1932 Chrysler sat in the heart of the prewar American market, offering a range that stretched from practical six-cylinder transportation to larger, more upscale cars with the kind of presence buyers expected from the marque. It was a year when Chrysler balanced engineering seriousness with a broad model lineup, so tire choice was not one-size-fits-all across the brand. The four 1932 Chrysler models covered here use four different bias-ply sizes, split between 17-inch and 18-inch rims, which means the real decision begins with identifying the exact model before comparing styling and restoration preferences. Confirm your model first, then verify the wheel diameter your car carries before selecting a tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1932 Chrysler
Four tire sizes are used across 1932 Chrysler models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Because these sizes do not all use the same rim diameter, the first step is confirming both your model and whether your car takes a 17-inch or 18-inch wheel. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the correct Chrysler model.
Year(s): 1932|Fit(s): CH Standard|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
700-17 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number identifies the nominal section width class and the 17 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1932 Chrysler CH Standard, with Firestone and Ensign offerings in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles; rim-width fitments shown range from 3.5 to 4 inches, and listed load capacities run up to 1,901 pounds at 36 psi depending on the tire. Buyers restoring a CH Standard usually choose among these options according to period appearance, especially whether a blackwall or whitewall presentation better suits the car.
Year(s): 1932|Fit(s): CI|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 18 in
550-18 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the first number indicating the nominal width class and the 18 showing that it mounts on an 18-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1932 Chrysler CI, and available brands include Excelsior, Firestone, and BFGoodrich with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall choices; listed rim widths span 3 to 4 inches, and load figures shown for some products reach 1,125 pounds at 32 psi. It is the right path for a CI owner who wants an era-correct bias-ply fit while still choosing the sidewall treatment that matches the car's restoration style.
Year(s): 1932|Fit(s): CL Custom|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 750 denoting the nominal width class and 17 denoting a 17-inch rim. This size is specific to the 1932 Chrysler CL Custom, with Firestone and BFGoodrich products offered in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall form; listed rim-width fitments range from 4 inches to 5.50-6.00 inches depending on the tire, and shown load capacities reach 1,870 pounds at 40 psi. Owners of a CL Custom typically focus on selecting the sidewall look and tire series that best complements a larger, more formal prewar Chrysler.
Year(s): 1932|Fit(s): CP|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17-in rim
6.50-17 is a numeric bias-ply size, using a decimal-style nominal width designation and a 17-inch wheel diameter. This size is specific to the 1932 Chrysler CP, and every option for it follows the period-correct bias-ply construction expected on an early 1930s Chrysler. CP owners should begin by confirming that their car indeed uses the 6.50-17 size before comparing product styling and detailed specifications within that fitment.
Four 1932 Chrysler models are covered here, and each one uses its own tire size rather than sharing a common fitment across the range. In practical terms, that means year and make alone are not enough for tire selection on 1932 Chrysler vehicles; you need to identify whether you have a CH Standard, CI, CL Custom, or CP before narrowing to the correct size. Select a model below for model-specific fitment history and available tires.
1932 Chrysler CH Standard
The 1932 Chrysler CH Standard represented Chrysler's effort to offer solid engineering and recognizable Chrysler character in a more accessible part of the market during the Depression era. Its tires mount on 17-inch rims, and the available fitment stays rooted in traditional prewar bias-ply construction with several period sidewall presentations.
The 1932 Chrysler CI sat as a distinct model within the brand's early-1930s lineup, appealing to buyers who wanted Chrysler quality in a compact prewar package. Its tires mount on 18-inch rims, making it the only model here on that diameter and an especially important one to identify correctly before choosing a tire.
The 1932 Chrysler CL Custom carried a more upscale, formal character than Chrysler's lighter offerings, and buyers often restore it with close attention to stance and presentation. Its tires mount on 17-inch rims, but the correct size is exclusive to the CL Custom rather than shared with the other 17-inch Chrysler models listed here.
The 1932 Chrysler CP was part of Chrysler's broad prewar lineup, with its own place between the brand's entry and more premium cars. Its tires mount on 17-inch rims, and selecting the correct 6.50-17 fitment matters more here than assuming any other 17-inch Chrysler size will interchange.
Fifteen products are available across four tire sizes for 1932 Chrysler vehicles. 700-17 includes four Firestone and Ensign bias-ply choices in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles; 550-18 includes seven Excelsior, Firestone, and BFGoodrich bias-ply options; 750-17 includes ten Firestone and BFGoodrich bias-ply options. Confirm your model and exact size before selecting among the available sidewall treatments.
Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Double Whitewall | 700-17
These FAQs sort out the model-by-model sizing differences for 1932 Chrysler, explain what the period numeric tire codes mean, and cover practical questions about rims, restoration correctness, highway use, and long-term care for low-use prewar tires.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1932 Chrysler vehicles?
1932 Chrysler vehicles use four different tire sizes depending on model: the CH Standard uses 700-17, the CI uses 550-18, the CL Custom uses 750-17, and the CP uses 6.50-17. All four are bias-ply sizes, but they are not interchangeable across the full 1932 Chrysler range because the lineup includes both 17-inch and 18-inch wheel diameters. Where rim-width guidance is available, 700-17 appears on roughly 3.5 to 4-inch rims, 550-18 on 3 to 4-inch rims, and 750-17 on fitments ranging from 4 inches up to 5.50-6.00 inches depending on the tire.
That makes model identification the first step with any 1932 Chrysler tire search. If you already know the car is a CI, for example, you can move directly to 550-18 and ignore the 17-inch options entirely. If the car is under restoration and the wheels may have been changed over the years, verify the actual wheel diameter before ordering so the tire size matches both the model and the wheels now on the car.
What does 700-17 mean on a 1932 Chrysler tire?
On a 1932 Chrysler, 700-17 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 700 identifies the tire's nominal width class in the older inch-based sizing style used on American cars of the period, while the 17 means the tire fits a 17-inch wheel. For 1932 Chrysler applications, this size belongs to the CH Standard rather than the whole Chrysler lineup.
Understanding that older numeric code helps keep a prewar Chrysler restoration on the right track. A modern buyer may assume every 17-inch Chrysler tire from the same year is close enough, but 700-17, 750-17, and 6.50-17 represent different fitments tied to different models. Once you confirm a CH Standard, the next decision becomes sidewall appearance and brand preference within that exact size.
Do all 1932 Chrysler models use the same tire size?
No, 1932 Chrysler models do not all use the same tire size. The CH Standard uses 700-17, the CI uses 550-18, the CL Custom uses 750-17, and the CP uses 6.50-17. Even among the three models on 17-inch wheels, the size itself still changes by model, so wheel diameter alone is not enough to select the right tire.
That distinction matters because many prewar cars have lived long restoration lives and can pick up swapped wheels, mixed spare tires, or older replacements in non-matching sizes. If your identification plate, body style, or registration confirms the model, use that as your starting point and then compare the actual wheels on the car. It is much easier to correct fitment before mounting tires than after discovering a mismatch between the car and the wheel set.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1932 Chrysler tires?
1932 Chrysler tires are available in several period-appropriate sidewall styles depending on size. The 700-17 and 750-17 sizes are offered in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall forms, while 550-18 also appears in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions. Those choices matter visually on a prewar Chrysler because sidewall treatment strongly affects how formal, sporty, or understated the finished car looks.
A blackwall usually suits a more restrained restoration look, while whitewall and double-whitewall treatments tend to emphasize the elegance many owners want from early-1930s Chrysler styling. The right choice often comes down to how the specific car is being restored rather than simple fitment. If the goal is authenticity for judging, compare your intended sidewall style with period photos, factory literature, and marque-club guidance for your exact model and market.
What brands make tires for 1932 Chrysler vehicles?
Several established brands cover 1932 Chrysler tire sizes. 700-17 is available from Firestone and Ensign, 550-18 appears from Excelsior, Firestone, and BFGoodrich, and 750-17 is offered by Firestone and BFGoodrich. All of the listed options for these Chrysler sizes are bias-ply tires, which is in keeping with the construction style expected on an early-1930s American car.
Brand selection on a prewar Chrysler often comes down to the look you want, the sidewall style available in your model's size, and any rim-width or load details that matter for your setup. A restorer pursuing a recognizable period presentation may lean toward a brand or series that complements the era visually, while a touring owner may focus more on the exact specification range within the correct size. Start with the proper model-specific size, then compare brand and style choices inside that fitment.
What is the difference between Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 for the 1932 Chrysler CH Standard?
