1936 Chrysler stood at an interesting point in the company’s history, balancing streamlined engineering ambition with the broader, prestige-oriented character buyers expected from a mid-1930s Chrysler. The lineup ranged from the distinctive Airflow to more conventional Chrysler models, and that variety is reflected in the tire fitments used across the year. Five different bias-ply sizes appear across four models, with some sharing 16-inch rims while the C-12 steps up to a 17-inch fitment, so the real choice depends first on identifying the exact model and then confirming the wheel diameter already on the car. That makes model identification the smartest first step before narrowing down the right tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1936 Chrysler
Five tire sizes are used across 1936 Chrysler models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. Because these sizes do not all share the same rim diameter, the first decision is confirming your exact model and wheel size before comparing sidewall style or brand preferences. Understanding that distinction up front makes it much easier to match the right tire to the right Chrysler.
Year(s): 1936|Fit(s): AS|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16-in rim
6.25-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.25 denotes nominal section width and 16 denotes the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1936 Chrysler AS, and no product range is shown here by brand, sidewall style, or tube configuration. Buyers pursuing an AS should treat 6.25-16 as a model-specific fitment starting point and confirm the actual wheel before choosing among period-style options elsewhere in the range.
Year(s): 1936|Fit(s): Airflow|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
700-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.00 indicating nominal section width and 16 indicating a 16-inch rim. This size is specific to the 1936 Chrysler Airflow and is available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall form; load figures reach 1,874 pounds and 1,900 pounds on listed products, and one Avon version carries an L speed rating with a 75 mph ceiling. It suits an Airflow owner who wants a correct prewar bias-ply construction and the flexibility to choose between more understated blackwall styling or a more formal whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1936|Fit(s): Airflow|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
750-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.50 indicating nominal section width and 16 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. This Airflow-specific size is offered by Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles and listed load figures up to 1,850 pounds at 48 psi and 1,660 pounds at 40 psi. It is the choice for Airflow applications that call for the larger 16-inch fitment within that model line, especially when maintaining a distinctly prewar bias-ply look.
Year(s): 1936|Fit(s): C-12|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.50 identifies nominal section width and 17 identifies the wheel diameter. This size is specific to the 1936 Chrysler C-12 and is available from Firestone and BFGoodrich in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles, with listed load figures up to 1,870 pounds at 40 psi and 1,646 pounds at 36 psi. It is the clear route for C-12 owners because the 17-inch rim requirement separates it from the 16-inch Chrysler fitments used elsewhere in the 1936 lineup.
Year(s): 1936|Fit(s): DL|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
650-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 denoting nominal section width and 16 denoting a 16-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1936 Chrysler DL and appears in products from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles; listed load figures reach 1,580 pounds at 32 psi on several offerings. It is a natural fit for DL owners who want an era-appropriate bias-ply tire while still having a broad range of brand and sidewall appearances to match the car’s restoration style.
Four 1936 Chrysler model lines are covered here, and they do not all use the same tire size. In practical terms, that means year and make alone are not enough for tire selection on a 1936 Chrysler; you need to identify whether you have an AS, Airflow, C-12, or DL before choosing a size. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and the tires that apply to your specific car.
1936 Chrysler AS
The 1936 Chrysler AS belongs to Chrysler’s conventional body line from the mid-1930s, offering a more traditional alternative to the company’s advanced streamlining experiments of the era. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, and its fitment is centered on a single model-specific size rather than sharing directly with the rest of the 1936 Chrysler range.
The 1936 Chrysler Airflow remains one of the most recognizable American streamlined cars of the decade, known for its engineering-forward design and distinctive shape. Airflow fitments stay on 16-inch wheels but span two different tire sizes, so owners should confirm which Airflow configuration they have before choosing a tire.
The 1936 Chrysler C-12 sits in the senior end of Chrysler’s lineup and carries the more substantial road presence buyers expected from an upper-series Chrysler of the period. Its tire fitment mounts on 17-inch wheels, which sets it apart from the 16-inch applications used on the other 1936 Chrysler models listed here.
The 1936 Chrysler DL represents Chrysler’s established mid-1930s design language, with a more formal and conventional presentation than the Airflow. Its tire package uses 16-inch wheels and a single dedicated size, making model identification the key step before deciding between blackwall and whitewall appearance.
Forty-nine products are available across four tire sizes for 1936 Chrysler vehicles. Options include 10 products in 700-16 from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in bias-ply blackwall and wide whitewall; 10 in 750-16 from Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich in bias-ply blackwall and wide whitewall; 10 in 750-17 from Firestone and BFGoodrich in bias-ply blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall; and 19 in 650-16 from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield in bias-ply blackwall and wide whitewall.
