1958 Imperial Tire Fitment Guide

All 1958 Imperial vehicles covered here use one tire size: 950-14. That same size fits the 1958 Imperial Crown, 1958 Imperial Imperial, and 1958 Imperial Le Baron, and it mounts on a 14-inch wheel. Available tires in this size are built for rim widths from 6.50 to 7.50 inches, which gives you a practical wheel-range target when checking an existing wheel before purchase.

Because the full 1958 Imperial model range shares the same size, most buyers are not choosing between multiple fitments. The more useful next step is confirming that your car still has the correct 14-inch wheel and then deciding whether a narrow or wide whitewall better suits your restoration. That keeps the process focused on appearance and proper wheel compatibility instead of chasing size differences that do not apply across the line.

On a 1958 Imperial tire, 950-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 9.50 portion identifies the tire’s nominal section-width class, while the 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This is an older American sizing system used before modern metric sizing became common, and the available 1958 Imperial products in 950-14 are bias-ply tires rather than radial designs.

That matters because a modern buyer may expect the size code to work like a P-metric radial number, but it does not. When replacing tires on a 1958 Imperial, the safer approach is to match the original numeric size and the correct wheel diameter first, then compare sidewall style and wheel-width compatibility. Keeping the code in its proper period context helps avoid ordering a tire that looks modern or mismatched on a late-1950s luxury car.

Yes. The 1958 Imperial Crown, 1958 Imperial Imperial, and 1958 Imperial Le Baron all use 950-14 tires. The available products for that size share a 14-inch rim diameter and fit rim widths from 6.50 to 7.50 inches, so there is no model-specific size split within the range covered here.

That shared fitment simplifies shopping because you do not need to sort between different sizes by body style or trim level. Where the model still matters is in presentation: a formal Le Baron, a Crown, and a standard Imperial can all wear the same size but may look more convincing with a different whitewall treatment depending on the restoration style. Once size is settled, appearance becomes the meaningful decision.

1958 Imperial tires in 950-14 are available with two sidewall styles: Narrow Whitewall and Wide Whitewall. Both are BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in the same size, with the same 14-inch rim diameter and the same 2000-pound maximum load rating at 32 psi. The difference is visual rather than dimensional, making sidewall width the key styling choice within the correct fitment.

Whitewall width has a major effect on how a 1958 Imperial presents, especially on a car with the dramatic proportions and ornamentation of the late 1950s. A wider whitewall usually reads as more formal and era-forward, while a narrower whitewall can look slightly cleaner and more restrained. Buyers restoring for show use or period style should compare the tire to the car’s trim level, wheel covers, and original presentation before deciding.

BFGoodrich is the available brand for 1958 Imperial vehicles in the 950-14 size. The current offerings are from the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line and include both Narrow Whitewall and Wide Whitewall versions. All of them use bias-ply construction, which suits the era and keeps the look appropriate for a full-size American luxury car from 1958.

With one brand and one size to work from, the decision becomes more straightforward than on vehicles with multiple fitment paths. Instead of comparing several manufacturers, a 1958 Imperial owner can focus on whether the tire’s sidewall styling matches the car’s intended finish and whether the wheel itself falls within the approved width range. That is often the most practical way to narrow the choice on a shared-size application like this one.

For the 1958 Imperial, both BFGoodrich 950-14 offerings share the same key specifications: bias-ply construction, a 14-inch rim diameter, a 6.50 to 7.50 inch rim-width range, a 2000-pound maximum load rating at 32 psi, and a listed weight of 30 pounds. The meaningful difference is the sidewall treatment. One uses a 1.00-inch Narrow Whitewall, and the other uses a 2.50-inch Wide Whitewall.

That makes this a styling decision rather than a fitment or load-capacity decision. Owners pursuing a more formal, high-luxury late-1950s look often gravitate toward the wider whitewall, while others prefer the cleaner appearance of the narrower band. Since both fit the same wheel range, comparing period photos of your specific body style and trim level can be more helpful here than comparing technical specifications.

The available 950-14 tires for 1958 Imperial vehicles are built for rim widths from 6.50 to 7.50 inches. They all mount on a 14-inch wheel, and that rim-width range applies to the BFGoodrich bias-ply options currently offered in this size. Staying within that range is important for preserving the tire’s intended profile and load-carrying behavior.

A wheel that is too narrow or too wide can change how the sidewall sits, how the tread contacts the road, and how the car looks from the side. Before replacing tires on a 1958 Imperial, measure the actual wheel or verify the wheel specification if the car has had prior restoration work. That check matters just as much as the size code on the sidewall when you want an authentic stance and proper fit.

The currently available 950-14 tires for 1958 Imperial vehicles are not marked here as tube-type or tubeless, so tube use should be confirmed against the exact wheel and the specific tire’s sidewall marking before installation. What is clear is that all listed options are bias-ply tires in the same size and fit the same 14-inch wheel diameter. Tube decisions on collector cars often depend as much on wheel design and condition as on the tire itself.

That means an original wheel, a restored wheel, and a later replacement wheel may not all call for the same setup even when the tire size is unchanged. If your 1958 Imperial still uses original-style wheels, inspect for rivets, pitting, bead-seat condition, and valve-stem type before finalizing the installation plan. A restoration shop or marque specialist can help confirm the right approach if the wheel’s history is unclear.

A 1958 Imperial should be stored away from direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors, battery chargers, and welders. Bias-ply tires also benefit from clean, stable inflation and periodic movement, because collector cars that sit in one place for long stretches are more likely to develop temporary flat-spotting or sidewall stress than regularly driven cars.

