In 1964, Imperial stood apart from the broader Chrysler lineup as a full-size American luxury marque with formal styling, substantial road presence, and a strong emphasis on comfort. Buyers looking at a 1964 Imperial today are usually balancing originality, visual presence, and the way the car feels on the road, because these cars reward the right period-correct tire choice. For 1964 Imperial, the sizing question is refreshingly straightforward: all models use the same 820-15 size on a 15-inch rim, so the real choice is less about fitment and more about sidewall appearance and restoration goals. Before choosing a tire, confirm the car's wheel diameter and decide whether you want a blackwall or whitewall presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1964 Imperial
There is one tire size for 1964 Imperial models, and it is shared across the full model range. That makes the decision less about comparing fitments and more about choosing the right bias-ply presentation for the character of the car, especially if sidewall style matters to your restoration or driving goals. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): All Models|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
820-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, where 8.20 refers to the tire's nominal section width and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, and US Royal, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments, and it fits 15-inch wheels with a 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range. For a 1964 Imperial, this is the correct choice when the goal is an era-appropriate bias-ply look and feel, with sidewall style helping determine whether the finished appearance leans more formal, understated, or distinctly mid-century luxury.
One 1964 Imperial model grouping is covered here, and it uses a single tire size across the range. Because fitment does not change from one Imperial model to another, the main differences come down to body style, presentation, and how closely you want the finished car to reflect its original luxury-car character. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1964 Imperial All Models
The 1964 Imperial carried the division's distinctive luxury identity, with a longer, more formal presence than most mainstream full-size American cars of the period. Across the Imperial range, the tire fitment stays consistent on 15-inch wheels, which simplifies selection and keeps the focus on achieving the right visual style for a high-end 1960s Mopar restoration.
Four products are available across one tire size for 1964 Imperial vehicles. The 820-15 offers four bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich, Firestone, and US Royal, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles.
These FAQs cover the single-size fitment used across 1964 Imperial models, what the 820-15 designation means, how sidewall style affects the car's appearance, and what to check for storage, setup, and road use on a collector luxury car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1964 Imperial vehicles?
1964 Imperial vehicles use one tire size across all models: 820-15. That size is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the available products for 820-15 fit rim widths from 6.00 to 6.50 inches. Because the size is shared across the full Imperial range, there is no model-by-model tire size split to sort through at the year-and-make level.
That simplicity makes 1964 Imperial tire selection more about presentation than about comparing multiple fitments. Once you confirm that your car still has the correct 15-inch wheels, the next step is choosing the sidewall style that matches your restoration goals, whether that is blackwall, a narrow whitewall, or a wider whitewall appearance more in keeping with mid-1960s American luxury styling.
What does 820-15 mean on a 1964 Imperial tire?
On a 1964 Imperial, 820-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 8.20 portion refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, while the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. Unlike a modern metric radial size, it does not use a millimeter width, a modern aspect-ratio format, or an R to identify radial construction.
That matters because a 1964 Imperial was from an era when numeric bias-ply sizing was still the normal language of tire fitment on large American luxury cars. If you are trying to preserve the car's original visual proportions and period-correct stance, staying with the 820-15 format keeps the car in the proper historical lane rather than giving it a later-style tire look.
Do all 1964 Imperial models use the same tire size?
Yes. All 1964 Imperial models use the same 820-15 tire size, so there is no year-specific split between different Imperial body styles at this level. The construction is bias-ply throughout the available fitment, and the wheel diameter remains 15 inches across the range.
That gives buyers a cleaner starting point than many other collector cars, where body style or trim can change tire size. For a 1964 Imperial, the more useful questions are whether the wheels on the car are still correct, whether the car is being restored for originality or driven casually, and which sidewall treatment best suits the way you want the finished car to present.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Imperial tires?
1964 Imperial tires in 820-15 are available as blackwalls, narrow whitewalls, and wide whitewalls. BFGoodrich offers both blackwall and a 1.00-inch whitewall in this size, Firestone offers a blackwall version, and US Royal offers a 3.50-inch whitewall. All of them remain bias-ply tires, so the difference is visual presentation rather than a change in construction type.
Sidewall style can make a major difference in how a 1964 Imperial reads at a glance. A blackwall tends to look more restrained, a narrow whitewall gives a tasteful luxury accent, and a wide whitewall creates a stronger period statement that suits many formal American cars of the era. If show authenticity matters, compare your choice with period photography and marque-specific judging preferences.
