1959 Chrysler Tire Fitment Guide

1959 Chrysler vehicles use three tire sizes: 900-14, 850-14, and 800-14. The 900-14 size fits the Chrysler 300, New Yorker, Saratoga, and Windsor; 850-14 fits Saratoga and Windsor; and 800-14 fits Windsor only. All three sizes mount on 14-inch rims. Listed rim width ranges are 6.00 to 7.00 inches for 900-14, 5.50 to 6.00 inches for 850-14, and 5.00 to 6.00 inches for 800-14 where that information appears with the available products.

That means year and make alone are not enough for every 1959 Chrysler. A 300 or New Yorker owner can go straight to 900-14, but Saratoga and Windsor owners need to confirm which of the model-specific sizes applies to their car before choosing a tire. Checking the actual wheel width is especially worthwhile when a model is associated with more than one size, because the wheel and the tire need to agree on both diameter and width range.

On a 1959 Chrysler, 900-14 is a traditional numeric bias-ply tire size. The 9.00 designation is the nominal section-width series used in period sizing, and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In the available 1959 Chrysler products, 900-14 is offered only in bias-ply construction and fits 14-inch wheels with a listed rim-width range of 6.00 to 7.00 inches.

That code reflects the sizing language American cars used before modern metric radial designations became common. For a 1959 Chrysler 300 or New Yorker, it is the clear size to start with, while Saratoga and Windsor owners should verify whether their car uses 900-14 or one of the smaller alternatives. Once the size is confirmed, the next decision is mainly visual, such as narrow whitewall versus wide whitewall, rather than a change in tire construction.

No, 1959 Chrysler models do not all use the same tire size. The 300 and New Yorker use 900-14, Saratoga uses 850-14 and 900-14, and Windsor spans 800-14, 850-14, and 900-14. Every size in the range is a 14-inch bias-ply fitment, but the width designation changes by model and application.

That difference matters because a buyer with a 1959 Chrysler Windsor cannot assume the same fitment used on a New Yorker or 300. Chrysler’s full-size lineup shared family styling, yet the tire sizing still varied within the range. The smartest approach is to identify the exact model first, then compare the wheel width on the car against the appropriate size range so you stay within the intended fitment rather than choosing by appearance alone.

1959 Chrysler tires are available with several period-appropriate sidewall looks, depending on size. The 900-14 and 850-14 choices are offered in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form, while 800-14 adds blackwall alongside narrow and wide whitewall options. All of these are bias-ply tires, which matches the construction style expected for a late-1950s American Chrysler.

Sidewall style changes the visual character of the car as much as the tire size itself. A wide whitewall gives a stronger late-1950s luxury look, while a narrow whitewall reads a little more restrained and a blackwall suits a simpler, less dressy presentation. If the car is being restored with originality in mind, sidewall width is worth checking against period photos, showroom literature, or marque-club guidance before making the final call.

BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire both supply tire options for 1959 Chrysler applications, although the brand spread depends on size. BFGoodrich covers 900-14 and 850-14, and it also offers several 800-14 versions. Universal Vintage Tire appears in 800-14 with a wide whitewall bias-ply option, giving Windsor owners an additional brand choice in that specific size.

The practical takeaway is that brand selection is broadest if your 1959 Chrysler uses 800-14, while 850-14 and 900-14 remain concentrated around BFGoodrich offerings. That does not change the need to choose the right size first. Once the fitment is confirmed, compare brands within that exact size for sidewall style, visual preference, and any listed load or wheel-width details rather than trying to cross-shop across different sizes.

For 1959 Chrysler applications, the clearest direct brand comparison appears in 800-14. BFGoodrich offers that size in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, with listed weights from 23 to 25 pounds and a 5.00 to 6.00 inch rim-width range on the products that show wheel-width guidance. Universal Vintage Tire also offers 800-14 as a wide whitewall bias-ply tire, with a listed weight of 24 pounds.

That means Windsor owners using 800-14 have a little more room to tailor the look of the car than buyers in the larger sizes. If your priority is a specific sidewall appearance, BFGoodrich provides the broadest visual spread in that size. If you are comparing two wide whitewall options, use the exact product details for weight, rim-width guidance, and appearance rather than assuming every 800-14 tire is built to the same specification.

