The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron sits squarely in Chrysler’s front-drive, late-classic era, when coupes, convertibles, sedans, and the GTS carried one familiar name across several distinct personalities. That variety matters when shopping tires, because this LeBaron family uses four different radial sizes across 14-inch and 15-inch wheel fitments. Depending on the sub-model, the correct size may be 185/75R14, 195/70R14, 205/60R15, or 185/70R14. Available choices range from traditional whitewall presentations to blackwall and raised white letter styles, with touring-oriented and sportier series in the mix. The right selection starts with the exact LeBaron configuration and the wheel diameter currently on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron
The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. Some versions stay with 14-inch rims, while Performance Package applications can also move to a 15-inch fitment, so confirming the sub-model and actual wheel diameter is the first step before comparing sidewall style, tire series, or brand.
A 185/75R14 tire measures 185 millimeters across the section, uses a 75-series aspect ratio, and fits a 14-inch rim, with the R indicating radial construction. On the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron, this is a conventional passenger-car radial fitment used on certain Coupe and Convertible applications. Available choices in this size lean toward a traditional appearance, with Narrow Whitewall options from Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar across series such as Tornel Classic, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and UN106. This size suits an owner who wants the proper fitment path for those applications while preserving a more vintage-friendly sidewall look.
Fit(s): Coupe & Convertible, Coupe w/Performance Pkg., and Premium w/Performance Pkg.
Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
A 195/70R14 tire is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron, it appears on certain Coupe, Convertible, and Performance Package combinations, making it important to match the tire to the exact car rather than the nameplate alone. The available product in this size is a Dunlop Sport Classic blackwall, which gives this fitment a more focused, sport-oriented presentation than the whitewall choices seen in other LeBaron sizes. It is the size to evaluate when your LeBaron carries the 14-inch sportier fitment rather than a whitewall-oriented touring setup.
Fit(s): Coupe w/Performance Pkg. and Premium w/Performance Pkg.
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
A 205/60R15 tire uses a 205-millimeter section width, a lower 60-series profile, and a 15-inch rim, all in radial construction. On the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron, this size is tied to Performance Package applications, so wheel diameter confirmation is especially important before treating it as a viable choice. Product options include blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and raised white letter styles from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich in series such as Primacy 3, American Classic Radial, Star Series, and Radial TA. This is the LeBaron size for owners balancing a performance-flavored fitment with a choice between cleaner modern styling and stronger period-style visual character.
A 185/70R14 tire is a radial metric size that combines a 185-millimeter section width with a 70-series profile on a 14-inch rim. It is used on the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTS, Premium, and Sedan K-Body, making it a key fitment for several non-Performance Package versions of the car. Choices in this size include blackwall and Wide Whitewall designs from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, spanning series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. This size gives owners the widest spread of appearance and character, from restoration-oriented whitewall styling to sportier blackwall radial options.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron because the covered versions do not all use the same tire size. Some stay on 14-inch wheel fitments, while Performance Package versions can use either a sportier 14-inch size or a 15-inch setup, so identifying the exact LeBaron version comes before choosing the tire itself.
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1987 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe & Convertible
The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe & Convertible uses two 14-inch radial fitments, so the correct tire depends on the exact wheel and setup on the car. That makes this a good application to verify the current rim diameter first, then choose between a more traditional whitewall presentation or a sportier blackwall style where applicable.
The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe w/Performance Pkg. uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch radial tire size, making wheel confirmation especially important. Once that is settled, tire selection becomes more about the intended look and character, from blackwall sport styling to whitewall-oriented alternatives in the 15-inch fitment.
The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTS uses a single 185/70R14 radial fitment, which keeps size identification relatively straightforward. The main decision is choosing the tire style and series that best matches the car, whether that means a cleaner blackwall look or a more traditional wide-whitewall presentation.
The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron Premium uses the 185/70R14 radial size on a 14-inch wheel. With the size settled, the focus shifts to appearance and product character, since this fitment is available in both blackwall and Wide Whitewall designs across several distinct radial series.
The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron Premium w/Performance Pkg. uses either 195/70R14 or 205/60R15, so this is not a trim where the name alone answers the fitment question. Checking the actual wheel diameter on the car will narrow the choice quickly and prevent mixing a 14-inch tire search with a 15-inch application.
The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron Sedan K-Body uses the 185/70R14 radial size, giving it a straightforward 14-inch fitment path. That leaves room to choose between a more restrained blackwall look and a period-style whitewall treatment, depending on whether the car is being preserved, restored, or simply kept on the road.
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.
Best 1987 Chrysler LeBaron Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Chrysler LeBaron tires span 14-inch and 15-inch radial fitments from brands including Tornel, Maxxis, Travelstar, Dunlop, Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, BFGoodrich, Avon, and Vredestein. Buyers can compare blackwall, Narrow Whitewall, Wide Whitewall, and raised white letter styles across touring, classic, and sport-oriented series.
These 1987 Chrysler LeBaron tire FAQs focus on the fitment details that matter most: which size belongs on each sub-model, how 14-inch and 15-inch setups differ, and how to choose among blackwall, whitewall, and sport-oriented radial options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron?