If the car will be parked for an extended season, keep the tires properly inflated and either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces long-term static load. Avoid storing the vehicle on bare dirt or wet concrete if possible, and keep the tires clean rather than dressed with harsh chemicals. A large luxury car like a 1958 Imperial places real weight on its tires, so storage habits make a visible difference over time.

Tires on a 1958 Imperial should be judged more by age, condition, and storage history than by miles traveled. For a collector vehicle, a careful evaluation around the five- to seven-year point is wise, and replacement consideration around ten years is a common rule of thumb even when tread depth still looks acceptable. The DOT date code and the tire’s overall condition should guide that decision.

That is especially important on hobby cars that are driven lightly but spend a great deal of time parked. Sidewall cracking, hardening, flat-spotting, and loss of pressure integrity can arrive long before the tread looks worn out. A 1958 Imperial may only cover occasional weekend miles, but the age of the tire still matters for safety and ride quality. Keeping a written service record for each set makes future decisions much easier.

Tires on a 1958 Imperial should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, weather checking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure. Because this is a large, heavy late-1950s car, uneven loading or a neglected chassis issue can show up in the tires quickly even when annual mileage is low.

A longer pre-trip check should also include the spare, wheel condition, and valve stems, along with a quick look at suspension and steering components. Bias-ply tires can communicate problems differently than later radials, so changes in pull, wander, or ride feel deserve attention instead of being written off as normal old-car behavior. Frequent inspection is one of the simplest ways to protect both the tires and the car.

A 1958 Imperial Crown would have been fitted in the bias-ply era, and the shared replacement size used across the 1958 Imperial range is 950-14. That aligns with period American practice for a full-size luxury car of this vintage, where bias-ply construction and strong sidewall styling were part of the car’s original visual identity. Confirming the exact presentation for a particular body style or market version is still worthwhile through Imperial specialists and marque literature.

For most restorers, the key point is that staying with the proper numeric bias-ply size preserves the car’s intended proportions much better than substituting a visibly modern format. Once the size is correct, the remaining authenticity question becomes sidewall style. Comparing surviving factory photos, brochures, and judged examples can help you decide whether a narrow or wide whitewall best matches your specific 1958 Imperial Crown restoration.

Correct tire fitment matters on a 1958 Imperial because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall presentation immediately. A proper 950-14 bias-ply tire maintains the period stance and look expected on a late-1950s Imperial, while an obviously modern construction or an out-of-character sidewall treatment can distract from an otherwise accurate restoration.

That does not mean every event applies the same standards, but authenticity usually gets stronger when the tire matches the era visually as well as dimensionally. A show-focused owner should verify the expected sidewall treatment for the model and event level before making a final choice. Marque clubs and Imperial restoration specialists are often the best source for determining what a particular judging field will reward or question.

For restoration use on a 1958 Imperial, the BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall and 2.50 Inch Whitewall share the same core specification: 950-14 size, bias-ply construction, 14-inch rim diameter, 6.50 to 7.50 inch rim-width fitment, and a 2000-pound maximum load rating at 32 psi. Their difference is visual. One presents a slimmer white band, while the other gives the tire a broader, more formal period appearance.

That makes this an authenticity choice tied to how your specific car is being restored rather than a mechanical difference in capacity. Some restored Imperials look most convincing with a bold wide whitewall, especially when trim and wheel-cover styling are prominent, while others benefit from a slightly more restrained look. If the goal is judged correctness, compare against period photography and consult Imperial-specific restoration references before making the final call.

1958 Imperial tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, properly installed, and inflated appropriately for the application. The available 950-14 options are bias-ply tires, so their on-road feel will reflect period construction rather than modern radial behavior. On a car from 1958, overall braking, steering, suspension, and alignment condition are often just as important to highway confidence as the tire itself.

A well-sorted Imperial used within reasonable speeds and maintained as a collector car can be enjoyable on modern roads, but owners should respect the character of the vehicle. Bias-ply tires may track road grooves differently and can feel less settled after long static storage until they warm up. Before regular highway use, make sure the car is mechanically current and that the tires are fresh enough to support that kind of service.

The available 950-14 tires for 1958 Imperial vehicles carry a maximum load rating of 2000 pounds at 32 psi. That figure is the tire’s rated maximum load-and-pressure reference, not a blanket instruction to run every 1958 Imperial at that pressure in all conditions. Factory operating pressures should be checked against the original owner’s literature or marque references for the specific model and usage.

Using the correct pressure matters for ride quality, steering feel, tread wear, and how the car carries its weight. Start with the vehicle recommendation when available, then confirm that your chosen tire’s rated limits are being respected. Do not transfer assumptions from other vintage cars or from modern radial practice, because a full-size 1958 Imperial on bias-ply tires responds differently to inflation changes than a later vehicle.

Before a longer drive in a 1958 Imperial, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded objects, irregular wear, and proper cold inflation. Check that the wheels are sound, the valve stems are in good condition, and the spare is usable. On a large collector car from this era, tire condition is only one part of readiness, so the inspection should happen alongside basic checks of brakes, cooling, steering, and fluid levels.

A longer trip is also the right time to think about how long the car has been sitting and whether the tires have aged out even if the tread still looks substantial. A short local drive can hide problems that become obvious only after heat builds at road speed. Giving the 1958 Imperial a careful walkaround before departure greatly reduces the chance that an avoidable tire issue will interrupt the outing.