1959 Pontiac Tire Fitment Guide

1959 Pontiac vehicles here use two bias-ply sizes: 800-14 and 850-14. Both sizes fit 14-inch rims, but they are not identical in width class or wheel-width range. The 800-14 products fit 5.00- to 6.00-inch rims, while 850-14 products fit 5.50- to 6.00-inch rims. Load figures also differ, with 800-14 carrying 1,620 pounds at 32 psi and 850-14 carrying 1,740 pounds at 32 psi on the products that publish load data.

That means a 1959 Pontiac owner should treat 800-14 and 850-14 as two distinct fitment choices, even though both mount on 14-inch wheels. If the car is being restored, compare the existing tires, the wheel width, and any surviving factory literature or marque references before settling on one size. Choosing by rim diameter alone is not enough.

On a 1959 Pontiac tire, 800-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. In that older sizing system, the first number identifies the tire’s nominal section-width class and the last number identifies the wheel diameter in inches, which here is 14. It is not a modern metric size, and it does not express width, aspect ratio, and construction the way a later radial code would.

For a buyer, that means 800-14 should be matched to a 14-inch wheel and to a wheel width that falls within the tire’s approved range. On 1959 Pontiac applications, 800-14 products cover 5.00- to 6.00-inch rims. If your car currently wears a modern replacement size, use the original numeric code as the reference point when chasing a period-correct look.

The 1959 Pontiac coverage here centers on one Pontiac model line, but that line uses two tire sizes rather than one universal size. Both 800-14 and 850-14 appear within the 1959 Pontiac range, and both are bias-ply tires for 14-inch rims. The difference is in the width class, rim-width compatibility, and the overall look the tire gives the car.

That matters because a 1959 Pontiac owner cannot assume that any 14-inch bias-ply tire is interchangeable. A car set up for 800-14 and a car set up for 850-14 may share wheel diameter, yet still call for different tire proportions. Checking the installed wheel width and comparing against known original-size references is the right first step.

The choice between 800-14 and 850-14 for a 1959 Pontiac is mainly a fitment and appearance question, because both are bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims. The 800-14 fits 5.00- to 6.00-inch rims, while the 850-14 fits 5.50- to 6.00-inch rims. The 850-14 also carries a higher published load figure on the products that share that information.

In practical terms, use the size that matches the car’s original specification and wheel width rather than selecting by looks alone. Owners chasing a factory-style restoration should verify original tire references for their exact car, while owners focused on stance should still stay inside the proper rim-width range. The larger size can change the visual balance of the car even when the wheel diameter stays the same.

1959 Pontiac tires are available with several sidewall treatments, depending on size. The 800-14 is offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, while the 850-14 is available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form. That spread is useful because late-1950s American cars often look dramatically different depending on how much whitewall is visible.

For a 1959 Pontiac with a restoration focus, sidewall style can matter almost as much as tire size because it strongly affects the car’s period presentation. Wide whitewalls usually deliver the most unmistakable late-fifties character, while narrow whitewalls and blackwalls create a more restrained look. Event judging standards can vary, so serious show cars should be checked against Pontiac club and concours references.

BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire both offer tires for 1959 Pontiac applications, although availability depends on size. The 800-14 is available from BFGoodrich and Universal Vintage Tire, while the 850-14 is available from BFGoodrich. All of the products here are bias-ply tires, which keeps the overall character consistent with the era even when sidewall styling changes.

That brand mix gives 1959 Pontiac owners a little more flexibility in 800-14 than in 850-14. If you are comparing options, look beyond the brand name and pay attention to sidewall style, published rim-width range, and load information where it appears. Those details usually matter more to fitment and appearance than brand alone.

Rim width depends on the size you choose for a 1959 Pontiac. The 800-14 fits rims from 5.00 to 6.00 inches wide, while the 850-14 fits rims from 5.50 to 6.00 inches wide. Both sizes use 14-inch rim diameter, so width is the main wheel measurement that separates them in everyday fitment terms.

That means measuring the wheel is worthwhile before replacing old tires, especially on a car that may have had wheels changed decades ago. A 14-inch diameter match does not automatically make the wheel correct for both sizes. If the wheel is narrower than 5.50 inches, that alone can steer the decision away from 850-14.

The available 1959 Pontiac products do not carry tube-type or tubeless markings in the size descriptions here, so tube use should be confirmed by the exact tire and wheel combination. With vintage wheels, the question is rarely about the tire alone. Wheel design, rim condition, and whether the wheel was originally intended for tubeless service all matter.

A 1959 Pontiac owner should inspect the wheel carefully and verify the sidewall marking on the exact tire being considered before deciding on tubes. If the wheel is original and there is any doubt about its sealing condition, many restorers prefer a cautious approach and seek model-specific advice. Valve stems and wheel-band condition also deserve attention whenever tubes are involved.

Original 1959 Pontiac wheels can potentially accept both tire sizes in terms of rim diameter, because both 800-14 and 850-14 mount on 14-inch rims. The limiting factor is wheel width. An 800-14 works on 5.00- to 6.00-inch rims, while an 850-14 needs 5.50- to 6.00-inch rims.

That means a 6.00-inch wheel could fall within the approved range for either size, but a 5.00-inch wheel should stay with 800-14. If your car still has its original wheels, measuring width from bead seat to bead seat is the smartest way to avoid guesswork. It also helps preserve proper sidewall shape and keeps the car’s stance more in line with the chosen size.

