The 1978 Chrysler New Yorker came from an era when full-size American luxury cars emphasized a long, formal look and a smooth, quiet highway ride. Buyers drawn to this Chrysler today are often balancing originality, comfort, and the visual presence that defines a late-1970s flagship sedan. Tire fitment centers on two 15-inch radial sizes, HR78-15 and JR78-15, so the first step is confirming which size belongs on the car’s current wheel and setup. Because both are vintage alphanumeric radial sizes, the decision usually comes down to preserving the proper stance and selecting the tire that best suits the car’s appearance and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 Chrysler New Yorker
The 1978 Chrysler New Yorker uses two primary tire sizes, both in vintage alphanumeric radial form and both built for 15-inch rims. Because HR78-15 and JR78-15 were used on the New Yorker Brougham, the key step is confirming which size matches the car’s actual wheel and present fitment before comparing tire style, dimensions, and overall appearance.
HR78-15 is a vintage alphanumeric radial size in which the letter identifies the tire’s size class, the R indicates radial construction, the 78 refers to the profile family, and 15 denotes the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker, this format suits the period transition toward radial touring tires on full-size luxury cars. Buyers familiar only with modern metric sizing often find this code less intuitive, so matching the exact alphanumeric size on the car is important. This size is worth evaluating when maintaining a traditional late-1970s appearance and the proper relationship between tire, wheel, and body proportions.
JR78-15 uses the same vintage alphanumeric radial system, with the letter marking its size class, the R confirming radial construction, the 78 identifying the profile family, and 15 indicating a 15-inch rim. For the 1978 Chrysler New Yorker, it represents another period-style radial fitment rather than a modern metric substitute. The practical difference for a buyer is not just reading the code correctly, but confirming that this is the size intended for the car’s actual wheel and overall setup. It is the size to consider when the New Yorker’s current fitment, stance, and clearance point to the larger of the two original-style radial options.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham uses the same two 15-inch radial size families found at the model level. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but the main task is confirming whether the car is set up for HR78-15 or JR78-15.
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1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham
The 1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham uses vintage alphanumeric radial fitment, with HR78-15 and JR78-15 both associated with this sub-model. That means tire selection starts with verifying the wheel and the size already fitted to the car, then choosing the option that preserves the look and fitment appropriate to its current setup.
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
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1978 Chrysler New Yorker, how to interpret HR78-15 and JR78-15, and what to inspect before putting a large late-1970s luxury Chrysler back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker?
The 1978 Chrysler New Yorker uses two primary tire sizes: HR78-15 and JR78-15. Both are radial tires in a vintage alphanumeric format, and both are built for 15-inch wheels. Those are the two fitments associated with this New Yorker, rather than modern metric sizes.
The important next step is confirming which of those two sizes matches the car’s actual wheel and current setup. A New Yorker that has been fitted with different wheels over the years may not still reflect its original-style tire arrangement, so checking the installed wheel diameter, the tire currently on the car, and visible clearance is the safest way to choose between HR78-15 and JR78-15.
What size rim does a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker use?
Both New Yorker tire sizes, HR78-15 and JR78-15, are designed for a 15-inch rim. That means the 1978 Chrysler New Yorker’s applicable tire fitments stay within one wheel diameter even though two different tire sizes are used at the model level.
Confirming 15-inch wheel diameter is still worthwhile before ordering tires, especially on a collector car that may have had wheels changed decades ago. The tire sidewall and the wheel itself can both help verify rim diameter, and that should be checked before comparing the two alphanumeric sizes or deciding how closely the finished look should follow a traditional late-1970s luxury-car presentation.
Why does the 1978 Chrysler New Yorker have more than one tire size?
The 1978 Chrysler New Yorker has more than one tire size because two primary alphanumeric radial fitments are associated with the model: HR78-15 and JR78-15. They share the same 15-inch rim diameter, but they represent different size classes within the same vintage radial sizing system.
That does not mean both sizes should be treated as interchangeable without checking the car. On a New Yorker that has been maintained, restored, or altered over time, the correct choice depends on the wheel and how the car is actually set up today. Confirming the existing tire size, wheel diameter, and visual clearance around the suspension and body helps narrow the decision properly.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a HR78-15 tire for a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker?
