I was an engineer at the Chrysler Jefferson Plant from
1954 to 1960 and we did offer Goodyear 11.00 inch tires one year - probably
1959. We discontinued the option because the ride benefit only came with the
specified inflation pressure of 15 psi and in the field most cars with 11.00
inch tires got normal inflation pressures (28 to 30 psi). The ride
with the 11.00 inch tire at 28 psi was worse than with the standard tire which I
think was 9.50. That experience - plus the higher cost and the lower tread life
- resulted in a decision to discontinue the 11.00 tire option. In hindsight, it
was not a very good idea.
I can't remember what we did for a spare with the 11.00
inch tire option.
I can't remember the wheel size but I think it was 15
inch. We started the 1957 model with 14 inch wheels but changed to 15 inch
wheels in either 1958 or 1959 for better brake cooling.
Burt Bouwkamp
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