1963 Chrysler Newport Tires

A 1963 Chrysler Newport uses two primary tire sizes: 800-14 and 850-14. Both are bias-ply sizes intended for 14-inch rims, so the correct choice is not a matter of wheel diameter but of confirming which of those two sizes belongs on the specific car.

That distinction matters because 800-14 and 850-14 are not the same width, and each size leads to a different set of available tire choices. Before selecting a replacement, verify the actual wheel setup on the car and check whether it has retained its original-style wheel and suspension arrangement or has been changed over time.

The 1963 Chrysler Newport uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car is fitted with 800-14 or 850-14, the wheel diameter remains 14 inches, which simplifies the first stage of fitment compared with vehicles that used more than one rim diameter.

Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, though. Rim width still matters when choosing between available tires or considering a radial equivalent, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel on the car rather than assuming every 14-inch wheel is the same. That is especially important if the Newport has replacement wheels or older service parts.

The 1963 Chrysler Newport is associated with two bias-ply sizes, 800-14 and 850-14, within the same 14-inch wheel family. That means tire selection is not simply about the model name alone, because more than one primary size can apply to this car.

For a buyer, the practical step is to confirm the exact tire size already fitted to the car or verify the wheel and vehicle setup before replacing anything. Once the correct size is established, the decision becomes much easier: choose the preferred sidewall style, brand, and tire series in that size, or review the available radial equivalents if a construction change is being considered.

On the 1963 Chrysler Newport, 800-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. In this format, the size uses the older numeric bias-ply system rather than a modern metric or P-metric radial designation, which makes it a natural choice for owners preserving a traditional driving feel and period-style appearance.

That does not prevent a radial alternative from being considered, but the two constructions should not be treated as the same thing. A buyer moving away from bias-ply should compare rim width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance before converting, especially on a full-size car where steering feel, stance, and wheel compatibility can all influence the result.

Radial equivalents for 800-14 on a 1963 Chrysler Newport 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. Each one offers a different sizing convention while staying within the same general replacement conversation.

Those options give the buyer a range of visual and construction approaches, from a more traditional bias-look radial to modern metric and P-metric formats. The recommended rim-width range is 5 to 7 inches, but that is still only part of the fitment check. Wheel width, vehicle clearance, and the actual dimensions of the mounted tire should all be reviewed before making the switch.

Start by confirming the Newport's original bias-ply size, then compare the intended radial equivalent against the car's 14-inch wheel and the appropriate rim-width range. For 800-14, the radial-equivalent options include 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14. For 850-14, the radial-equivalent options include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14.

After that, inspect wheel width, steering clearance, fender clearance, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. Collector cars are often altered over time, and even a correct-size radial equivalent should be treated as an alternative that needs verification on the actual vehicle. Matching all four tires and avoiding mixed constructions on the same car is also a sensible approach.

The first step is confirming whether the car uses 800-14 or 850-14, since both sizes apply to the 1963 Chrysler Newport and both are bias-ply fitments on 14-inch rims. Once the correct size is established, the real comparison shifts to construction preference, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility.

Appearance matters on a full-size Chrysler from this period, so whitewall width and overall presentation can influence the decision as much as the size itself. Some owners want a traditional bias-ply look, while others may want to evaluate a radial equivalent for road use. The best choice depends on how the car is driven and how closely the tire needs to support the intended visual character.

Sidewall choices for the 1963 Chrysler Newport include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and product line. The widest variety appears in 800-14, while 850-14 focuses on narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offerings.

That makes sidewall style an important part of the selection process, especially on a large early-1960s Chrysler where the tire has a strong effect on the car's overall appearance. A blackwall can create a more restrained look, while narrow or wide whitewalls push the car toward a more formal, restoration-oriented presentation. The right choice depends on the car's intended style rather than any one universally correct answer.

The 1963 Chrysler Newport has tire options from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire, primarily in the 800-14 size. The 850-14 choices shown here are BFGoodrich offerings, while 800-14 includes multiple brands and several tire series with different sidewall presentations.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the specific size, the desired look, and the available specifications for the tire itself. Rather than focusing on brand name alone, compare whether the tire is offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall form, and make sure the rim-width specification aligns with the wheel on the car. That produces a more useful comparison than brand shopping by itself.

A period-style 1963 Chrysler Newport usually starts with one of its original-format bias-ply sizes, either 800-14 or 850-14, depending on the specific car. Staying with bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing format and opens the door to traditional sidewall choices that suit an early-1960s full-size Chrysler very naturally.

From there, the decision becomes one of visual emphasis. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments can change the car's personality significantly without leaving the proper size family. If exact originality is important, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque references or restoration documentation for the individual car rather than assuming one available sidewall style is correct for every Newport.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling on a restored 1963 Chrysler Newport; it also changes how the car looks. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in its traditional construction type and generally supports a more authentic early-1960s visual impression, especially when paired with a suitable whitewall treatment.

A radial equivalent can still be considered, particularly when road use matters, but it may present the car differently than a true bias-ply tire. Buyers trying to balance driving use with vintage appearance often look closely at metric versus P-metric sizing and whether a bias-look radial is available. The best visual result comes from matching construction and sidewall style to the restoration goal.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Chrysler Newport even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, steering components, or body clearances can alter how an 800-14, 850-14, or radial-equivalent tire sits and moves within the car's wheel openings.

That is why a replacement tire should always be matched to the car as it exists today, not only to its original fitment pattern. A Newport with aftermarket wheels or suspension changes may need closer checking at full steering lock and through suspension travel. This matters even more when moving from bias-ply to radial construction, since the wheel and tire relationship deserves a fresh look.

Before driving a 1963 Chrysler Newport on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper inflation, and make sure the tires clear the fenders and steering components. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering system so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn mechanical parts.

A collector car that sits for long periods deserves extra attention before road use. Check for loose lug hardware, signs of air loss, and any rubbing once the car is on the ground and rolling. A short, cautious test drive can reveal clearance issues or vibration early, which is especially helpful after changing size, wheel, or construction type on a full-size vintage Chrysler.

Collector-car tires on a 1963 Chrysler Newport should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car wears 800-14 or 850-14 bias-ply tires, owners should look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, since age and inactivity can matter as much as mileage on an older vehicle.

Storage conditions also influence service life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the sidewalls and casing over time. Even if the tread still looks good, the tires should be inspected periodically before road use, especially before longer trips, because collector vehicles often spend far more time parked than they do being driven.