1963 Chrysler New Yorker Tires

The 1963 Chrysler New Yorker uses two primary tire sizes: 850-14 and 900-14, both in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. The exact size depends on the sub-model. Base and Suburban versions can use either 850-14 or 900-14, while the St. Regis uses 900-14.

That means the first step is identifying the exact New Yorker sub-model and then checking the wheels currently on the car. On older full-size Chryslers, wheel changes over the years are common, so matching the replacement tire to the actual wheel diameter and intended size matters just as much as matching the year and model.

The 1963 Chrysler New Yorker uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 850-14 and 900-14. Even though two tire sizes are involved, they share the same 14-inch wheel diameter, so the key difference is the tire size itself rather than a change in rim diameter.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on a vintage Chrysler. Wheel width also matters, especially because available 850-14 and 900-14 tires have different rim-width ranges. Before choosing a replacement, check the actual wheel size on the car and make sure the tire selected matches both the wheel and the sub-model’s intended fitment.

No, the 1963 Chrysler New Yorker does not use one single tire size across every covered sub-model. The St. Regis uses 900-14, while the Base and Suburban can be found with either 850-14 or 900-14. All of those primary sizes are bias-ply fitments on 14-inch wheels.

That variation is important because ordering by model name alone can lead to the wrong size. A quick check of the sub-model, wheel diameter, and the tires already on the car will usually clarify the correct path. If the car has been restored or modified in the past, it is wise to confirm the actual wheel and tire setup before replacing anything.

On the 1963 Chrysler New Yorker, 850-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format associated with vintage American cars, where the first number reflects nominal section width and the final number identifies the 14-inch rim diameter.

That matters because a buyer deciding on 850-14 is usually balancing period-style appearance against the possibility of a radial alternative. Keeping the car in bias-ply form preserves the original-style sizing system and look, while changing construction calls for extra attention to wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming every radial equivalent will suit the car automatically.

Radial equivalents for 850-14 include 215R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P235/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Those three sizes provide different modern sizing conventions while remaining in the same general equivalency range for the original 850-14 bias-ply fitment.

The practical difference is that these equivalents are not all expressed in the same format or profile style, so they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic swaps. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches applies to this equivalent group, and clearance, wheel compatibility, and the car’s actual setup should still be checked before any conversion.

Start by confirming which original tire size the car uses, because only 850-14 has stated radial equivalents here. Then verify the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the radial size being considered, whether that is 215R14, P225/75R14, or P235/70R14. Construction changes should always begin with the correct original-size reference point.

A conversion also deserves a close look at fender clearance, steering clearance, suspension condition, and the car’s intended use. Older collector cars are often running wheels or ride-height changes made years ago, and those can affect results. A radial equivalent can be a useful option, but the whole package should be checked instead of treating the change as automatic.

The first decision is size, since the 1963 Chrysler New Yorker can use either 850-14 or 900-14 depending on sub-model. Both are bias-ply sizes on 14-inch rims, so once the correct fitment is confirmed, the next considerations are wheel compatibility, whitewall style, and whether the car is being kept close to a period-style presentation.

After size is settled, think about how the car will be used. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward the sidewall look that best matches the vehicle’s visual era, while a road-driven car may place more emphasis on checking wheel width, load capacity, and condition of the surrounding suspension and steering components before putting new tires into service.

The available 1963 Chrysler New Yorker bias-ply tires include two sidewall styles: wide whitewall and narrow whitewall. Both 850-14 and 900-14 are offered in those treatments within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, so the visual choice can be made without changing the basic tire construction.

That makes sidewall style one of the most noticeable appearance decisions on the car. A wide whitewall creates a stronger early-Sixties luxury look, while a narrow whitewall gives a more restrained presentation. Neither style should be assumed to be exact for every individual car, so buyers focused on strict restoration detail may want to compare against period photos or marque references.

Choosing between 850-14 and 900-14 starts with fitment, not preference. The St. Regis uses 900-14, while the Base and Suburban can be found with either size. Once the correct size is established, the available product differences are mainly sidewall treatment and the rim-width range associated with each size.

For 850-14, available tires suit narrower wheel widths than 900-14, so the wheel on the car should be checked before making a final choice. From there, selection becomes more about the appearance you want to achieve, such as wide whitewall or narrow whitewall, and whether the car is being refreshed for display, weekend use, or broader road duty.

A period-style 1963 Chrysler New Yorker begins with the correct primary bias-ply size for the sub-model, either 850-14 or 900-14. From there, the choice is largely about maintaining the car’s full-size early-Sixties presentation through an appropriate whitewall treatment rather than shifting immediately to a modern-looking replacement.

Wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options are both available, and each creates a different visual effect. Buyers pursuing a strict restoration should confirm details with period photos, build documentation, or marque-specific references before deciding on sidewall width. The right size and proper wheel match still come first, since appearance only works when the fitment is correct.

On a restored 1963 Chrysler New Yorker, tire construction has a visible effect because the car’s primary fitments are bias-ply sizes. A bias-ply tire preserves the traditional sizing format and the overall look most buyers expect on a large Chrysler of this era, especially when paired with a whitewall sidewall treatment.

Changing to a radial equivalent, where available, can alter that visual character even when the tire remains close in general size. The 850-14 fitment has radial alternatives, but they use modern metric or P-metric formats. For owners focused mainly on presentation, construction choice is part of the restoration decision, not just a simple replacement detail.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Chrysler New Yorker even when the intended tire size is correct on paper. Changes to wheels, ride height, suspension parts, or body clearances can all influence how an 850-14 or 900-14 tire sits and moves through steering and suspension travel.

That is especially important on collector cars that may have had decades of repairs or upgrades. A New Yorker with aftermarket wheels should have both wheel diameter and wheel width checked before replacement tires are chosen. Looking at clearance around the fenders and steering components also helps avoid surprises once the car is back on the road.

Before driving a 1963 Chrysler New Yorker on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the surrounding suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the tire in use, and the car should be checked for obvious alignment issues, rubbing points, or signs that the wheel and tire combination is not centered properly.

A short, careful road test is a smart follow-up on a car of this age. Listen for rubbing in turns, watch for pull or vibration, and recheck the tires afterward for any sign of contact or air loss. On a large vintage Chrysler, new tires work best when the rest of the rolling and steering system is in sound condition.

Collector-car tires in 850-14 or 900-14 size should be inspected regularly even if the 1963 Chrysler New Yorker is driven only occasionally. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and gradual air loss. On low-mileage vintage cars, age and storage conditions can matter just as much as tread depth.

Proper storage helps preserve both appearance and service life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources is beneficial, and maintaining correct inflation helps the tires support the car evenly during long periods of parking. A close visual inspection before every longer drive is a sensible habit for any seldom-driven full-size collector car.