1933 Chrysler Tire Fitment Guide

1933 Chrysler vehicles use four distinct tire sizes across four models. The CO uses 550-17, the CQ uses 6.50-17, the CT uses 6.00-17, and the Imperial uses 750-17. Every listed size is a bias-ply fitment and mounts on a 17-inch rim. Rim width information appears in the available product range for some 750-17 applications, including 4-inch and 5.50- to 6.00-inch listings depending on the tire.

That means the main fitment question for 1933 Chrysler is not wheel diameter, but model identity. A buyer who knows only the year and make still needs to confirm whether the car is a CO, CQ, CT, or Imperial before choosing a tire size. Once the model is confirmed, the next decision becomes sidewall appearance and product style rather than moving between multiple constructions or rim diameters.

On a 1933 Chrysler, 550-17 is a traditional numeric bias-ply tire size. The first number refers to the nominal section width class, and the 17 indicates that the tire fits a 17-inch wheel. In this year-and-make range, 550-17 belongs to the Chrysler CO specifically rather than to every 1933 Chrysler model.

That older numeric system is different from modern metric sizing, so it helps to think of it as an era-correct designation rather than a direct modern equivalent. If you are matching a CO restoration, keeping the original-style size format matters visually as well as physically. It also helps narrow your product choices to the correct blackwall or whitewall treatment without crossing into a larger Chrysler model's fitment.

No, 1933 Chrysler models do not all use the same tire size. The CO, CQ, CT, and Imperial each have their own size assignment: 550-17, 6.50-17, 6.00-17, and 750-17 respectively. All four mount on 17-inch wheels and use bias-ply construction, but section width changes from model to model.

That difference matters because a Chrysler Imperial tire should not be treated as interchangeable with a CO or CT simply because the wheel diameter matches. The correct size affects stance, sidewall proportion, and the look expected for each model. If the car has been modified over the years, compare the actual wheel and existing tire markings with the model identity before settling on a replacement size.

1933 Chrysler tire offerings include Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall styles within the listed product range. The 550-17 CO size is available from BFGoodrich in all three sidewall looks, and the 750-17 Imperial size also appears in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall versions from BFGoodrich and Firestone. Those options let a buyer tailor the tire's visual character while staying within a bias-ply format appropriate to the period.

For a conservative early-1930s appearance, blackwalls are often the safest choice, while whitewalls can suit a more formal or deluxe presentation depending on how the car is being restored. The right answer usually depends on the exact body style, trim level, and how authentic you want the finished look to be. If the car is being judged, compare your planned sidewall style with period photos or a Chrysler club resource before deciding.

The listed 1933 Chrysler product range includes BFGoodrich and Firestone. BFGoodrich appears in 550-17 for the Chrysler CO and in 750-17 for the Imperial, while Firestone also appears in 750-17 for the Imperial. All listed products are bias-ply tires, which matches the construction era of a 1933 Chrysler.

Brand choice on a prewar Chrysler usually comes down to the product line, sidewall look, and the details of the specific size you need. A CO owner currently sees BFGoodrich choices in the listed range, while an Imperial owner has both BFGoodrich and Firestone options in 750-17. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare the available sidewall style and published load or rim-width details for the product you are considering.

For the 1933 Chrysler Imperial in 750-17, BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer bias-ply choices, but the listed specifications are not identical. Firestone Balloon versions include a published maximum load of 1870 pounds at 40 psi and a 4-inch rim width listing, while one BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply whitewall version lists 1646 pounds at 36 psi and a 5.50- to 6.00-inch rim width range. Sidewall treatments also differ by product, with blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles represented across the two brands.

That means the comparison is not just brand name alone. An Imperial owner should also look at the exact series, sidewall appearance, and wheel width compatibility of the individual tire being considered. If your car retains original wheels, confirming the wheel width before choosing among 750-17 products is especially important, because the listed rim-width recommendations are not the same across every version.

All listed 1933 Chrysler tire sizes mount on 17-inch rims, but published rim-width guidance appears only on some 750-17 products for the Imperial. In that size, certain Firestone Balloon versions list a 4-inch rim, while one BFGoodrich 750-17 wide whitewall lists a 5.50- to 6.00-inch range. That shows why rim width has to be checked at the product level, not assumed from the size code alone.

A buyer replacing Imperial tires should measure the actual wheel before choosing among the available 750-17 options. For the CO, CQ, and CT sizes, the safest approach is to verify the wheel against the exact tire you plan to use rather than borrowing a rim-width assumption from another Chrysler model. On prewar cars, wheel changes over decades of ownership are common enough that a quick measurement is worthwhile.

The listed 1933 Chrysler products are bias-ply tires, but no universal tube marking appears across the full product range here. Without a consistent tube-type or tubeless designation printed in every listed size, the practical rule is to match the tire to the wheel design and the individual product's sidewall or fitment guidance. On many original 1933-era wheels, tube use is common because of the wheel construction itself.

That makes the wheel just as important as the tire when planning installation on a prewar Chrysler. If the car retains original-style rims, inspect the drop center, valve hole, and sealing surface and confirm whether the specific tire version is intended to be run with a tube. Replacing old tubes and valve stems during installation is also wise when returning a stored collector car to road use.

Original 1933 Chrysler wheels can only be used with the tire size assigned to the specific model, even though all four listed sizes share a 17-inch rim diameter. A CO wheel setup should stay with 550-17, a CQ with 6.50-17, a CT with 6.00-17, and an Imperial with 750-17. Matching wheel diameter is only one part of correct fitment on these cars.

The more important concern is whether the wheel width and overall wheel design suit the exact tire being considered. That is especially important on the Imperial, where 750-17 products show differing rim-width recommendations. If your Chrysler still wears its original wheels, keep the fitment tied to the model first, then confirm that the wheel dimensions align with the individual tire's approved range.

