1966 Chrysler New Yorker Tires

The 1966 Chrysler New Yorker uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 855-14 and 885-14. Both are 14-inch fitments, but they do not apply the same way across the range. The Base can use either 855-14 or 885-14, while the Wagon uses 885-14.

That means the right choice starts with confirming the exact sub-model and the wheel setup already on the car. On a vehicle of this age, previous owners may have changed wheels or substituted tire sizes, so it is smart to verify the existing rim diameter and compare the installed tire size before selecting a replacement.

The 1966 Chrysler New Yorker uses a 14-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. Both 855-14 and 885-14 are built around that 14-inch wheel diameter, so the rim diameter stays consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in width designation.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a full-size Chrysler. Wheel width also matters, especially if the car has replacement wheels or a radial conversion under consideration. Checking the stampings or measuring the wheel before ordering tires helps avoid mismatch between the tire, the rim, and the car’s fender and steering clearances.

No. The 1966 Chrysler New Yorker Wagon uses 885-14, while the Base can appear with either 855-14 or 885-14. Both are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch rims, but the fitment is not completely uniform across the model line.

That difference is why sub-model identification matters before comparing products. A buyer looking at a Base should not assume the same size found on a Wagon, and a car that has been in service for decades may not still wear its intended fitment. Matching the tire to the actual sub-model and wheel setup is the safest starting point.

For the 1966 Chrysler New Yorker, 855-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system, where the first number reflects a nominal section width and the last number identifies the 14-inch rim diameter.

That matters because a true 855-14 bias-ply preserves the car’s traditional construction and period-style appearance. Buyers considering something more modern should separate the original-size conversation from the radial-equivalent conversation, since an equivalent radial uses a different sizing format and still needs to be checked against wheel width, dimensions, and vehicle clearance.

Radial equivalents for 855-14 include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. Those represent three different approaches: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, all tied to the original 855-14 fitment as modern radial alternatives.

Each option stays within the same general replacement discussion, but they are not identical in format or profile. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, and the right choice should be checked against the actual wheel, the space available in the wheel opening, and the car’s intended use before making the change.

Start by confirming which original tire size the car uses, since the 1966 Chrysler New Yorker can involve both 855-14 and 885-14 depending on sub-model. Then verify wheel diameter and wheel width, because radial-equivalent sizing needs to match the wheel properly before any other comparison matters.

The next step is checking overall fit on the car itself. A radial alternative should be reviewed for clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering positions, especially on a restored car with replacement wheels or suspension changes. It is also worth deciding whether road feel or period-style appearance matters more for the way the New Yorker will be used.

Start with the exact primary size for the car: 855-14 or 885-14. Both are bias-ply 14-inch fitments, but the Base can use either size while the Wagon uses 885-14, so sub-model identification comes first before comparing brands, sidewall details, or specifications.

After size is confirmed, compare the tire’s intended presentation and wheel compatibility. On this application, available products stay within BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line and use narrow whitewall styling, so the next practical differences are size-specific rim-width suitability, load capacity, and whether the buyer wants to retain original-style bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent separately.

The available tire options for the 1966 Chrysler New Yorker use a narrow whitewall sidewall style. In 855-14, the available choices include narrow whitewall treatments in different whitewall widths, while 885-14 is also offered with a narrow whitewall presentation.

That makes sidewall appearance part of the selection process, especially on a large Chrysler where the tire contributes noticeably to the car’s overall look. A narrow whitewall gives a traditional mid-1960s luxury-car feel, but the final choice should still begin with the correct size and wheel setup rather than appearance alone.

BFGoodrich is the brand available for the 1966 Chrysler New Yorker in the applicable 855-14 and 885-14 fitments. These tires appear in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, which keeps the focus on a traditional bias-ply construction and a restoration-oriented visual character.

Since the brand choice is narrow here, the more useful comparison is between the available sizes and sidewall treatments rather than between manufacturers. Buyers should concentrate on matching the tire to the exact sub-model, the wheel width, and the intended look of the car, then compare load and specification details within that correct fitment.

A period-style 1966 Chrysler New Yorker usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 855-14 or 885-14. Keeping the original-style bias-ply construction helps preserve the big Chrysler’s traditional stance and visual character in a way that matches the era more closely than a modern-format radial.

From there, appearance comes down to choosing the right size first and then selecting among the available narrow whitewall presentations. Exact originality can vary by individual car and restoration goal, so owners pursuing a highly authentic result should compare tire choice with marque-specific historical references and the car’s own surviving equipment before making a final decision.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1966 Chrysler New Yorker; it also changes the visual impression of the car. A bias-ply tire preserves the vintage sizing format and traditional profile associated with mid-1960s full-size American cars, while a radial equivalent introduces a more modern construction and sizing convention.

That difference matters on a large, formal body where sidewall shape and overall tire presentation are easy to notice. Owners restoring for shows, marque events, or a period-style look often begin with bias-ply construction, while drivers prioritizing road use may consider radial alternatives after verifying dimensions, wheel compatibility, and the look they want the finished car to have.

Yes. A 1966 Chrysler New Yorker may have the correct original tire size on paper, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body work can alter what actually clears the car. Even with the proper 14-inch rim diameter, wheel width and the way the tire sits in the wheel opening can change fitment.

That is especially important when moving between 855-14 and 885-14 fitments or when considering a radial equivalent for 855-14. Measuring the installed wheel, checking steering clearance lock to lock, and looking for signs of rubbing at the fender or suspension are sensible steps before assuming a replacement tire will suit the car’s present setup.

Before putting a 1966 Chrysler New Yorker back on the road, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall tire seating on the rim, then verify that the new tires match the intended size for the sub-model. It is also wise to look over the suspension and steering components on a car of this age.

A short test drive should be paired with another visual check for rubbing, unusual wear, or air loss. Classic cars that have spent long periods parked can reveal issues only after they begin rolling again, so confirming pressure, rechecking lug torque, and watching for vibration or pull during the first miles helps catch problems early.

855-14 tires on a collector 1966 Chrysler New Yorker should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long idle periods on poor surfaces. Collector cars often accumulate little mileage, so condition and age matter just as much as remaining tread.

Storage habits also play a big role in preserving a bias-ply tire. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps slow deterioration, and moving the car periodically can reduce flat-spotting from extended parking. Before each driving season, inspect the sidewalls and tread carefully rather than assuming low mileage means the tires are road-ready.