width range for these 800-14 equivalents is 5 to 7 inches. Wheel width, overall package dimensions, and clearance should still be checked before treating any of them as a practical alternative.

Start by matching the radial equivalent to the car’s actual primary size and wheel diameter. A 1962 Chrysler 300 may use 800-14, 850-14, or 760-15, so the correct radial equivalent depends on the sub-model and wheel setup. Rim-width guidance also matters, with 14-inch equivalents calling for a 5 to 7 inch range and 760-15 equivalents calling for 6 to 8 inches.

After the size is narrowed down, inspect steering and fender clearance, verify that the wheels are appropriate for the new construction, and account for any suspension, ride-height, or wheel changes made over the years. Construction changes can alter how the car feels and presents, so many owners balance road-use goals against restoration appearance before choosing between traditional bias-ply and radial alternatives.

The first step is confirming that the car is a 300 H High Performance or 300 H Series model using the 15-inch 760-15 fitment. From there, the meaningful differences are construction style, sidewall presentation, brand, and tire series. In this size, available bias-ply choices come from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire.

Wide whitewall treatments are especially prominent in 760-15, with a narrower whitewall also available, so appearance can vary quite a bit even within the same size. It also helps to compare rim-width specifications where stated, along with load and weight details when they matter for the vehicle’s intended use. That approach keeps the decision focused on fitment and presentation rather than just brand name.

Sidewall choices for the 1962 Chrysler 300 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, although the exact combination depends on tire size. The broadest style mix appears in 800-14, while 850-14 centers on narrow and wide whitewall options. In 760-15, wide whitewall choices are especially common, with a narrow whitewall also available.

That range gives the car a very different visual character depending on the tire selected. A blackwall can create a cleaner, more understated look, while narrow or wide whitewalls move the car toward a stronger early-sixties luxury presentation. Since the tire size must be correct first, it makes sense to settle fitment before deciding how much sidewall detail best matches the restoration style or road car appearance.

Tires for the 1962 Chrysler 300 are available from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, depending on the size. BFGoodrich appears across all three primary sizes, while Goodyear is offered in 800-14 and 760-15. Coker Classic and Universal Vintage Tire appear in selected sizes rather than across the full fitment range.

Brand choice should come after the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed, because the available brand mix changes between 14-inch and 15-inch fitments. It also helps to compare the tire series and sidewall treatment attached to each brand, since those details often shape the visual result more than the brand name alone. Load and rim-width details can also help narrow the final decision.

A period-style 1962 Chrysler 300 usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 800-14 or 850-14 for Base cars, and 760-15 for 300 H variants. Staying with a bias-ply construction preserves the tall-sidewall look and traditional presentation that suit a full-size Chrysler from this era.

After size and construction are settled, sidewall treatment becomes the main appearance decision. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options create very different visual moods without changing the basic fitment. When strict originality matters, it is worth checking marque references or build-specific documentation before choosing a brand or whitewall width, since period-style and exact as-delivered appearance are not always the same thing.

Tire construction changes more than ride character on a restored 1962 Chrysler 300; it also changes the car’s overall visual impression. A bias-ply tire keeps the traditional sizing format and sidewall shape associated with early-sixties full-size cars, while a radial equivalent often introduces a more modern sizing presentation even when chosen carefully.

That difference matters most on a car with strong sidewall visibility, especially when whitewall width is part of the look. A bias-look radial can bridge the gap on sizes where one is available, such as 800-14 or 760-15, but it is still a radial alternative rather than a bias-ply tire. Owners balancing road use with restoration appearance often decide construction before choosing brand or sidewall style.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Chrysler 300 even when the tire size itself is appropriate for the model. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or body work can all influence how an 800-14, 850-14, or 760-15 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much steering clearance remains.

A car that has been updated over the years should have its actual wheel diameter and wheel width checked before choosing tires, especially because this model line uses both 14-inch and 15-inch fitments. Clearance around fenders, suspension parts, and steering components is worth reviewing as well. Those checks become even more important when moving from a bias-ply tire to a radial equivalent.

Before driving a 1962 Chrysler 300 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, verify the tires are seated properly, and confirm inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It is also smart to look over valve stems, wheel hardware, and the surrounding suspension and steering components on a car of this age.

A short initial drive should be followed by another quick inspection for rubbing, uneven clearance, or any sign of air loss. Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so age-related issues elsewhere in the chassis can show up once the car is back on the road. That makes a cautious recheck especially worthwhile after installing new bias-ply tires or switching to a radial equivalent.

760-15 tires on a collector 1962 Chrysler 300 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to storage conditions. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, or signs of slow air loss, especially if the car is driven only occasionally. These basic checks matter just as much on a low-mileage collector car as they do on a frequently driven one.

Storage has a big effect on tire life, so keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. Occasional movement also helps avoid long-term flat spotting on a car that sits for extended periods. Any unusual vibration, pull, or visible deterioration is a good reason to have the tires and wheels inspected before further road use.