Choosing a HR78-15 tire for a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker starts with confirming that HR78-15 is the size the car is actually using. It is a vintage alphanumeric radial size for a 15-inch wheel, so the main goal is matching the car’s established fitment rather than substituting a different modern format without careful comparison.
Once the size is confirmed, look at how closely the tire supports the appearance and road use you want from the car. A New Yorker kept for shows, weekend drives, or a restoration-minded presentation may call for a different selection approach than one driven more regularly. Wheel condition, overall stance, and how the tire fills the wheel opening all deserve attention before settling on a final choice.
What should I consider when choosing a JR78-15 tire for a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker?
A JR78-15 tire should be chosen only after verifying that the 1978 Chrysler New Yorker is set up for that exact size. JR78-15 is also a vintage alphanumeric radial built for a 15-inch rim, so the decision is less about modern tire terminology and more about matching the car’s proper size class.
After size confirmation, think about how the tire will influence the car’s overall visual balance and intended use. A large luxury sedan from this period benefits from a tire that looks at home on the car and works with its existing wheel arrangement. Checking current tire markings, wheel condition, and body clearance helps avoid choosing a tire that conflicts with the New Yorker’s present setup.
How do I choose between the available HR78-15 and JR78-15 tires for a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker?
The choice between HR78-15 and JR78-15 begins with fitment, not preference. Both are correct-format radial sizes for the 1978 Chrysler New Yorker, but they are different size classes, so the right one is the one that matches the car’s wheel setup and the tire size intended for that particular New Yorker.
Start by reading the current tire sidewall and confirming the wheel is 15 inches, then compare how the car sits and whether any past wheel or suspension changes may have altered fitment. Once the proper size is established, the decision becomes much simpler because you are selecting within the correct vintage radial format instead of guessing between two different alphanumeric sizes.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 Chrysler New Yorker?
For a period-style 1978 Chrysler New Yorker, the best starting point is staying with the correct vintage alphanumeric radial format and confirming whether the car uses HR78-15 or JR78-15. Both sizes suit the New Yorker’s late-1970s luxury character far better than jumping straight to a modern-looking substitute without first checking the car’s established fitment.
A restoration-oriented choice is usually about preserving the car’s visual proportions and road-going character rather than chasing the newest sizing convention. The tire should look appropriate on a large formal Chrysler and sit correctly on the wheel already on the car. For originality beyond size and construction, marque-specific references and period photos are worth consulting before making a final appearance decision.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker restoration because the wrong size can change the car’s stance, visual balance, and overall period presentation. Since this model uses HR78-15 and JR78-15 in vintage alphanumeric radial form, choosing the right one helps keep the tire-to-wheel relationship consistent with the car’s era.
Fitment also affects more than looks. A tire that does not match the wheel or the car’s intended setup can create unwanted clearance questions and make the finished restoration feel less resolved. Even on a driver-quality car, confirming wheel diameter, current tire markings, and how the car sits at each corner is worthwhile before committing to one of the two proper radial sizes.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker even when the tire size itself is one of the correct model-level options. Wheel changes, altered ride height, replacement suspension parts, or bodywork done over the years can all influence how HR78-15 or JR78-15 sits in the wheel opening.
A New Yorker with aftermarket wheels or suspension changes should be checked carefully before a tire decision is made. Wheel diameter may still be 15 inches while width or offset has changed, and that can alter clearance at the fender, steering components, or suspension. Looking over the complete wheel-and-tire setup on the car is more useful than relying on model identification alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker on new tires?
Before driving a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the wheel diameter matches the tire size, and make sure the tires are mounted and inflated properly. It is also smart to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of suspension and steering components.
A large late-1970s luxury car places a lot of emphasis on smoothness and stable road manners, so the tire installation should be supported by a sound chassis. After the car is back on the ground, check for any rubbing at full steering lock and during suspension movement. A short shakedown drive followed by another visual inspection can catch issues before longer road use.
How should HR78-15 or JR78-15 tires on a collector 1978 Chrysler New Yorker be maintained?
Collector-car tires in HR78-15 or JR78-15 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits when the 1978 Chrysler New Yorker is driven infrequently. Tread condition matters, but sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of slow air loss are often just as important on a car that spends time parked.
Routine inspection is especially worthwhile before each driving season and ahead of longer trips. Keeping the New Yorker out of prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires while the car is stored. Even when mileage is low, aging still matters, so a tire that looks acceptable at a glance should still be examined closely before regular road use.
