The 1966 Imperial Convertibles represent Chrysler’s top-tier full-size luxury thinking of the mid-1960s, with formal styling, substantial proportions, and the kind of road presence that makes tire choice part of the car’s overall character. A convertible of this size and era relies heavily on the right stance and sidewall profile to look and drive as intended. The 1966 Imperial Convertibles use a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, keeping the fitment rooted in period construction. For most owners, the decision is less about size and more about selecting the right period-style tire presentation for restoration goals, appearance, and measured road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1966 Imperial Convertibles
The 1966 Imperial Convertibles use one primary tire size: 9.15-15. That fitment is a bias-ply tire built for a 15-inch rim, and it remains consistent for the covered sub-model. Once the size is confirmed, the real choice becomes selecting the right period-style tire within that fitment and making sure the car’s wheels and overall condition are ready for road use.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 9.15-15, the first number is the nominal section width in inches and the final number is the rim diameter, so this tire is built around a 15-inch wheel. Its bias-ply construction matches the traditional tire type associated with a large American luxury convertible of this period, preserving the tall sidewall look and classic profile these cars are known for. That makes 9.15-15 the central fitment choice for an owner focused on proper stance and traditional presentation. Before selecting a tire, confirm that the wheels on the car remain true to the original rim diameter and have not been changed during past restoration or customization work.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1966 Imperial Convertibles sub-model. The same primary tire size is used here, so the focus shifts from size differences to choosing the right bias-ply tire style and confirming the car’s actual wheel setup.
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1966 Imperial Convertibles Base
The 1966 Imperial Convertibles Base uses the same 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment as the model core, keeping tire selection centered on a traditional full-size luxury-car tire profile. That means the next step is choosing a restoration-oriented tire presentation and confirming that the car still carries the correct 15-inch wheels.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tire questions for a 1966 Imperial Convertibles usually center on the 9.15-15 fitment, 15-inch wheel compatibility, period-style bias-ply selection, and what to inspect before putting a large collector convertible back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1966 Imperial Convertibles?
The 1966 Imperial Convertibles use a 9.15-15 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment built for a 15-inch rim, and it is the primary size associated with this exact year and model.
That makes size selection relatively simple, but the car should still be checked carefully before mounting new tires. A collector car may have replacement wheels, older restoration work, or later modifications, so it helps to confirm the wheel diameter and overall setup before choosing a 9.15-15 tire for appearance, driving use, and proper fitment.
What size rim does a 1966 Imperial Convertibles use?
The 1966 Imperial Convertibles use a 15-inch rim with the 9.15-15 tire size. The tire’s size code also reflects that 15-inch wheel diameter, which is the key wheel measurement to verify before replacing tires.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed on the actual car rather than assumed from appearance alone. A large luxury convertible can look correct on several wheel styles, and past changes may not be obvious at first glance, so checking the rim itself helps prevent ordering a tire that matches the model’s fitment but not the wheels currently on the vehicle.
Does the 1966 Imperial Convertibles Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1966 Imperial Convertibles Base uses the same 9.15-15 bias-ply tire size as the overall model fitment. There is no separate primary tire size for that covered sub-model.
Since the size stays the same, the buying decision becomes more about choosing the right tire style within that fitment and confirming the car’s wheel condition. Owners focused on restoration may care most about traditional appearance, while drivers preparing for regular road use should also inspect the wheels, suspension condition, and available clearance before installation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 9.15-15 tire for a 1966 Imperial Convertibles?
Start with the correct primary fitment: 9.15-15 in bias-ply construction on a 15-inch rim. For a large 1966 Imperial convertible, that size is closely tied to the car’s visual stance, tall sidewall profile, and traditional mid-1960s full-size luxury presentation.
Once the size is settled, focus on how the tire will be used and how the car is being finished. A restoration-oriented car may prioritize period-style appearance, while a road car should also be evaluated for wheel condition, alignment, and clearance. It also helps to inspect the suspension and steering components so the new tires are matched to a stable, roadworthy chassis.
How do I choose between the available 9.15-15 tires for a 1966 Imperial Convertibles?
The main selection point is staying within the correct 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment while choosing the tire that best suits the car’s intended character. On a vehicle like the 1966 Imperial Convertibles, the tire contributes heavily to the overall look because of the car’s scale and visible sidewall height.
A car headed for restoration display may need a more traditional visual presentation, while a driver-quality car may place equal emphasis on condition, wheel compatibility, and how the tire complements the vehicle’s current setup. It is worth comparing tire details carefully and making sure the wheels and body clearances still match the original-style fitment after any previous restoration work.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing tires for a 1966 Imperial Convertibles?
The most important rim-fitment detail is confirming that the car still uses a 15-inch wheel for the 9.15-15 tire size. Diameter comes first, because the correct tire size cannot be used properly if the wheel itself has been changed.
After diameter is verified, inspect the wheel condition closely. Older collector cars can have bent rims, corrosion, or wheels that have been replaced during previous ownership, and those issues affect how well a new tire seats and runs. It also helps to check that the tire has adequate clearance at the fenders and steering components once mounted.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1966 Imperial Convertibles?
A period-style 1966 Imperial Convertibles begins with the correct 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment. That size and construction preserve the traditional sidewall height and overall tire shape associated with a big American luxury convertible from the mid-1960s.
Exact originality and judged restoration standards can vary, so appearance details should be matched to the car’s restoration goal rather than assumed. For many owners, staying with the proper bias-ply size provides the right visual foundation, while marque-specific references, original literature, and restoration records help refine the final choice when authenticity matters closely.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1966 Imperial Convertibles restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1966 Imperial Convertibles restoration. A large full-size convertible depends on tire height, sidewall shape, and overall proportion to maintain the substantial, formal look that defines the car’s presence.
Using the proper 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment helps keep the stance visually consistent with the era, even before finer appearance choices are made. It also reduces the chance of mismatched proportions that can make a restored car look slightly off. Before final installation, confirm that the wheels on the car still match the intended restoration setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1966 Imperial Convertibles?
Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 9.15-15 on a 15-inch rim, modifications can change whether that tire works properly on the car you have today. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body repairs can all affect clearance and overall fitment.
That is especially important on a long, heavy convertible where tire-to-fender and steering clearance should be checked carefully. A car that has been customized in the past may no longer match its original wheel setup, so measuring the actual wheels and inspecting the suspension travel can prevent rubbing, interference, or an uneven stance after installation.
What should I inspect before driving a 1966 Imperial Convertibles on new tires?
Inspect the wheels, valve hardware, suspension, steering, and brake condition before putting a 1966 Imperial Convertibles back on the road with new tires. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the tires themselves should be checked for proper seating and visible clearance once mounted.
A large collector convertible often spends long periods parked, so it is wise to look for dry cracking on old tires being replaced, wheel corrosion, loose lug hardware, and signs of air loss. A short, careful test drive followed by another visual inspection can reveal rubbing, vibration, or alignment issues before longer road use.
How should 9.15-15 tires on a collector 1966 Imperial Convertibles be maintained?
Maintain 9.15-15 tires on a collector 1966 Imperial Convertibles with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to storage conditions. Tires on low-use cars should be examined for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and any signs that the car has been sitting too long in one position.
Long-term care matters because collector cars often age their tires through time and storage rather than mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, while moving the vehicle occasionally and checking for air loss can reduce flat spotting and catch problems before the next drive.