A 1959 Pontiac should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, furnaces, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Because the available tires for 1959 Pontiac applications are bias-ply, long static storage can encourage temporary flat-spotting more readily than many later radials. Clean floors, moderate temperature swings, and stable inflation pressure all help.

For a car that sits for weeks or months at a time, move it periodically or place it on stands in a way that follows safe shop practice and does not stress the suspension. If the car remains on the ground, keep the tires properly inflated and avoid parking on wet soil or bare concrete for long periods. Tire covers are also worthwhile in bright garages.

Tires on a 1959 Pontiac should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage, because collector cars often accumulate very little annual use. A good rule is to begin careful evaluation around five to seven years of age and to treat ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish its age.

That timeline is especially important on an older car that may look fine cosmetically but still carry hardened or cracked rubber. A 1959 Pontiac used mainly for shows, parades, or weekend drives can age out its tires long before it wears them out. If steering feel changes, sidewalls check, or the tire no longer holds pressure well, move replacement higher on the priority list.

Tires on a 1959 Pontiac should be inspected before every drive and more thoroughly before any longer outing. Check inflation, sidewall cracking, tread condition, uneven wear, bulges, punctures, and age-related hardening. On a collector car, even a short drive can expose weaknesses that were easy to miss while the car was parked.

A longer pre-drive inspection should also include the spare, the valve stems, and the wheel itself. If your 1959 Pontiac uses tubes, pay extra attention to slow pressure loss and stem condition because those problems can show up before visible tread wear does. Regular inspection is one of the simplest ways to reduce roadside surprises on an older car.

A 1959 Pontiac Pontiac would have been fitted originally with bias-ply tires, because that was still the standard American passenger-car construction in this period. The size range here centers on 800-14 and 850-14, both of which are era-appropriate numeric bias-ply formats for a full-size late-1950s Pontiac. Original brand fitment could vary by factory sourcing, market, and exact vehicle specification.

For a restoration, the safest path is to confirm the exact original size through Pontiac literature, surviving placards, or marque-club references tied to your particular car. Once the size is settled, sidewall style becomes the next authenticity decision. Wide whitewalls are often part of the visual identity of this era, but the exact treatment should still be matched to the car’s intended presentation.

Correct tire fitment matters on a shown 1959 Pontiac because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall treatment very quickly. A bias-ply tire in the right numeric size is usually more in step with period expectations than a later-looking alternative, and the difference between blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall can significantly affect authenticity.

That does not mean every event uses the same standard, but it does mean tire choice can influence how convincingly the car presents as a 1959 Pontiac. Owners aiming for concours-level results should compare the car against event rules and Pontiac club guidance before finalizing tires. A size or sidewall style that looks attractive on the street may still appear out of period under judging scrutiny.

For the 1959 Pontiac, the brand comparison mainly applies to the 800-14 size. BFGoodrich offers 800-14 in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, with published load figures of 1,620 pounds at 32 psi and a 5.00- to 6.00-inch rim-width range. Universal Vintage Tire offers 800-14 in a wide whitewall configuration, giving restorers another period-style presentation choice in the same basic size.

That makes the decision less about construction, since both are bias-ply, and more about sidewall appearance and the exact character you want the car to show. Owners who want blackwall or narrow-whitewall flexibility will naturally lean toward BFGoodrich in 800-14. Owners focused on a strong wide-whitewall look may compare the two brands more closely within that size.

1959 Pontiac tires can be suitable for normal highway use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and maintained properly, but the available products here do not publish speed ratings in the size descriptions. That means the broader safety picture depends heavily on the age of the tire, inflation, wheel condition, and the overall health of the car. On a 1959 Pontiac, brakes, steering, suspension, and alignment can be just as important as the tire itself.

A well-sorted collector car on fresh bias-ply tires can be driven confidently within the limits of its design, but it should still be treated like a late-1950s automobile rather than a modern interstate cruiser. Keep speeds sensible, allow extra stopping distance, and pay attention to how the car tracks. Any vibration, pull, or heat buildup deserves immediate investigation.

Published load information for 1959 Pontiac tires includes 1,620 pounds at 32 psi for 800-14 and 1,740 pounds at 32 psi for 850-14 on the products that carry load markings. Those figures are tire capacity references, not automatic instructions to run every car at that pressure all the time. Factory vehicle recommendations can differ depending on weight distribution and intended ride characteristics.

The right approach is to start with the original Pontiac recommendation for the car when available, then confirm that it falls within the tire maker’s approved use for the exact product. Do not transfer a pressure figure from 850-14 to 800-14 or vice versa just because both fit 14-inch rims. Pressure should always follow the specific tire size and the car’s original setup.

Before a longer drive in a 1959 Pontiac, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of impact damage, then confirm inflation on all four corners and the spare. Check that the tires are seated properly on the wheels and that the valve stems are sound. Because these are bias-ply applications, any old vibration or tracking issue should be taken seriously before heading out.

A longer trip also calls for a broader mechanical check that matches the age of the car. Look at wheel bearings, brakes, steering linkage, shocks, and alignment along with the tires. If the car has been sitting, take a short local test drive first and recheck pressures and temperature by hand afterward to catch problems before they turn into roadside failures.