The 1968 Imperial All Models represents Chrysler luxury at the end of the 1960s, when full-size American cars emphasized long-wheelbase comfort, substantial road presence, and a quiet highway ride. Owners restoring or maintaining one today usually want a tire that suits that big-car character as much as the wheel opening. This Imperial uses a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, keeping the fitment firmly in traditional full-size American territory. The main choice is not between multiple primary sizes, but between period-style presentation within that size and the details of the tire you select. Wheel condition, intended driving use, and restoration goals should guide the final decision.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Imperial All Models
The 1968 Imperial All Models uses one primary tire size: 9.15-15 in bias-ply construction on a 15-inch rim. That fitment remains consistent for the covered Base sub-model, so the key decision is choosing the right tire within that size and construction for the car's appearance, road use, and overall restoration direction rather than sorting through multiple factory-type sizes.
In a numeric bias-ply size such as 9.15-15, the first number refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the wheel diameter, so this is a traditional wide-section tire for a 15-inch rim. Bias-ply construction suits the original-era character of a 1968 Imperial and preserves the tall, substantial visual presence expected on a full-size luxury car of this period. Selection within this size usually centers on brand, sidewall appearance, and restoration goals rather than changing dimensions. It is the right starting point when maintaining the Imperial's proper stance and period-style look matters as much as basic fitment.
Fitment is straightforward on the 1968 Imperial All Models because the covered sub-model uses the same primary tire size. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire selection stays aligned with the vehicle you are actually working on and any wheel changes made over the years.
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1968 Imperial All Models Base
The 1968 Imperial All Models Base uses the same 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment that defines this page. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing the right period-style replacement within the correct size and confirming the condition and dimensions of the existing 15-inch wheels before installation.
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
Common questions for the 1968 Imperial All Models usually center on the 9.15-15 tire size, 15-inch rim fitment, period-style bias-ply selection, restoration appearance, and the wheel and tire checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Imperial All Models?
The 1968 Imperial All Models uses a 9.15-15 tire in bias-ply construction. That is the primary fitment for this vehicle and it is the central size to use when evaluating replacement tires for an original-style setup.
Since there is one primary size, the real task is choosing the right 9.15-15 tire for the car's intended use and appearance. Confirm that the Imperial still has the correct 15-inch wheels, and inspect wheel condition carefully, especially on a collector car that may have seen decades of wheel, tire, or suspension changes.
What size rim does a 1968 Imperial All Models use?
The 1968 Imperial All Models uses a 15-inch rim with its 9.15-15 tire fitment. That rim diameter is part of the tire size itself, with the final number indicating the wheel diameter the tire is built to mount on.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm the wheel on the car rather than assuming it remains original. A 15-inch wheel still needs to be checked for width, overall condition, and any prior modifications that could affect how a replacement tire seats or clears the body and suspension.
Does the 1968 Imperial All Models Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1968 Imperial All Models Base uses the same 9.15-15 bias-ply tire size as the overall vehicle fitment shown here. That keeps the fitment process relatively simple compared with vehicles that split tire sizes across trims or performance packages.
Even with shared fitment, it is still smart to confirm the actual wheel setup on the car before choosing tires. Full-size luxury cars often pass through multiple owners, and aftermarket wheels, wheel replacements, or suspension work can change the practical requirements even when the intended tire size remains 9.15-15.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 9.15-15 tire for a 1968 Imperial All Models?
Start with the correct 9.15-15 size and bias-ply construction, since that is the primary fitment for the 1968 Imperial All Models. From there, the main considerations are the tire's period-style appearance, how the car will be used, and whether the wheel setup still matches the original-type dimensions.
A restoration-oriented Imperial may call for a tire that preserves the big, formal look expected from a late-1960s luxury car, while a regular driver still needs the same size but with close attention to wheel condition and overall roadworthiness. Sidewall appearance, vehicle stance, and compatibility with the existing 15-inch wheels should shape the final choice.
How do I choose between the available 9.15-15 tires for a 1968 Imperial All Models?
Choosing between 9.15-15 tires for a 1968 Imperial All Models comes down to matching the tire to the car's purpose. Some owners prioritize a restoration-oriented presentation, while others focus on occasional touring use, long-term storage habits, or replacing aged tires on an otherwise preserved car.
Compare each tire's overall visual character and verify that it suits the existing wheel setup before deciding. On a large luxury car like an Imperial, tire appearance has a noticeable effect on the finished look, so it helps to think about stance, sidewall style, and how closely the tire supports the traditional late-1960s presentation you want.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1968 Imperial All Models tires?
The first rim-fitment detail is diameter, since the 1968 Imperial All Models uses a 15-inch wheel with its 9.15-15 tire. After that, wheel width, wheel condition, and whether the tire is being mounted to an original-style wheel or a later replacement become the most important points to compare.
A tire can have the correct size designation and still require closer inspection if the wheel has been changed, repaired, or refinished over the years. Checking bead-seat condition, verifying that the wheel is true, and confirming that nothing in the suspension or wheel opening interferes with the tire will help avoid fitment surprises.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Imperial All Models?
A period-style 1968 Imperial All Models should begin with the correct 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment. That size and construction preserve the traditional full-size American look that suits a late-1960s Imperial far better than jumping immediately to a modern-looking tire format.
After establishing the proper size, the appearance decision becomes more specific: sidewall presentation, the overall visual profile, and how the tire complements the car's trim and stance. For buyers chasing exact originality, marque references, historical photos, and restoration documentation are worth consulting before settling on a final presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1968 Imperial All Models restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1968 Imperial All Models restoration because tire size and construction strongly influence the car's stance and visual balance. A 9.15-15 bias-ply tire supports the broad, formal look expected on a large Imperial of this era.
Restoration results can look noticeably off when the tire is too modern in profile or simply the wrong size for the wheel opening. Even on a driver-quality car, taking time to confirm the 15-inch wheel setup and choosing a tire that respects the car's original-era proportions will usually produce a more convincing finished appearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Imperial All Models?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Imperial All Models even when the intended size remains 9.15-15. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, suspension alterations, brake conversions, or body repairs can influence how a tire sits on the wheel and how much clearance it has in actual use.
A car this old may no longer match its original setup, so the safest approach is to inspect what is on the vehicle now before selecting replacement tires. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender and suspension should all be checked so the chosen tire suits the car's current configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Imperial All Models on new tires?
Inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and the surrounding suspension and steering components before driving a 1968 Imperial All Models on new tires. It also helps to check for uneven wear clues from the old tires, since those marks can reveal alignment, wheel, or mechanical issues that should be addressed first.
Once the new tires are mounted, verify inflation, look for proper bead seating, and turn the steering through its travel to make sure nothing rubs. On a collector Imperial, a careful road-readiness check should also include signs of cracking, fluid leaks, looseness, and any long-storage issues that could affect safe operation.
How should 9.15-15 tires on a collector 1968 Imperial All Models be maintained?
9.15-15 tires on a collector 1968 Imperial All Models should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition. Bias-ply tires on low-use collector cars deserve close monitoring for sidewall cracking, flat spotting after storage, cuts, bulges, and unexplained air loss.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a car like this. Keeping the Imperial away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and routine inspections before each driving season make it easier to catch wheel or tire problems before they turn into road-use issues.