Available 1959 Chrysler tire products show distinct rim-width ranges by size. The 900-14 size is paired with 6.00 to 7.00 inch rims, 850-14 is paired with 5.50 to 6.00 inch rims, and 800-14 is paired with 5.00 to 6.00 inch rims. All three sizes mount on 14-inch wheels, but the acceptable wheel-width range changes as the tire section width changes.

That is why wheel diameter alone is not enough when sorting out a 1959 Chrysler fitment. A tire may fit the rim diameter but still be wrong for the wheel width on the car. Before settling on 800-14, 850-14, or 900-14, measure the wheel or confirm the wheel specification already on the vehicle. Matching the tire to both the 14-inch diameter and the proper width range helps preserve the intended stance and fit.

The available 1959 Chrysler tire listings do not show tube-type or tubeless markings in the size descriptions, so tube use should be confirmed against the individual tire sidewall and the wheel itself. Every listed fitment here is a bias-ply tire, and with late-1950s full-size American cars, wheel condition and original wheel design can influence whether tubes are appropriate in service.

The practical step is to inspect the wheels before final installation rather than assuming all 1959 Chrysler tires should be mounted one way. Original steel wheels, restored wheels, and replacement wheels can differ in condition and sealing characteristics. If the car is being prepared for road use after long storage, it is wise to have the installer review the tire’s sidewall markings and the wheel’s suitability so the mounting method matches the actual components on the car.

Original 1959 Chrysler wheels can potentially share the same 14-inch rim diameter across 800-14, 850-14, and 900-14 tires, because every listed size for the year mounts on a 14-inch wheel. What changes between those sizes is the wheel-width requirement: 800-14 uses narrower wheel-width ranges than 850-14, and 900-14 requires the widest range of the three.

That means wheel reuse is a diameter question first and a width question immediately after. A Saratoga or Windsor owner comparing more than one listed size should not assume every original wheel is equally suitable for every tire option. Confirm the wheel width actually on the car and then match it to the proper tire range. That approach preserves correct fitment without forcing a guess simply because the wheel diameter stays constant.

A stored 1959 Chrysler should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from ozone-producing electric motors and battery chargers, and in a space that stays as dry and temperature-stable as possible. Because these are bias-ply tires, long periods of sitting can encourage temporary flat-spotting and accelerate sidewall aging if the car remains in one position on underinflated tires.

Moving the car periodically, maintaining correct pressure, and keeping the tires clean goes a long way toward preserving them. For long-term storage, many collectors either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces constant load while still protecting the suspension appropriately. If the car wears wide whitewalls, gentle cleaning and shielding from strong UV exposure also help preserve the sidewall appearance that is such a major part of a 1959 Chrysler’s look.

On a 1959 Chrysler, tire age usually matters more than tread wear because collector cars often see limited mileage. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach the five-to-seven-year range and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, regardless of how much tread remains. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the reference point for that age calculation.

That is especially important on a large, heavy late-1950s Chrysler, where an old tire may still look presentable but no longer have the elasticity and structural confidence you want on the road. A low-mileage car is not automatically on safe tires just because the tread is deep. If the age is creeping up, have the tires inspected carefully and weigh replacement based on age, visible condition, and how the car is actually used.

Tires on a 1959 Chrysler should be checked before every drive and given a more thorough inspection before any longer outing. That routine should include looking for sidewall cracking, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, pressure loss, and any signs that the tire has shifted or deteriorated after storage. On a collector car, even long periods of inactivity are reason to inspect, because aging happens whether the car is driven or not.

A careful walk-around catches many problems before they become roadside issues. Pay extra attention to the whitewall area if your tires have one, since cosmetic deterioration can be easier to spot there early. If the car has been sitting for a season, also inspect valve stems and the spare before leaving home. A pre-drive check is quick, but on a 1959 Chrysler it is one of the simplest ways to protect both the car and the trip.

