The 15 in tires in the sizes we would see on big 50's-60's Chryslers would have typically been 7.60-15 or 8.00-15. These translate roughly to P225/75R15 and P235/75R15.
Because these are lower profile (75 series = Height of cross
section is 75% of cross section Width) vs original tires which
were 83 series (83%), these tires are typically shorter overall -
for example a 7.60-15 was typically 28.7 in to 29 in Overall
diameter. The 8.00-15 was 29.3 to 29.7 in OD.
The 7.60-15 was rated at 1225 lb at 24 psi or 1310 lb at 26 psi. The 8.00-15 were rated at 1335 at 24 or 1395 at 26 psi. These were the 4 ply standard OE tires. Station Wagons and some High Performance ran 6 ply with higher load capacity at higher pressures.
Yes Manufacturers wanted a soft ride back then - owners manuals frequently recommended 4 psi higher pressure with full load (5 passengers and some luggage) OR at high speed (Interstates 70 mph considered high) - we typically recommended and ran 32 psi.
The P225/75R15 is typically 28.05 in OD (Cooper Trendsetter) to 28.3 in (Hankook), while the P235/75R15 is typically 28.65 (Cooper) to 28.9 in OD.
Hence the P235/75R15 (28.65-28.9 in OD) is a closer match to
dimensions of the 7.60-15 (28.7-29 in OD).
The P225/75R15 (102 Load Range) are typically rated at 1885 lb at 44 psi and the P235/75R15 (105 Load Range) are typically rated at 2028 lb at 44 psi. There are also P235/75R15 XL (Extra Load) (108 or 109 Load Range) that are rated to 2183 or 2271 lb respectively.
So my bottom line is go to the P235/75R15 as best option. It
provides the tallest tire commonly available (not perfect, but
nearest match to ride height) and there are a lot more options in
this size as it was used on many pickup trucks. As to load
capacity, the standard 105 Load Range should be more than
sufficient. If you really want the max load capacity, go to the XL
variants - BUT STAY AWAY FROM the LT235/75R15 - it offers more
load capacity but at a significantly stiffer ride (it may rattle
your bones - I went that way on a Jeep and regretted it.)
If you want to go 70 series, a P235/70R15 (27.9 in OD) is
loadwise equivalent to the smaller P225/75R15, but you are
compromising geometry (and speedometer error) compared to the
P235/75R15.
Now as to 14's we are pretty much out of luck replacing an 8.50-14 or a 9.00-14.
The biggest 14 inch mass produced tire I found last time I did
the research was a P215/75R14 (roughly same as P225/70R14).
As to the P215/75R14, there are a few name brand options including some Narrow Whitewalls. They are the evolution of the 8.00-14 (to 8.25-14 to G78-14 or G70-14 to 215/75R14).
However the P215/75R14 (27.0 in OD, Load Range 98, 1664 lb load at 44 psi) is significantly smaller than the 8.50-14 (28.1-28.4 in OD, 1265 lb at 24 psi) or the 9.00-14 (28.7-29.0 in OD, 1355 lb at 24 psi). They may handle the load OK, but you sacrifice ride height.
There used to be some production grade P225/75R14 and P235/75R14 but the last Coopers went away around 2006 leaving only the Specialty tires = Coker or American Classic in the P235/75R14. Diamond Back also has a nice looking Auburn Classic in the HR78-14 (equivalent to 8.50-14 or P225/75R14 - 27.5 in OD) which looks almost identical to the HR78-14 Michelin X Radial of the 1970's.
But personally I try to avoid Specialty tires (especially the
bias reproductions) as they are typically made in small batches
using older technology and manual labor which may result in more
variability that current Production grade tires using automated
equipment. They are also significantly more expensive. But as I
said previously - I would stay with a name I recognize and avoid
tires made in China.
One last WARNING - STAY AWAY FROM tires with the letters "ST"
written as part of the size designation - these are designed for
Trailer Use Only at relatively low speeds some as low as 55 mph as
I recall.
----As we move into the EV world, cars are getting heavier than even our beautiful brutes, due to the weight of the batteries. Load ranges are clearly marked on modern tires, so it should be relatively easy to determine if a tire is up to the task of using on an original letter car.I believe the GVWR on a modern 2023 Chrysler 300 is right around 5000 lbs, which is more than our older letter cars. Just check the load range on the tire you're looking at, or let the tire dealer know the weight of your car up front.
On Mon, Mar 11, 2024 at 7:22 AM Scott T <scotttaylorsc@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Lots of good advice from the other guys here. I’d stay away from any Chinese tires on a letter car. First because they likely won’t withstand the weight, and obviously because I’d prefer to spend ass little as possible with the Chinese.I’d look to something like a Cooper, General, Hankook, etc if looking for a more economical tire. Unfortunately I have issues with tires aging before I can wear them out. On the large cars, many modern tires are made for lighter cars… and issue when you go rolling down the highway in the heat of the summer or cornering. Something to think about and research.
Scott--
On Sunday, March 10, 2024, pmonaghan1@xxxxxxx <pmonaghan1@xxxxxxx> wrote:
--Ironman is Chinese Private label tire made for American Tire Distributors. I would not recommend them. There are plenty of tier two and tires that are much better in the are close to the same price range. Tier 2: General, BFG, Hankook Yokohama, Kumho Tier One: Conti, Michelin, Bridgestone. Don't be fooled by Goodyear. Also I would look for an extra load tire given weight of these cars.
From: 'James Douglas' via Chrysler 300 Club International <chrysler-300-club-international@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 12:11 PM
To: Chrysler 300 List Server (chrysler-300-club-international@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) <chrysler-300-club-international@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: {Chrysler 300} 15 inch tires--Is anyone using the below tires? I would be interested in your impressions.
Ironman RB-12 NWS Tires 94038
Thanks, James
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