1969 Chrysler 300 Tires

[ArnieJr]

I'm thinking about putting some wider tires on my 1969 Chrysler 300. Right now, it's running 225 75's on 15 inch rims. Whitewall looks pretty sharp, but they look like bicycle tires.
I did some figuring and looks like 255 60s or 235 70s are pretty close to outer tire diameter to maintain the drive height. Will they fit? I'm really leaning towards the 60s, but not sure if they'll fit and still allow me to make decent turns. Turning radius on the car is already pretty wide, so I don't want to make it worse.

 

[rapidtrans]

What is your rim width? A 6” width kinda pinches that size tire.
That size tire looks good on a min. 7” wide rim yet still keeps the orig. w.w. appearance.

 

[polara71]

I'm thinking about putting some wider tires on my 1969 Chrysler 300. Right now, it's running 225 75's on 15 inch rims. Whitewall looks pretty sharp, but they look like bicycle tires.
I did some figuring and looks like 255 60s or 235 70s are pretty close to outer tire diameter to maintain the drive height. Will they fit? I'm really leaning towards the 60s, but not sure if they'll fit and still allow me to make decent turns. Turning radius on the car is already pretty wide, so I don't want to make it worse.

6 inch wheels, 255 70 on the rear, 235 70s up front. This to me is the perfect combo and I've tried most.
The 60 series unless a 275 is too low a profile.
A 255 will fit up front and look ridiculous on almost all Cs.

 

[marko]

i have 235 70s on my 70 300, i havent noticed any issues.
i would prefer a little more width in the rear tho...

 

[polara71]

275 60s on the rear...

235 70s up front, if I recall these were 8 inch wheels . ( 4 1/2 back spacing.)

I do not own this car anymore, I like the 275s on the rear however again, in my opinion 255 70 is the right one for a fusey

 

[polara71]

235 70 on all corners. These looked great.
Hell its been several years the could have been 225 75s but I don't think so.
These were the right tire for this car.
Remember just like the adage "the shoes make the man" . The tires make the car, choose wisely ...

 

[cbarge]

On the Newport running 23570R15 on 15x7 rims
28 inches tall and witha 2.94 gear and 27 tooth speedo pinion speedometer is bang on.

On the 69 Fury,22570R15 27.4 inches tall on 15x7 M body rims stock wheel covers,big imrovement over the old 5.5 rims and 21570r15 tires--which were way too small,BTW.
With 2.76 gears the new tire size is equivalent to original bias ply 7.75-15 27.42 inches tall and speedo is also bang on..

 

[rapidtrans]

Agree.
If we want to stick with w.w.s, 225 or 235 is the size to get. They’re still readily available and cost much less than a Coker or other custom made tire.
These are 225/70x15 on a 7” wide rim with 4.25 backspace.
When viewed from the front or back it doesn’t look like it’s balancing on ice skates any more.

 

[GOLDMYN]

View attachment 384832
Agree.
If we want to stick with w.w.s, 225 or 235 is the size to get. They’re still readily available and cost much less than a Coker or other custom made tire.
These are 225/70x15 on a 7” wide rim with 4.25 backspace.
When viewed from the front or back it doesn’t look like it’s balancing on ice skates any more.

FWIW P225-60-17

 

[cbarge]

Check out this thread which is among hundreds of wheel/tire posts..
C-Body Wheel and Tire Survey

 

[CBODY67]

P225/75R-15 and P235/70R-15 are basically the same height. Either one with a 15x7 wheel (cop car, Magnum GT, repro Magnum 500) with approx 4.25" backspacing. With the 75-series tire, the 7" wide rim will make the sidewalls more vertical than oval-ized (as with the stock 5.5 or 6" wheels). That makes them look better and also sharpens steering response. I put some Magnum GT 15x7 wheels on my '80 Newport with the stock P215/75R-15 tires (just normal radials) and I was surprised at how much better the steering response was, compared to the stock 15x5.5" wheels it came with. Another salvage yard option would be the 15x6.5" Rally wheels that came on the '76 Charger SE cars. Add the '70-style center caps and you're done.

Just some thoughts,
CBODY67

 

[Snotty]

245/60R15s all around, mounted on 7" wheels. Did have 235s; wanted a larger tire when I bought new ones.

New

Old

 

[bluefury361]

235x70x15. whitewall. Cooper looks the most OEM.

 

[polara71]

275x70x15. whitewall. Cooper looks the most OEM.

View attachment 385104 View attachment 385105

275 Will? Try again please

 

[bluefury361]

275 Will? Try again please

Sorry..... Fixed
Thanks Dave. Senior moment.

 

[ArnieJr]

6 inch wheels, 255 70 on the rear, 235 70s up front. This to me is the perfect combo and I've tried most.
The 60 series unless a 275 is too low a profile.
A 255 will fit up front and look ridiculous on almost all Cs.

View attachment 384813

Thuinking about going with this set up. What width rims are you using; I'm thinking 7" all around. Also, how well do they do on wet pavement? I rarely take it out in the rain, but we get these pop-up storms so can't always be helped.

 

[polara71]

Thuinking about going with this set up. What width rims are you using; I'm thinking 7" all around. Also, how well do they do on wet pavement? I rarely take it out in the rain, but we get these pop-up storms so can't always be helped.

The width of the rim should have little to no bearing on the traction of your wheel combo. The tires make the traction.
I personally like Michelin tires over any other for traction, comfort and durability, however for the old cars I sacrifice a little grip for esthetics. The BF Goodrich tires look the best for the old school "cool" look while maintaining traction, comfort and durability. (Not to the level of the Michelins).
If you are concerned about traction, slow it down a bit.
I used to be a fan of the Dunlop GT Qualifier tires. They changed the look of them many many years ago, they've lost their mojo.

BUT, looking at your avatar you have a 300. Depending on the look you are going for the white letters may not be your best choice. Unless you are looking for aggressive or a " sporty " image of the 300 it should be white stripe or black walls. The times have limited your choices on tire selection.

Oh, and to be clear, my rims on this car are 6" x 15 ".