What brands make tires for 1964 Imperial vehicles?
BFGoodrich, Firestone, and US Royal all offer 820-15 tires for 1964 Imperial vehicles. Each option is a bias-ply construction on a 15-inch rim, but the sidewall choices differ by brand. BFGoodrich spans blackwall and narrow whitewall, Firestone is available in blackwall, and US Royal is available in a wide whitewall version.
For many buyers, brand choice comes down to visual preference and how they want the car to feel within the expectations of a classic bias-ply setup. A period-minded restoration may lean toward the sidewall style that best fits the car's original luxury presentation, while a touring or event car may simply need a clean, correct-looking bias-ply from a familiar heritage brand.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone 820-15 tires for the 1964 Imperial?
BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer 820-15 bias-ply tires for the 1964 Imperial with the same 15-inch rim diameter, the same 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range, and the same 1,920-pound maximum load at 32 psi. The main differences are presentation and product details: BFGoodrich is available in both blackwall and a 1.00-inch whitewall, while Firestone is offered as a blackwall. Product weight also differs, with the BFGoodrich blackwall at 28 pounds, the BFGoodrich whitewall at 30 pounds, and the Firestone at 33 pounds.
In practical terms, either brand keeps the car in an era-correct bias-ply category, so the decision is not about changing the fitment itself. The real comparison is whether you want a particular sidewall appearance, a specific brand identity, or a product with slightly different construction details such as overall weight. That is the sort of choice that matters more on a 1964 Imperial than chasing a different nominal size.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1964 Imperial tires require?
The 820-15 tire used on 1964 Imperial vehicles fits a 15-inch rim with an approved width range of 6.00 to 6.50 inches. That range applies across the available 820-15 bias-ply products. Since all Imperial models for this year share the same tire size, there is no separate rim-width requirement by model at the year-and-make level.
That gives you a clear specification to compare against the wheels actually on the car before you commit to a tire. If your Imperial has been modified over the years, verify the wheel size and width directly rather than assuming it still matches factory-style hardware. On a large luxury car, correct rim width helps preserve the intended stance, tread shape, and overall appearance.
Do 1964 Imperial tires require inner tubes?
The 820-15 products for 1964 Imperial do not carry TT or TL markings in the size description here, so tube fitment should be confirmed against the specific tire and wheel combination you plan to use. With collector cars of this era, tube decisions often depend as much on the wheel design and condition as on the tire itself, especially if the wheels are original or have been refinished.
That makes wheel inspection an important part of setup, not an afterthought. Before mounting new tires, check whether your rims are appropriate for tubeless use, inspect the bead seats carefully, and match the valve hardware to the final tube or tubeless plan. If there is any doubt, a shop experienced with vintage wheels or a marque specialist can help you avoid a preventable mismatch.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1964 Imperial when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1964 Imperial should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment. Bias-ply tires are more prone than radials to developing temporary flat-spotting during long periods of inactivity, so the car benefits from being moved periodically or supported in a way that reduces constant load on one footprint.
Good storage habits preserve both appearance and drivability. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid parking on bare soil or damp surfaces, and clean off contaminants before putting the car away for the season. If the Imperial will sit for months, rolling it slightly from time to time helps vary the contact patch and can reduce the thump and vibration that often show up on the first drive after storage.
How long do tires on a 1964 Imperial typically last?
On a 1964 Imperial, tire age matters more than mileage because collector cars often accumulate miles slowly. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are around five to seven years old and to treat about ten years from the DOT date code as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread depth still looks acceptable.
That approach is especially important on a large, heavy luxury car, where an older tire can look good cosmetically yet still lose flexibility and reliability with time. Check the date code on each tire, not just the spare, and factor in storage history, exposure to heat or sunlight, and any signs of sidewall aging. Low annual mileage does not stop rubber from aging.
How often should tires on a 1964 Imperial be inspected?
Tires on a 1964 Imperial should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss. Because collector cars may sit between uses, even a tire that looked fine on the previous drive can develop age-related issues that deserve attention before heading back onto the road.
A more thorough inspection at regular intervals helps catch the small problems that strand vintage cars far from home. Include the valve stems, check that each wheel still holds pressure evenly, and do not forget the spare. On a car like a 1964 Imperial, which may be used for club events, highway runs, or weekend touring, pre-drive inspection is one of the simplest and most valuable maintenance habits.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1964 Imperial All Models?
