The 1966 Chrysler 300 sits in the full-size American luxury performance tradition, blending formal styling, V8 power, and the long, substantial road presence buyers still value today. For many owners, tire choice is part of preserving that big Chrysler character rather than simply filling a 14-inch wheel. This model uses bias-ply fitments in 855-14 and 885-14, so the first step is confirming which size belongs on the car. From there, the decision usually centers on maintaining a traditional bias-ply look with narrow whitewall styling or considering a modern radial equivalent. Wheel size, intended use, and restoration goals all matter before making a change.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1966 Chrysler 300
The 1966 Chrysler 300 uses two primary tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction and both built for 14-inch rims. Because the same sub-model coverage can involve either 855-14 or 885-14, the real first step is confirming the exact wheel and tire setup already on the car. Once that is settled, the choice becomes selecting the right period-style bias-ply tire or evaluating a radial equivalent for the 855-14 size.
In the 855-14 size, the 855 designates a nominal section width of about 8.55 inches, while 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This is a bias-ply tire size, which suits the traditional construction and appearance expected on a mid-1960s Chrysler 300. Available choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with narrow whitewall styling, including different whitewall widths for a slightly different visual presentation. It is the size to evaluate if the car is equipped for 855-14 fitment and the goal is to keep a period-style look on a 14-inch wheel.
The 885-14 size uses the same numeric bias-ply system, with 885 indicating a nominal section width of about 8.85 inches and 14 identifying the rim diameter. It keeps the 1966 Chrysler 300 in a traditional bias-ply format, but with a slightly broader nominal size than 855-14. Product choice here is more focused, with BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply availability in a narrow whitewall treatment. This size deserves a close look when the car already carries 885-14 tires or when wheel and clearance checks point to that original-size configuration.
Fitment for the covered 1966 Chrysler 300 sub-models is straightforward in construction and rim diameter, since both use bias-ply tires on 14-inch wheels. What still matters is confirming whether the car is set up for 855-14 or 885-14 before choosing a replacement.
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1966 Chrysler 300 Base & 300L Series
The 1966 Chrysler 300 Base & 300L Series uses the same two primary bias-ply size families found across this application, both on 14-inch rims. That makes tire selection less about trim differences and more about verifying which of the two sizes is actually on the car, then choosing the whitewall presentation and construction approach that suits its use.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1966 Chrysler 300
For the original 855-14 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 215R14 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P225/75R14 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P235/70R14 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices give the 1966 Chrysler 300 a range of modern radial sizing conventions and profile approaches without changing rim diameter. A 5 to 7 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should all be checked before converting.
Modern Radial Equivalents
215R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (855-14)
P225/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (855-14)
P235/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (855-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1966 Chrysler 300 Tires for Sale
Available 1966 Chrysler 300 tire choices focus on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply products in 855-14 and 885-14. The main comparison points are tire size, narrow whitewall presentation, whitewall width within 855-14, and the rim-width specifications tied to each size.
These FAQs focus on 1966 Chrysler 300 tire size, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, narrow whitewall selection, and the checks worth making before putting a collector Chrysler back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1966 Chrysler 300?
The 1966 Chrysler 300 uses two primary tire sizes: 855-14 and 885-14. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 14-inch rims, so the correct size choice starts with confirming which setup the car is actually using rather than assuming every 1966 Chrysler 300 takes the same tire.
The most practical check is the wheel and tire combination already on the car, especially on a vehicle that may have been restored or changed over time. Once the installed setup is confirmed, the decision shifts to selecting the right bias-ply tire within that size or, in the case of 855-14, considering a radial equivalent that still needs wheel and clearance verification.
What size rim does a 1966 Chrysler 300 use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1966 Chrysler 300 are built around a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 855-14 and 885-14 share that same rim diameter, which simplifies the first part of tire selection compared with vehicles that used more than one wheel diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a large 1960s Chrysler. Wheel width should still be checked before choosing a tire, since the available products are associated with specific rim-width ranges. That matters even more if the car has replacement wheels, older aftermarket wheels, or a tire size different from what it left the showroom with decades ago.
Why does the 1966 Chrysler 300 have more than one tire size?
The 1966 Chrysler 300 is associated with both 855-14 and 885-14 bias-ply tire sizes. Since both sizes use the same 14-inch rim diameter, the difference is not about changing wheel diameter but about confirming which tire size belongs on the specific car in front of you.
That matters because a collector car may have gone through wheel changes, replacement tires, or restoration decisions over the years. Rather than choosing by model name alone, it is smarter to verify the current wheel width, the size being replaced, and available clearance. Those checks help keep the selection grounded in the car's actual setup instead of relying on assumptions.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 855-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1966 Chrysler 300?
On the 1966 Chrysler 300, 855-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. That means it follows the older numeric sizing system and preserves the traditional construction style associated with many mid-1960s full-size American cars, including the visual character buyers often want on a restoration-oriented vehicle.
Keeping a bias-ply tire usually makes the most sense when the goal is a period-style presentation and an authentic vintage feel at the wheel. A radial alternative can still be considered for 855-14, but construction changes should be treated as a separate fitment decision. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance deserve a fresh check before moving away from the original bias-ply format.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 855-14?
Radial equivalents for 855-14 include 215R14, which is an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R14, which is a P-metric 75-series radial, and P235/70R14, which is a P-metric 70-series radial. Those three sizes give the 1966 Chrysler 300 several modern radial alternatives while staying on a 14-inch wheel diameter.