These FAQs sort out how 1936 Chrysler tire sizes changed from model to model, what the older numeric sizing means, which sidewall styles are available, and what to check when fitting and caring for a prewar Chrysler that may see limited seasonal use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1936 Chrysler vehicles?
1936 Chrysler vehicles use five different tire sizes across four model lines: 6.25-16 for the AS, 700-16 and 750-16 for the Airflow, 750-17 for the C-12, and 650-16 for the DL. Most of the lineup uses 16-inch rims, while the C-12 uses a 17-inch rim. Rim width guidance appears on several available products, including 4.50 to 5.50 inches for 700-16, 5.00 to 6.00 inches for 750-16, 4 inches or 5.50 to 6.00 inches on listed 750-17 products, and 4.50 to 5.00 inches for 650-16.
That means a 1936 Chrysler owner should begin with the exact model name and the actual wheel diameter on the car rather than assuming every Chrysler in that year used the same tire. The Airflow is especially important to verify because it appears with two different 16-inch sizes, while the C-12 stands apart entirely with a 17-inch fitment. Once model and rim diameter are confirmed, the next decisions are sidewall appearance and brand preference.
What does 700-16 mean on a 1936 Chrysler tire?
On a 1936 Chrysler, 700-16 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 7.00 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. It is used on certain 1936 Chrysler Airflow applications and remains a period-correct prewar format rather than a later alphanumeric or modern metric size.
Understanding that code helps prevent a common mistake: reading it like a modern radial size and expecting the same information to be built into the number. Numeric bias-ply sizing does not spell out the same level of detail modern tires do, so the practical takeaway is to match the exact size shown for the model and then confirm the wheel itself. On an Airflow, that matters because another larger 16-inch numeric size was also used.
Do all 1936 Chrysler models use the same tire size?
No, 1936 Chrysler models do not all use the same tire size. The AS uses 6.25-16, the Airflow uses either 700-16 or 750-16 depending on application, the C-12 uses 750-17, and the DL uses 650-16. Even though several of those sizes mount on 16-inch wheels, they are not interchangeable by assumption simply because the rim diameter matches.
That variation makes model identification essential before choosing a tire. Buyers working from a title or registration alone should confirm the model designation on the car, then verify the wheel diameter and compare the current tire size if one is still fitted. Doing that first narrows the search quickly and avoids choosing a tire that may look similar on paper but belongs to a different 1936 Chrysler line.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1936 Chrysler tires?
1936 Chrysler tire options include blackwall, wide whitewall, and in 750-17 form, double-whitewall. The 700-16, 750-16, and 650-16 ranges offer blackwall and wide whitewall choices, while 750-17 adds a more ornate double-whitewall option alongside blackwall and wide whitewall. Those sidewall treatments fit naturally within the visual language of a prewar luxury and upper-midpriced American car.
For a restoration-minded owner, sidewall style can change the entire presentation of the car even when the size stays the same. Blackwalls generally suit a more restrained or service-oriented appearance, while wide whitewalls better match the formal, upscale character many 1936 Chryslers wore when new. A buyer focused on authenticity should compare surviving photos, factory literature, and club guidance for the exact body style and market presentation of the car.
What brands make tires for 1936 Chrysler vehicles?
Several brands cover 1936 Chrysler applications, including Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, and Garfield. Brand availability varies by size: 700-16 includes Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone; 750-16 includes Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich; 750-17 includes Firestone and BFGoodrich; and 650-16 includes BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield. All of the listed offerings for these applications are bias-ply tires.
The practical choice among brands usually comes down to the exact size your Chrysler needs, the sidewall style you want, and whether a listed tire carries load information that aligns with your priorities. Some owners are drawn to a particular historic brand identity, while others focus more on appearance within the correct size. Once the size is settled, comparing the available series within that size gives a clearer picture than comparing brands across the whole 1936 Chrysler range.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 750-17 tires for the 1936 Chrysler?
In 750-17 fitment for the 1936 Chrysler C-12, Firestone and BFGoodrich differ in sidewall offerings, listed load figures, and stated rim-width guidance. Firestone appears in blackwall and double-whitewall Balloon versions with a listed maximum load of 1,870 pounds at 40 psi and a 4-inch rim reference, while BFGoodrich appears in blackwall and wide whitewall Silvertown versions, with one listed whitewall carrying 1,646 pounds at 36 psi and a 5.50 to 6.00 inch rim range.
