1969 Chrysler New Yorker Tires

The 1969 Chrysler New Yorker represented Chrysler’s full-size luxury approach at the end of the 1960s, with formal styling, substantial road presence, and the smooth, isolated character buyers expected from a premium American sedan. Tire choice on a car like this matters as much to stance and ride character as it does to simple fitment. The 1969 Chrysler New Yorker uses an 855-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, keeping the selection centered on traditional construction. Available choices focus less on changing size and more on whitewall presentation, period-style appearance, and whether to stay with bias-ply or evaluate a radial equivalent carefully.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1969 Chrysler New Yorker

The 1969 Chrysler New Yorker uses one primary tire size: 855-15. That is a bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch rim, and it carries across the covered New Yorker configuration here. With size selection kept simple, the real decision becomes whether to keep the traditional bias-ply construction and choose the right whitewall presentation, or compare it with a modern radial equivalent after checking wheel width and vehicle clearance.

1
855-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Base
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

An 855-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the 8.55 designation referring to nominal section width in inches and the 15 identifying the wheel diameter. On a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker, this size preserves the traditional bias-ply construction associated with large American luxury cars of the period. Available options center on BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series and are offered with narrow whitewall treatments in different visual widths. This size makes sense for an owner focused on maintaining the car’s original-era look, ride character, and proper full-size proportions.

Explore 855-15 Tires

1969 Chrysler New Yorker Sub-Model Tires

Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1969 Chrysler New Yorker sub-model. The key step is confirming that the car remains on the expected 15-inch wheel setup, then choosing the tire presentation that best suits restoration goals and road use.

1

1969 Chrysler New Yorker Base

The 1969 Chrysler New Yorker Base uses the same 855-15 bias-ply fitment as the main model listing, so size choice is simple. Selection usually comes down to keeping a traditional bias-ply appearance, comparing whitewall treatments, or reviewing a radial equivalent if the car’s wheel and clearance setup has been checked first.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1969 Chrysler New Yorker

The original 855-15 tire size has four radial-equivalent options to consider. Those include 215R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, they span traditional metric radial sizing, lower-profile P-metric alternatives, and a radial intended to retain a more vintage presentation. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel size, wheel width, and clearance should all be confirmed before changing construction.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 215R15

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (855-15)

  • P225/75R15

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (855-15)

  • P235/70R15

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (855-15)

  • 760R15

    Bias-look Radial Equivalent (855-15)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (6-8 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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1969 Chrysler New Yorker Tires for Sale

Available 855-15 options focus on BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, with narrow whitewall styling offered in different visual widths. That keeps the main comparison centered on appearance while staying within the proper bias-ply size and 15-inch rim fitment.

Showing 2 of 2
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 855-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1710@32 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 5/8 Inch Whitewall | 855-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1710@32 psi
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Owners of a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker usually want clear answers on 855-15 sizing, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, whitewall selection, and what to inspect before putting a full-size collector car back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker?

The primary tire size for a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker is 855-15. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and it is the fitment associated with the New Yorker covered here, including the Base sub-model.

That makes size selection fairly straightforward, but the next step still matters. Check that the car is still using the correct wheel diameter and appropriate wheel width, especially if it has been altered over the years. Once the wheel setup is confirmed, the main decision becomes choosing the right sidewall appearance in 855-15 or evaluating a radial equivalent carefully.

What size rim does a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker use?

The 1969 Chrysler New Yorker uses a 15-inch rim with its 855-15 tire size. Available 855-15 bias-ply products in this fitment are built for that 15-inch wheel diameter and are offered with rim-width compatibility in the 6.00 to 6.50 inch range.

Wheel diameter is the first thing to confirm before buying tires for an older full-size Chrysler. Many collector cars have seen wheel changes over time, and a 15-inch tire should not be treated as automatically correct unless the wheel itself matches. Width also matters, since tire profile and sidewall shape can change when the wheel is outside the intended range.

Does the 1969 Chrysler New Yorker Base use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1969 Chrysler New Yorker Base uses the same 855-15 bias-ply tire size as the core New Yorker fitment shown here. There is no separate primary size change within the covered sub-model listing, so the basic fitment question remains consistent.

That consistency simplifies shopping, but it does not remove the need to verify the actual wheel setup on the car. A New Yorker that has been restored, modified, or converted to different wheels may need a closer review before a tire is chosen. Once size and wheel diameter are confirmed, attention can shift to whitewall appearance and construction preference.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 855-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1969 Chrysler New Yorker?

For the 1969 Chrysler New Yorker, 855-15 is a bias-ply tire size. That means the primary fitment centers on traditional bias-ply construction rather than a modern radial size, which is important for preserving the period-style look and overall presentation of a late-1960s Chrysler luxury car.

Construction choice affects more than appearance. A buyer keeping the car close to its original-era character may stay with 855-15 bias-ply, while someone considering a radial should review the available equivalent sizes instead of assuming any 15-inch radial is suitable. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and body or steering clearance all deserve a careful check before making the switch.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 855-15?