A stored 1933 Chrysler should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to developing temporary flat-spotting and sidewall aging when they sit in one position for long periods. Maintaining correct inflation and moving the car periodically helps reduce stress on the casing.

For a seasonal or long-term collector car, many owners either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces prolonged loading on one contact patch. The goal is not to leave the suspension hanging unnaturally, but to avoid months of static weight on the same portion of the tire. Clean, dry storage and routine pressure checks usually do more for longevity than any dressing or cosmetic treatment.

Tires on a 1933 Chrysler should be evaluated by age as much as by mileage. Collector cars often wear tires that still show usable tread but have aged internally or developed sidewall cracking from time, storage, and environmental exposure. A sound rule is to inspect them closely after five to seven years and treat replacement around the ten-year mark as a serious consideration, regardless of tread depth.

That approach matters more on a prewar Chrysler than chasing mileage totals, because many restored cars are driven lightly and can age out a set of tires before they wear out. Check the manufacturing date on the tire and compare it with the car's driving history, storage conditions, and present appearance. If the tires are older and the car is being prepared for touring, replacement is often the more conservative choice.

Tires on a 1933 Chrysler should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for cracking in the sidewalls, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and signs that the tire has lost pressure while parked. Because many prewar cars spend long periods in storage, small age-related problems can appear even when the car has not been driven much.

A longer trip deserves a closer inspection that also includes the spare, valve stems, and wheel condition. If your car runs tubes, check for slow pressure loss and make sure the valve hardware is secure and in good condition. Pre-drive inspection on an older Chrysler is not just routine tire maintenance; it is part of the broader habit that keeps an antique car dependable on the road.

A 1933 Chrysler CO would have originally used a bias-ply tire, and the listed fitment for that model is 550-17. That matches what you would expect for an early-1930s Chrysler, when bias-ply construction was standard across the American market. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery history, so the most dependable guide for authenticity is the correct size, construction type, and period-appropriate sidewall presentation.

For a restoration, start by matching the CO to 550-17 and then choose the sidewall treatment that fits the standard you are restoring toward. Factory-delivery appearance, dealer-level presentation, and later period-correct replacement practice are not always the same thing. If the goal is high-level authenticity, compare your intended tire look with period photographs and consult a Chrysler marque club or model-specific restoration reference.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1933 Chrysler, especially in authenticity-focused events. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire size matches the model, whether the construction style suits the era, and whether the sidewall look aligns with the car's presentation. A CO wearing an Imperial-size tire, or a sidewall style that looks out of place for the restoration theme, can change the car's visual credibility immediately.

The standard gets stricter as the event becomes more originality-focused. Even when a tire fits physically, the wrong width or incorrect visual treatment can alter stance, fender fill, and overall proportion in a way that stands out on a prewar car. Before finalizing a show-ready setup, compare your planned size and sidewall to period references and to the judging expectations of the club or event where the car will appear.

For an authenticity-minded 1933 Chrysler Imperial restoration, the BFGoodrich and Firestone 750-17 tires differ in more than just brand name. The listed range includes different sidewall presentations and different published rim-width or load details depending on the exact version. Firestone Balloon products in 750-17 carry a distinct period-style naming convention, while BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offerings bring their own sidewall and specification mix within the same size.

That means an authenticity choice should be made at the individual product level rather than by assuming every 750-17 looks or fits the same. Compare the sidewall style first, then make sure the wheel width and overall appearance line up with the way your Imperial is being restored. If you are trying to mirror a specific body style, market, or show standard, period photographs and marque references should guide the final decision.

A properly selected, properly inflated 1933 Chrysler bias-ply tire can be used for normal road driving within the limits of the tire, the wheel, and the car itself. No speed-rating markings are listed in the available 1933 Chrysler product range here, so the practical approach is to treat these as period-style tires intended for antique-car use rather than modern high-speed driving. On a 1933 Chrysler, steering, brakes, suspension, and road manners usually define the car's safe pace before the tire becomes the only concern.

That means highway use should be approached with mechanical sympathy and realistic expectations. A well-sorted prewar Chrysler can handle touring, but it should not be driven as if it were a modern sedan on contemporary tires. Before sustained road use, make sure the tires are age-sound, the pressures are correct, and the rest of the car is equally prepared for the speed and distance you plan to cover.

Inflation pressure for 1933 Chrysler tires should start with the car's original factory recommendation for the specific model and size, then be cross-checked against the tire maker's published limits for the exact product. Among the listed 750-17 Imperial products, one Firestone version shows 1870 pounds at 40 psi and one BFGoodrich version shows 1646 pounds at 36 psi. Those figures are product-specific load ratings, not a universal pressure prescription for every 1933 Chrysler tire.

Use that distinction carefully. A pressure that is appropriate for one 750-17 product should not automatically be transferred to another size such as 550-17 or 6.00-17. On an antique Chrysler, correct pressure affects ride height, steering feel, wear, and casing life, so verify the exact tire and model before setting pressures. If the car is heavily restored but lightly driven, periodic pressure checks matter just as much as the initial setting.

Before taking a 1933 Chrysler on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is ready to use. Confirm that the sidewalls and tread have aged evenly and that no tire has developed a visible flat spot from storage. On a car of this age, tire condition should be part of a broader mechanical inspection that also includes brakes, wheel bearings, steering, cooling, and fuel-system readiness.

A longer outing is where small issues become trip-ending problems, so preparation matters more than speed. Check the wheels for security, look over valve stems and tube-related hardware if your setup uses tubes, and avoid setting out on old tires simply because they still hold air. A prewar Chrysler rewards methodical preparation, and tire inspection is one of the fastest ways to reduce avoidable roadside trouble.