A 1959 Chrysler 300 would have been fitted with bias-ply tires in period, not modern metric radials. Within the currently available 1959 Chrysler fitments, the 300 is associated with 900-14, which aligns with the larger full-size bias-ply sizing expected on an upscale late-1950s Chrysler. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and factory sourcing, so the important authenticity markers are size, construction type, and sidewall treatment rather than assuming one brand name was universal.

For restoration work, that means starting with a 900-14 bias-ply tire and then refining the look through the correct whitewall style for the car’s intended presentation. If the goal is a high-level authenticity standard, compare against factory literature, period photos, and Chrysler marque-club guidance for your exact body style and delivery market. Those sources are the best way to confirm whether a wide or narrower whitewall better matches how the car was typically presented.

Correct tire fitment matters quite a bit when a 1959 Chrysler is judged for authenticity. Size, bias-ply construction, and the visual treatment of the sidewall all affect whether the car looks period-correct. A tire that departs from the proper size family for the model, or one that uses a sidewall style out of step with the car’s intended presentation, can stand out immediately on a full-size fin-era Chrysler.

The reason is simple: these cars carry a lot of visual weight in their wheels and tires, and judges as well as experienced enthusiasts notice that proportion quickly. Even outside concours settings, the right fitment helps the car sit and present itself properly. If your 1959 Chrysler is being prepared for marque judging, verify the accepted standards with the hosting club or event, because judging expectations can be more specific than general restoration practice.

For a 1959 Chrysler restoration, the main difference is visual authenticity and model presentation rather than a change in construction, since the available fitments are all bias-ply. In the sizes offered here, 900-14 and 850-14 come in narrow and wide whitewall versions, while 800-14 adds a blackwall option. That gives restorers a way to match a more formal, dressy look or a simpler appearance depending on the specific model and intended finish.

A wide whitewall generally delivers the strongest late-1950s Chrysler character, especially on more upscale presentations, while a narrow whitewall is a subtler period look and blackwall is the plainest expression where available. The right choice depends on how the car is being restored, not just on personal taste. If originality is the priority, compare your chosen sidewall style to period photography and event standards before finalizing the tire.

The available tires for 1959 Chrysler applications are all bias-ply products, and none of the listed size descriptions include a separate modern speed-rating letter. In practical use, a fresh, properly fitted bias-ply tire can be used for normal road driving when it is in sound condition and inflated correctly. On a 1959 Chrysler, the broader safety picture also includes the car’s own period braking, steering, and suspension behavior, which is very different from a modern vehicle.

That means the question is less about chasing a speed number and more about matching the tire to the car and using the car within its intended character. Highway travel can be reasonable when the tires are the correct size, the wheels are suitable, and the rest of the car is sorted. Before regular road use, inspect the age and condition of the tires carefully and remember that a big fin-era Chrysler should still be driven with the margins appropriate to its era.

Available load information for 1959 Chrysler tires shows 900-14 rated at 1860 pounds at 32 psi, 850-14 rated at 1740 pounds at 32 psi, and BFGoodrich 800-14 versions rated at 1620 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures are tire capacity ratings, not a blanket instruction to inflate every car to the maximum listed pressure. The vehicle’s factory recommendation and the tire manufacturer’s guidance should both be considered before settling on service pressure.

The right approach is to start with the pressure specification intended for the car and then confirm that it remains appropriate for the exact reproduction tire being used. Do not transfer a pressure figure from 900-14 to 850-14 or 800-14 simply because all three are used somewhere in the 1959 Chrysler range. Matching pressure to the exact tire size on the exact model gives better ride quality, wear behavior, and overall confidence than treating the year as one uniform application.

Before a longer drive in a 1959 Chrysler, inspect every tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and signs of age-related hardening, then verify pressures when the tires are cold. Check the spare as well, because collector cars often carry an old spare that has been ignored for years. A visual wheel inspection is also worthwhile on a car of this age, especially if it has been stored, restored, or recently returned to service.

Tires are only one part of the pre-trip picture on a late-1950s Chrysler, but they are among the easiest things to evaluate before leaving home. Once the tires are confirmed, give the rest of the car the same era-appropriate review: brakes, steering, cooling system, lights, and fluid levels. That broader check matters because a large vintage Chrysler places real demands on every system during sustained road use, not just on the tires.