That means the choice is not simply brand preference. A C-12 owner should first verify the wheel on the car and then decide which sidewall presentation best fits the project. The Firestone Balloon products lean strongly into period prewar styling, while the BFGoodrich options broaden the appearance choices. Matching the tire to the actual wheel dimensions is more important than assuming every 750-17 is configured the same way.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1936 Chrysler tires require?
Rim width guidance depends on the tire size used on the specific 1936 Chrysler model. Available 700-16 products list 4.50 to 5.50 inch rims, 750-16 products list 5.00 to 6.00 inch rims, 650-16 products list 4.50 to 5.00 inch rims, and 750-17 products appear with two different wheel references, including 4-inch rims on Firestone Balloon products and 5.50 to 6.00 inch rims on a listed BFGoodrich whitewall product.
That spread is a reminder that wheel diameter alone does not finish the fitment question on a prewar Chrysler. If the car has its original wheels, compare the wheel dimensions against the product you are considering instead of generalizing from another Chrysler model or even another product in the same nominal size. This is especially important on the C-12, where 750-17 products span noticeably different rim-width references.
Do 1936 Chrysler tires require inner tubes?
The listed 1936 Chrysler products do not consistently identify tube-type or tubeless construction through TT or TL markings, so tube requirements should be confirmed on the exact tire and wheel combination being considered. Every available product shown for these fitments is a bias-ply design, and many original prewar wheel applications were used with tubes as part of the period setup. The wheel itself is part of that decision, not just the tire size.
A practical way to handle a 1936 Chrysler installation is to check the wheel condition, bead area, and the exact sidewall marking of the tire you plan to use before mounting. Owners restoring original-style steel wheels often consult a marque specialist or experienced vintage tire installer at this stage because the car’s age matters as much as the nominal size. Treat tube fitment as an item to verify, not a point to assume.
Can the original 1936 Chrysler wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1936 Chrysler wheels cannot be treated as universal across all listed tire sizes because the lineup includes both 16-inch and 17-inch fitments. The AS, Airflow, and DL use 16-inch sizes, while the C-12 uses 750-17 on a 17-inch rim. Even among the 16-inch applications, the listed rim-width ranges differ by size, so wheel compatibility is not automatically identical from one model to another.
The safest approach is to confirm the wheel diameter and width on the car before selecting a tire, especially if the car has changed hands over the decades or may have had wheels swapped. That matters most when comparing Airflow, DL, and AS parts because they all live in the 16-inch world but do not necessarily use the same tire section width. A wheel that accepts one 16-inch Chrysler tire may not be the best match for another.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1936 Chrysler when the tires are fitted?
A 1936 Chrysler should be stored away from direct sunlight, ozone-producing electric motors, and damp conditions that accelerate rubber aging. Clean, dry floors are better than bare earth, and the car should be moved periodically or supported in a way that reduces long-term standing stress on the tires. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to developing temporary flat-spotting after long periods of sitting.
For a collector Chrysler that may spend part of the year parked, stable pressure and occasional rotation of the tire’s contact patch can make the car feel better when it returns to the road. Whitewall tires also benefit from gentle cleaning habits that avoid harsh chemicals. Good storage does not stop aging, but it slows the cosmetic and structural decline that short seasonal drives can hide until the next outing.
How long do tires on a 1936 Chrysler typically last?
Tires on a 1936 Chrysler should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage, because many collector cars accumulate very little annual use. A good working rule is to inspect them closely after about five to seven years of service and to give serious replacement consideration around the ten-year mark, regardless of remaining tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age on modern reproduction products.
That approach matters on prewar cars because a lightly used tire can still look presentable while the rubber has aged beyond its safest service life. Owners often focus on tread, but sidewall cracking, hardening, and loss of flexibility are just as important on a 1936 Chrysler that may see occasional touring use. If the age is uncertain, replacement becomes easier to justify than trying to stretch service life from an old casing.
How often should tires on a 1936 Chrysler be inspected?
Tires on a 1936 Chrysler should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for cracking, cuts, tread separation, bulges, irregular wear, and pressure loss, and include the valve stems in the check. On older wheel-and-tire combinations where tubes may be part of the setup, air retention deserves especially close attention.
Frequent inspection is important because collector cars often sit for stretches and then return to use without the daily wear patterns that alert modern drivers to a problem. A pre-drive walkaround catches aging issues early and helps distinguish a tire concern from chassis or steering behavior that might otherwise be blamed on the car’s vintage design. It is one of the easiest habits to build into 1936 Chrysler ownership.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1936 Chrysler Airflow?