Each of those equivalents represents a different sizing convention and profile approach, so the choice is not only about finding a radial tire. The 5 to 7 inch recommended rim-width range is an important reference point, and the car should also be checked for wheel compatibility, suspension condition, and clearance at the front and rear before settling on any of those radial options.
What should I check before converting my 1966 Chrysler 300 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming which original tire size the car uses, since the stated radial equivalents apply to 855-14 rather than both primary sizes. Then verify the wheel diameter remains 14 inches and check that the wheel width matches the radial size being considered, especially since a 5 to 7 inch rim-width range is associated with the 855-14 radial equivalents.
A conversion is more than a construction change on paper. The Chrysler should be inspected for front steering clearance, rear fender clearance, suspension condition, and any old modifications that could affect fit. It is also wise to compare the new tire's intended use with the car's role, whether that means local cruising, touring, or a restoration-focused presentation that favors bias-ply appearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 855-14 tire for a 1966 Chrysler 300?
The starting point is confirming that 855-14 is the correct primary size for the car, since the 1966 Chrysler 300 can also use 885-14. Once size is settled, the main factors are staying with bias-ply construction, selecting the whitewall width you want, and making sure the tire matches the wheel width used on the car.
Within the available 855-14 choices, BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires offer narrow whitewall styling in more than one whitewall treatment. That means the decision is often visual as much as mechanical, especially on a big Chrysler where sidewall presentation matters. A buyer should balance appearance goals, wheel compatibility, and how the car will actually be driven before making the final pick.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Chrysler 300 tires?
For the 1966 Chrysler 300, the available products center on narrow whitewall styling. In 855-14, that includes different narrow whitewall widths, while the available 885-14 product also carries a narrow whitewall presentation. The sidewall choice is therefore less about blackwall versus whitewall and more about the specific whitewall look you want on the car.
That visual detail matters on a formal full-size Chrysler because the tire has a strong effect on the car's overall stance and period feel. Choosing between whitewall treatments should be done after the correct size is confirmed, since sidewall style does not override fitment. It also helps to look at the car's existing restoration direction so the tire complements, rather than conflicts with, the overall presentation.
What tire series are available for the 1966 Chrysler 300?
The available products for the 1966 Chrysler 300 fall within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That keeps the selection focused on a traditional bias-ply construction and a vintage-style presentation rather than splitting the buyer across multiple series with very different character or styling.
Because the series choice is concentrated, the more meaningful comparisons are tire size, whitewall treatment, and the wheel-width specification tied to each product. That can actually make the buying decision simpler for a Chrysler owner who wants a cohesive period-style appearance. The key is to choose the series within the correct size first, then compare the finer details that shape the car's finished look.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1966 Chrysler 300?
A period-style 1966 Chrysler 300 is usually best approached by staying with the correct primary bias-ply size for the car, either 855-14 or 885-14, and selecting a tire that keeps the traditional whitewall presentation. That preserves the visual proportions and vintage construction style many owners want on a large mid-1960s Chrysler.
The right choice depends on whether the car is being restored for show-oriented presentation, casual driving, or a mix of both. Narrow whitewall variations in 855-14 allow some visual tuning without leaving the period-style lane. When exact originality matters, the safest next step is to compare the car against marque-specific historical references and surviving examples before settling on details.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1966 Chrysler 300 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1966 Chrysler 300 restoration because the car's size, stance, and side profile make the tires highly visible. Using the proper primary size and the expected bias-ply construction helps maintain the overall look and character that enthusiasts associate with a full-size Chrysler from this era.
Fitment also affects more than appearance. A tire that does not suit the wheel width or the car's actual setup can create issues with clearance and presentation, even if the rim diameter is correct. For restoration-minded owners, it makes sense to confirm the installed wheel dimensions and then choose a sidewall treatment that supports the car's intended visual direction without overreaching into unsupported originality claims.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1966 Chrysler 300?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 Chrysler 300 even when the intended tire size is one of the correct primary options. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body adjustments can all influence how an 855-14 or 885-14 tire sits and clears on the car.
That is why an older luxury-performance car should be checked as it exists today, not just as it may have left the factory. A tire that matches the right rim diameter can still raise issues if offset, wheel width, or steering travel has changed. Measuring the current setup and inspecting clearance at full lock and full suspension travel helps prevent unwelcome surprises.
What should I inspect before driving a 1966 Chrysler 300 on new tires?
Before putting a 1966 Chrysler 300 into regular road use on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for the application. It is also wise to check for any rubbing, uneven seating, or clearance issues once the car is back on the ground.
A collector Chrysler deserves a broader road-readiness check as well. Look over suspension bushings, steering components, brake function, and alignment-related wear, since those systems influence how a new set of tires behaves. After a short initial drive, recheck air pressure and inspect the sidewalls and tread for any signs that the car's setup needs adjustment before longer trips.
How should 855-14 tires on a collector 1966 Chrysler 300 be maintained?
855-14 tires on a collector 1966 Chrysler 300 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even a lightly driven car can develop age-related tire issues, so sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular tread wear, and slow air loss deserve attention well before the car is taken out for a longer drive.
Collector vehicles often spend long periods parked, which makes environment and routine important. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires between drives. It also helps to move the vehicle periodically and inspect the contact patch area, since long stationary periods can hide problems until road use begins again.