Radial equivalents for 855-15 include 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15. In that group, 215R15 is an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 is a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 is a 70-series P-metric radial, and 760R15 is a bias-look radial equivalent.

Those options give a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker owner several ways to compare modern radial sizing while staying in the 15-inch wheel family. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 6 to 8 inches, but fitment still needs to be verified on the actual car. Wheel width, tire clearance, and the car’s suspension condition should all be reviewed before changing from the original-style construction.

Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker?

A bias-look radial option does exist for the 1969 Chrysler New Yorker’s 855-15 fitment. The equivalent size is 760R15, and it is intended for owners who want a radial alternative that still keeps a more traditional visual character than a typical modern metric sidewall presentation.

That can make sense on a restoration-oriented car where appearance matters, but it should still be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. Confirm the wheel diameter, review whether the wheel width falls within the radial equivalent range, and inspect for clearance at the front suspension and fender openings. Those checks matter before any construction change on a large collector car.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 855-15 tire for a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker?

Start with the basics: the 1969 Chrysler New Yorker uses the 855-15 size in bias-ply construction on a 15-inch rim. Once the size is confirmed, the main selection points are sidewall appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being kept in a traditional restoration-oriented presentation or considered for a radial alternative.

Available 855-15 choices here stay within BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply family, so visual details become more important than size differences. Compare the whitewall treatment, confirm the tire suits the actual wheel width on the car, and think about how the New Yorker will be used. A show-focused car and a regular road car may lead to different priorities even within the same size.

What sidewall styles are available for 1969 Chrysler New Yorker tires?

The available 855-15 tires for a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker use a narrow whitewall sidewall style. Within that presentation, the visible whitewall width can vary, giving owners a way to tailor the car’s look while keeping the correct vintage-size bias-ply format and 15-inch rim compatibility.

Sidewall appearance has a big effect on how a full-size Chrysler reads visually, especially on a car with formal late-1960s styling. A narrower or slightly more prominent whitewall can change the tone from restrained to more dressy without changing size. The right choice usually depends on the restoration direction, period-style preference, and how closely the owner wants to match the car’s intended visual character.

What tire series are available for the 1969 Chrysler New Yorker?

The available 855-15 options for the 1969 Chrysler New Yorker are in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That keeps the selection focused on one traditional bias-ply family rather than spreading the choice across multiple series with different casing styles or visual identities.

With the tire series staying consistent, the practical comparison shifts to the details within that family. Sidewall presentation, confirmed wheel width, and the owner’s preference for a more restoration-oriented appearance become the real decision points. This can actually simplify the buying process, since there is less risk of comparing unlike tire families while shopping in the correct vintage size.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1969 Chrysler New Yorker?

For a period-style 1969 Chrysler New Yorker, the natural starting point is the 855-15 bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim. Staying with the primary bias-ply construction helps preserve the broad-shouldered, traditional tire presentation that suits a late-1960s full-size Chrysler.

The final choice usually comes down to how closely the owner wants to reflect the car’s original-era visual tone. Whitewall width can change the car’s appearance noticeably even when size remains correct. When exact restoration accuracy matters, period photography, marque references, and other vehicle-specific historical sources are worth consulting before settling on a particular whitewall treatment.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1969 Chrysler New Yorker?

Tire construction can noticeably influence the look of a restored 1969 Chrysler New Yorker. An 855-15 bias-ply maintains the traditional vintage profile associated with the car’s original-era fitment, while a radial equivalent can change the visual impression even when it stays within an appropriate 15-inch replacement family.

That difference matters on a formal, full-size Chrysler because the tires contribute to the car’s stance as much as its wheels and trim. A buyer focused on road manners may still consider a radial alternative, but appearance should be weighed alongside fitment. Comparing sidewall shape and overall presentation before installation helps avoid a result that feels visually out of step with the car.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker?

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker even when the intended size remains 855-15 or a 15-inch radial equivalent. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all affect how much room the tire has at the fender, frame, and steering components.

A car that no longer sits on its original wheel and suspension setup should be measured rather than assumed. Turning clearance at the front end is especially important on a large car, and wheel width should be checked before moving to any radial equivalent. Looking at the actual vehicle first prevents surprises once new tires are mounted.

What should I inspect before driving a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker on new tires?

Before driving a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size, and confirm that inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It also helps to look over the suspension, steering components, and brake system on a long-stored collector car.

A short, careful road test is a smart follow-up after installation. Listen for rubbing, feel for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first drive. Collector cars often sit for extended periods, so it is wise to inspect wheel hardware, valve stems, and overall tire seating as part of the same process before returning the New Yorker to regular road use.

How should 855-15 tires on a collector 1969 Chrysler New Yorker be maintained?

855-15 tires on a collector 1969 Chrysler New Yorker should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even on a car that sees limited mileage, sidewalls should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, or signs of air loss, and tread should be examined for uneven wear that could point to alignment or suspension issues.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as miles driven. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It is also worth moving or driving the car periodically so the tires are not left bearing weight in one position for extended stretches, especially on a heavy full-size sedan.