The 1987 Chrysler LeBaron uses four radial tire sizes across its different sub-models: 185/75R14, 195/70R14, 205/60R15, and 185/70R14. There is not one universal fitment for every LeBaron in this model year, so the correct size depends on the exact version of the car and the wheel diameter it carries.
The quickest way to narrow it down is to confirm whether the car is a Coupe & Convertible, GTS, Premium, Premium w/Performance Pkg., Sedan K-Body, or Coupe w/Performance Pkg., then verify whether it has a 14-inch or 15-inch rim. That check matters even more on cars that may have had wheels changed over the years.
What size rim does a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron use?
A 1987 Chrysler LeBaron uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire fitment. The sizes 185/75R14, 195/70R14, and 185/70R14 all correspond to 14-inch rims, while 205/60R15 is the 15-inch fitment used on certain Performance Package applications.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before comparing tire options, because a 14-inch tire and a 15-inch tire are not interchangeable. It is also smart to check the actual wheel currently on the car, especially if the LeBaron has seen aftermarket wheel changes, replacement steel wheels, or trim-specific swaps during its life.
Do all 1987 Chrysler LeBaron sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 1987 Chrysler LeBaron sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The GTS, Premium, and Sedan K-Body use 185/70R14, Coupe & Convertible applications use 185/75R14 or 195/70R14, and Performance Package versions can use 195/70R14 or 205/60R15 depending on the setup.
That variation means the sub-model name is part of the fitment decision, not just a styling label. Two cars wearing the LeBaron badge can require different tires, so it helps to confirm both the trim and the wheel diameter before choosing sidewall style, comparing brands, or deciding between a touring-oriented and sport-oriented radial.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1987 Chrysler LeBaron sub-model, then confirm the wheel diameter on the car. From there, the main considerations are sidewall style, brand, tire series, and whether the car is being kept close to a period-style appearance or set up with a cleaner modern blackwall look.
A LeBaron used for casual cruising may lead you toward a whitewall presentation, while a Performance Package car may point toward a blackwall or raised white letter option. Rim-width compatibility, load capacity figures, and the condition of the suspension and alignment are also worth checking before settling on a final tire choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Chrysler LeBaron tires?
1987 Chrysler LeBaron tires are available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, Narrow Whitewall, Wide Whitewall, and RWL, or raised white letter. The available style depends on the tire size, with some fitments leaning toward traditional whitewall choices and others offering a more sport-oriented presentation.
Sidewall style changes the look of the car more than many buyers expect, especially on a late-1980s Chrysler that can be restored, preserved, or personalized in different ways. Once the correct size is confirmed, sidewall choice becomes a visual decision tied to the character you want, rather than a substitute for proper fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron?
Tires for the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron are available from Tornel, Maxxis, Travelstar, Dunlop, Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, BFGoodrich, Avon, and Vredestein. Brand availability depends on the specific size, so the choices for a 185/75R14 LeBaron are different from the choices offered in 205/60R15 or 185/70R14.
That brand spread gives buyers room to compare the type of tire they want rather than chasing one name alone. It is more useful to match the tire to the car’s correct size, sidewall preference, and intended use first, then compare the available series and specifications within that fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Chrysler LeBaron?
A period-style 1987 Chrysler LeBaron tire choice starts with the correct original-type size for the exact sub-model, then moves to the visual character of the tire. Narrow Whitewall options appear in 185/75R14, Wide Whitewall options are available in 205/60R15 and 185/70R14, and blackwall choices suit a more understated or sport-oriented look.
The best appearance match depends on whether the car is a formal sedan, a Premium model, a convertible, or a Performance Package version. Buyers pursuing strict originality should compare the current tire choice against marque references or period vehicle documentation, since the right size alone does not settle every appearance detail.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Chrysler LeBaron?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron because its primary fitments are radial sizes rather than earlier bias-ply formats. The bigger appearance difference comes from profile and sidewall treatment, since a blackwall radial, a Narrow Whitewall radial, and a Wide Whitewall radial can give the same LeBaron very different visual personalities.
That makes it worth deciding early whether the car should read as upscale, sporty, or simply well-kept. Once the proper size is confirmed, matching the sidewall style to the car’s trim level and intended presentation usually has more visual impact than small specification differences between radial products.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron. Wheel changes, different offsets, suspension alterations, lowering, or replacement springs can all change how a 14-inch or 15-inch tire sits in the wheel opening and how much room it has during steering and suspension travel.
That matters most on LeBarons already close to the line between 14-inch and 15-inch applications, especially Performance Package cars. A smart check includes wheel diameter, wheel width, visible clearance at the fender and suspension, and whether the tire size being considered matches the car’s current rather than assumed setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car’s fitment, and check inflation pressure, valve stems, and wheel hardware. It is also wise to look over the suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn parts.
A short first drive should include attention to vibration, pull, rubbing, and any unusual steering response. Collector and occasional-use cars can hide issues that only show up once they are back on the road, so a careful road check and a follow-up pressure inspection help confirm that the installation is behaving as expected.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Chrysler LeBaron be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Chrysler LeBaron should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and sensible storage habits. Even when the car is driven infrequently, the tires should be checked for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, because time and storage conditions matter as much as mileage.
Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to move the vehicle periodically or drive it enough to avoid long-term flat spotting, then inspect the tires again before any longer trip or seasonal return to road use.