A 1964 Imperial would have been fitted in the bias-ply era, and 820-15 is the correct size across the model range here. That aligns with what buyers expect from a full-size American luxury car of the mid-1960s, when numeric bias-ply sizing remained standard on many domestic cars. Original-equipment brand could vary by production, market, or replacement history, so the most reliable baseline is the correct size, construction type, and sidewall presentation.
For a careful restoration, getting those three elements right usually matters more than chasing a specific brand without factory paperwork. If you are building a judged car, compare the tire's appearance with period brochures, dealer photos, and marque-club guidance. That extra step can help you decide whether your Imperial should wear a blackwall, a restrained whitewall, or a wider whitewall treatment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1964 Imperial?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1964 Imperial because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice tire size, construction type, and sidewall style very quickly. An 820-15 bias-ply tire keeps the car visually in period, while a sidewall treatment that suits mid-1960s American luxury styling helps the whole restoration read correctly. A modern-looking tire profile or an inappropriate sidewall treatment can stand out even on an otherwise accurate car.
That does not mean every event uses the same standard, but it does mean tires are part of the restoration story rather than a minor detail. If the car is being prepared for marque judging, ask the hosting club what they expect for originality and appearance. If the Imperial is primarily a touring or local-show car, you may have a little more flexibility while still keeping the overall look convincing.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and US Royal 820-15 tires for the 1964 Imperial?
BFGoodrich and US Royal both offer 820-15 bias-ply tires for the 1964 Imperial with the same 1,920-pound maximum load at 32 psi and the same 15-inch rim diameter with a 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim width range. The biggest difference is sidewall style: BFGoodrich is available as a blackwall and as a 1.00-inch whitewall, while US Royal is available with a 3.50-inch whitewall. Product weight also differs, with the BFGoodrich whitewall at 30 pounds and the US Royal wide whitewall at 29 pounds.
For authenticity-minded buyers, that comparison is mostly about visual era cues rather than a change in fitment. A narrower whitewall creates a more restrained appearance, while a 3.50-inch whitewall makes a stronger luxury statement that many people associate with full-size American cars from the period. The best choice depends on the exact look you want the 1964 Imperial to present at curbside or on the show field.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1964 Imperial tires safe for highway driving?
A properly maintained 820-15 bias-ply tire can be used for normal highway driving on a 1964 Imperial when it is in good condition, correctly inflated, and matched to a sound wheel. None of the available 820-15 products here includes a modern speed-rating letter in the size description, so highway use should be approached with the understanding that the car and tire are operating within a vintage bias-ply context rather than a modern high-speed performance one.
On a 1964 Imperial, the condition of the entire car often matters more than chasing modern speed expectations. Brake performance, suspension wear, steering accuracy, wheel condition, and alignment all influence road confidence just as much as the tire itself. If the Imperial is used regularly on faster roads, keep speeds sensible, maintain generous following distance, and make sure the tires are fresh enough for the job.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1964 Imperial tires?
The available 820-15 tires for 1964 Imperial carry a maximum load rating of 1,920 pounds at 32 psi. That figure is the tire's rated load-and-pressure reference, not automatically the exact running pressure your car should use in every situation. Factory recommendations for a 1964 Imperial should still be checked against the owner's manual or period service information, especially if the car is restored to stock configuration.
Use the vehicle's original pressure guidance as your starting point, then make sure it stays within the tire maker's limits for the product you chose. Avoid assuming that a pressure used on another classic Chrysler product is correct here, and do not move pressure figures from one tire size to another. Consistent pressure checks matter on a heavy luxury car because even modest underinflation can affect ride, wear, and stability.
What should I check before taking a 1964 Imperial on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1964 Imperial, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Confirm that the spare is usable, that the valve stems are in good condition, and that the wheels are free from visible damage or severe corrosion. On a collector car, tire age should be part of the check as well, since an older tire can fail even when tread depth still appears healthy.
A longer outing is also the right time to think beyond the tires. Check wheel fastener torque, suspension behavior, brake feel, and whether the car tracks straight without vibration. A 1964 Imperial is a substantial car, and a relaxed road trip depends on the whole chassis working together. Treat the tires as one essential part of a broader pre-drive inspection rather than the only item on the checklist.