For the 1932 Chrysler CH Standard in 700-17, Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 differ in sidewall choices, rim-width fitment details, weight, and listed load capacity. Firestone Balloon appears in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions, generally on 4-inch rims, with listed load capacity of 1,480 pounds at 36 psi and weights from 28 to 35 pounds depending on the version. Ensign B5 is listed as a blackwall tire fitting 3.5 to 4.0-inch rims, with a higher stated load figure of 1,901 pounds at 36 psi and a listed weight of 30 pounds.
The practical difference is less about one being universally better and more about which specification set matches your Chrysler and your restoration priorities. If visual presentation is central, Firestone gives the CH Standard owner more sidewall style options. If your wheel setup falls closer to the lower end of the 3.5 to 4-inch range, the Ensign's published rim-width span may be especially relevant. Comparing the actual wheels on the car against the tire's stated fitment is the smart next step.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1932 Chrysler tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by 1932 Chrysler tire size and by the specific tire itself. For 700-17, listed fitments include 4-inch rims and a 3.5 to 4.0-inch range. For 550-18, listed rim widths run from 3 inches to 4 inches depending on product. For 750-17, some tires are shown for 4-inch rims while others list a much wider 5.50 to 6.00-inch range, making product-level comparison especially important on the CL Custom.
That means rim width should be checked against the exact tire you plan to use, not only against the nominal size molded on the sidewall. Prewar wheels can vary, and some restored cars may no longer wear their original rims. Measuring the wheel and comparing it with the published fitment range for the intended tire helps avoid mounting a correct nominal size on an unsuitable wheel.
Do 1932 Chrysler tires require inner tubes?
The available 1932 Chrysler products listed here do not carry tube-type or tubeless markings in the size field, so the key practical point is to match the tire setup to the wheel design on the car. Because 1932 Chrysler vehicles are prewar cars with period-style wheels, many owners and restorers approach tube use as part of the full wheel-and-tire system rather than treating the tire alone as the deciding factor.
Before final installation, inspect the wheel construction, confirm whether the rim is intended to run with a tube, and make sure the valve-stem arrangement suits that setup. That is especially important on older artillery or wire-style applications and on wheels that have been restored, repaired, or refinished over the years. A marque specialist or experienced vintage tire installer can help confirm the correct tube strategy for your exact Chrysler wheels.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1932 Chrysler when the tires are fitted?
A 1932 Chrysler should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate sidewall aging. Bias-ply tires, like the sizes used across the 1932 Chrysler range, can also develop temporary flat spotting more readily during long stationary periods than many later radial designs. Clean floors and stable temperatures are easier on both the rubber and the wheels themselves.
If the car will sit for weeks or months, keep the tires properly inflated, move the car occasionally to change the contact patch, or use stands if the storage period will be extended and your overall suspension plan allows it. Collectors who maintain spare wheel sets should store them under the same low-light, low-ozone conditions. Good storage habits preserve ride quality, sidewall appearance, and the usefulness of the tire for future driving and display.
How long do tires on a 1932 Chrysler typically last?
Tire life on a 1932 Chrysler is usually judged more by age, storage conditions, and inspection results than by mileage alone. Collector cars often cover relatively few miles, so a tire can look serviceable in tread depth while still aging out in the casing and sidewall. A sensible rule is to evaluate tires closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat around ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of low mileage.
The DOT date code and the tire's real-world condition both matter. If the Chrysler has spent time in sun, heat, damp storage, or long periods on underinflated tires, replacement may come sooner. A lightly driven show car still needs age-based judgment, especially before touring events. Owners who keep maintenance records should note installation dates so they can make replacement decisions before visible wear becomes the only trigger.
How often should tires on a 1932 Chrysler be inspected?
Tires on a 1932 Chrysler should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing or tour. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between drives. On a prewar car, inspection should also include the condition of the wheel itself, because older rims, lock rings, and hardware can be just as important to safe operation as the tire casing.
A more thorough inspection a few times each season is worthwhile even if the car is rarely used. Check valve stems, the spare, and the way the tire is sitting on the wheel after storage or after recent service work. Catching a problem in the garage is far preferable to finding it during a roadside tire change on a vintage Chrysler, where weight, jack points, and wheel hardware can make service more involved than on a modern vehicle.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1932 Chrysler CH Standard?
A 1932 Chrysler CH Standard would have been fitted in period with a bias-ply tire, which aligns with the currently available 700-17 offerings for that model. The era and the fitment both point clearly to bias-ply construction as the correct historical type rather than a later radial format. Sidewall treatment could vary by market presentation and owner preference, so the main originality anchors are the correct 700-17 size and period-appropriate bias-ply construction.