The 1936 Chrysler Airflow used bias-ply tires, which was standard American practice in the prewar period, and the Airflow appears here with 700-16 and 750-16 fitments. Those numeric sizes are entirely in keeping with mid-1930s tire conventions and with the kind of original-style construction an Airflow would have carried when new. Original equipment branding could vary by market and supply arrangement, so size and construction are the first authenticity markers to match.
For an owner restoring a 1936 Chrysler Airflow, the key is to confirm which Airflow application the car falls under and then choose the correct numeric bias-ply size in an appropriate sidewall treatment. If the car is being prepared for marque judging, period photos, factory literature, and Airflow club resources are the right next step for settling finer points such as whitewall presentation. Start with size and construction, then refine the appearance details.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1936 Chrysler?
Correct tire fitment matters on a shown 1936 Chrysler because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall presentation very quickly. A prewar Chrysler shown for originality is expected to wear a tire that looks appropriate to the era, which generally means the proper numeric bias-ply size rather than a visibly modern alternative. Sidewall treatment can also affect whether the car presents as authentic for its class and intended finish.
That does not mean every event applies exactly the same standard, but it does mean a restoration should not treat tires as an afterthought. An incorrect 17-inch versus 16-inch fitment, the wrong numeric size, or an obviously mismatched sidewall style can distract from an otherwise strong car. Marque clubs and event rule books remain the best sources for deciding how strict your 1936 Chrysler needs to be for the level of judging you plan to enter.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 700-16 tires for the 1936 Chrysler?
For 1936 Chrysler Airflow applications in 700-16, Firestone and BFGoodrich differ mainly in sidewall treatment and listed load specifications. The BFGoodrich blackwall lists a maximum load of 1,900 pounds at 36 psi and a 4.50 to 5.50 inch rim range, while the Firestone wide whitewall lists 1,800 pounds at 36 psi with the same 4.50 to 5.50 inch rim range. Both remain true bias-ply offerings in the correct prewar numeric size format.
For a restoration project, that makes the decision partly visual and partly practical. If the car’s intended look calls for a blackwall, the BFGoodrich option presents one path; if the goal is a more formal whitewall appearance, the Firestone gives that look without changing the base size. Because both share the same rim-width guidance, the appearance and the exact product specification become the real comparison points for the 1936 Chrysler owner.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1936 Chrysler tires safe for highway driving?
1936 Chrysler tires can be used for road driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and operated within the capabilities of both the tire and the car. The listed products are bias-ply tires, and one 700-16 Avon product carries an L speed rating, which corresponds to a 75 mph ceiling. On a properly maintained prewar Chrysler, the car’s brakes, steering, suspension, and overall mechanical condition are often the more limiting factors in normal highway use than the tire alone.
That means highway suitability is less about chasing a modern high-speed standard and more about using the correct size, maintaining proper pressure, and respecting the design era of the vehicle. A 1936 Chrysler in collector use is best approached as a carefully maintained vintage car rather than as a modern freeway machine. Smooth operation, conservative speeds, and a full pre-drive inspection do more for confidence than choosing a tire by speed perception alone.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1936 Chrysler tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1936 Chrysler should be matched to the exact tire size and the specific tire’s stated load-and-pressure information rather than generalized across the entire model range. Listed examples include 700-16 products at 36 psi, 750-16 products at 40 psi and 48 psi depending on the tire, 750-17 products at 36 psi or 40 psi depending on the product, and 650-16 products at 32 psi. Those figures show why one Chrysler size should never automatically borrow the pressure from another.
The best practice is to start with the factory guidance for the car, then compare it with the reproduction tire manufacturer’s rating for the exact product being fitted. If the car is used with passengers or luggage, pressure should still remain within the tire maker’s rated limits. On a 1936 Chrysler, correct pressure affects not only tire life but also the steering feel and ride quality typical of a bias-ply prewar car.
What should I check before taking a 1936 Chrysler on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1936 Chrysler, inspect all five tires if a spare is carried, checking pressure, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and any signs of age-related separation. Confirm that the valve stems are in good condition and that the spare is inflated and usable. Because these are prewar bias-ply fitments, any pull, vibration, or flat-spotted feel noticed at the start of a trip deserves attention before continuing.
Tires are only one part of the checklist on a car of this age, so it also makes sense to include brakes, wheel bearings, steering play, and general fluid condition in the inspection. The farther the trip, the more important that whole-car approach becomes. A 1936 Chrysler that feels composed on a short local run can reveal age-related issues only after sustained driving, so an unhurried pre-trip inspection is time well spent.