That gives restorers a strong starting point even before they get into finer judging details. If your goal is a highly accurate restoration, use the exact CH Standard size first, then compare blackwall versus whitewall presentation against surviving photos, factory sales material, and model-specific club knowledge. Original-equipment brand assumptions are best avoided unless your individual car has compelling supporting history, because period replacement patterns can blur what was delivered new.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1932 Chrysler?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1932 Chrysler, especially at events that judge authenticity closely. Size, construction type, and sidewall style all affect whether the car reads as period-correct. A Chrysler wearing the wrong nominal size, a model-specific size borrowed from another 1932 Chrysler, or a sidewall treatment that clashes with the intended restoration theme can stand out quickly to experienced judges and marque enthusiasts.
For most owners, the first authenticity checkpoint is simple: make sure the car has the model-correct size before worrying about finer presentation details. After that, select the sidewall style that matches the restoration goal and compare it against period references. Event standards can differ, so a local tour, a marque meet, and a high-level concours may not all weigh the same details equally. Marque clubs are often the best resource for show-specific expectations.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich for the 1932 Chrysler CL Custom?
For the 1932 Chrysler CL Custom in 750-17, Firestone and BFGoodrich differ in sidewall choices, published rim-width details, weight, and listed load capacity. Firestone Balloon appears in blackwall and double-whitewall versions, generally with a 4-inch rim listing and a stated load capacity of 1,870 pounds at 40 psi, with weights shown from 30 to 41 pounds. BFGoodrich appears in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, with one listing showing 5.50 to 6.00-inch rim fitment and a stated load figure of 1,646 pounds at 36 psi, while listed weights run from 45 to 55 pounds.
A CL Custom owner comparing those two names should think in terms of wheel compatibility and visual outcome first. The sidewall style options are not identical, and the published rim-width ranges are not identical either, so the choice may be driven as much by your wheel set and restoration theme as by brand loyalty. Matching the exact tire to the actual wheel and the intended look of the car is more useful than assuming all 750-17 products serve the same purpose.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1932 Chrysler tires safe for highway driving?
1932 Chrysler tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size for the model, properly installed, in sound condition, and used within the limits of their design. The listed products here are bias-ply tires, which are authentic to the period and entirely appropriate for a prewar Chrysler, but they deliver the road feel and handling character typical of early tire construction rather than that of a modern radial. No speed ratings are shown for these sizes, so prudent driving remains part of the equation.
On a well-sorted 1932 Chrysler, the practical limit on comfortable highway travel is often shaped as much by the age and design of the car itself as by the tire alone. Steering response, braking capability, suspension condition, wheel integrity, and overall mechanical preparation all matter. For regular use on today's roads, keep speeds reasonable, maintain inflation carefully, and make sure the rest of the car is as ready for sustained driving as the tires are.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1932 Chrysler tires?
Inflation pressure on 1932 Chrysler tires should be matched to the exact tire size and the specific product, not transferred loosely from one model to another. Listed examples include 700-17 products at 36 psi, 550-18 products at 32 psi, and 750-17 products at 36 or 40 psi depending on the tire, with corresponding load figures tied to those pressures. Those numbers are part of the tire's rated specification, not a blanket recommendation for every 1932 Chrysler.
Use the car's original literature or marque guidance as the starting point for factory-era inflation practice, then compare that with the tire maker's published rating for the reproduction tire actually on the car. If the two need to be reconciled, do it by size and product rather than by guesswork. Maintaining the correct pressure is especially important on a bias-ply prewar car because underinflation can affect steering feel, wear, and heat buildup more quickly than many owners expect.
What should I check before taking a 1932 Chrysler on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1932 Chrysler, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded debris, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is equally serviceable. Pay attention to valve stems and the condition of the wheels themselves, since age-related issues can appear in the full wheel-and-tire assembly. A prewar Chrysler also deserves a broader check of brakes, steering, cooling, fluids, and fasteners before any trip that goes beyond local use.
Longer outings are where small storage-related problems become real roadside problems, so a calm pre-drive inspection pays off. Bias-ply tires may feel different after extended storage, and a car that has not been driven recently can reveal age-related weaknesses only once heat and distance build. If anything about the tires or wheels looks questionable, address it before departure rather than treating the drive itself as the test.
