Disc brake conversion wheel fitment and how to tips 1969 Firebird

1969 Firebird right stuff disc brake conversion wheel fitment issues and installation tips. Will the 14" Pontiac rally fit when doing a disc brake conversion? We tried a couple different stampings and sizes. Watch the results and possible solutions and tips on 4 wheel disc brake conversion on your first gen Firebird.
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[@twobeards6714]

Morning Birdman, It's great to be here for another drop. Be safe and save the birds!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Morning! hoping for it to warm up a bit today. i have plans on driving this beast as you see it. go-kart style.

[@chrismansker8870]

i had to modify the caliper brackets on the back the ears hit on the rim on my 14x7 jj code wheels

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks for the info on the stamping. It doesn’t appear to need much modifications to clear the 14” rim and you proved it can be done much appreciated.

[@whitneymckim9651]

Great Video

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks I have a great crew that helps make it happen.

[@jjlbridge7877]

Hi, this is an older vid and I’m so glad I found it. I want to keep my 14s and install front discs. What is the part number of the right stuff disc conversion you used? Thanks for sharing your vids.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I used the kit that was for front and rear disc brakes, the part number may not help. Look up this number it should be the front only part of the kit I used. AFXDC02C this comes with booster, master Cyl, updated prop valve too. Disc brake upgrade is a great idea and worth the effort for much improved braking

[@jjlbridge7877]

Excellent! Thanks for the info 🤓

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@jjlbridge7877 no prob! Good luck

[@johnsteele8002]

Thanks for the video. Always very informative.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

You bet, I had a lot of questions on if they would fit so what better way to prove it.

[@shawnbaird2015]

Remember to tell folks to use a TQ wrench when tightening these down.. I have seen so many stud holes hogged out by over tightening!! Nice videos.. good speaker..you sound just like RED GREEN! !

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes sir could not agree more when doing final installation especially with rally 2 wheels with factory lug nuts properly torqued wheels are a must. The factory lug nut has such a small base it can’t handle any looseness or over torquing it will destroy the lug seat on the rim. I know I have two trashed wheels that look amazing other wise but are now useless. THANKS for sharing and pointing that out. Lol red green haven’t heard that one yet, I like it!

[@Sothrnbluz]

Enjoyed your video John & really like the "Firebird Restoration Station" name. I saw on another video where they were commenting about the HP differences between the '69 Judge RA-IV & the TA RA-IV. They also said the TA's carburetor linkage was limiting the secondaries. And back in the day, the Firebird RA-IV owners had figured-out, that bending the linkage would allow the secondaries to fully open to retrieve the lost horsepower. So maybe there's some merit to that line of thought. Take care & keep up the great work.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

i remember reading about the linkage somewhere. it was how they kept the Pontiac executives happy because the GTO was supposed to be top dog.I guess if it worked and simple why not. it’s not much different to when the 455 had to meet emissions standards when first started. so the engineers had installed a thermostatic vacuum switch that changed the timing and maybe the egr valve operation too “can’t remember getting old” until up to temp so it would pass testing but after up to temp got back lost ponies. of course epa caught on and that trick didn’t last long.

[@dwayneparkhurst5370]

Great video! Thanks.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

You're welcome! nice ws6 wish I still had mine.

[@dwayneparkhurst5370]

@@VinylVillageGarage Thanks! I got my 69 Firebird when I graduated high school in 84. Restored it in 94. I drove it home from the Woodward Dream Cruise in 98 and it's been in the barn ever since. (Kids) Thinking about doing it again. Can't wait to watch your up coming videos!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I restored my first 1969 bird in 1997 and Parked it Around 2000, finally got it out of storage and doing it again with a lot more ability and funds to do it nice this time

[@firstgenerationgarage2803]

Morning buddy great info 👍

[@VinylVillageGarage]

thanks! had a few people ask about if the 14” wheel fitting so figured it was a good way to find out.

[@moedog07]

Thanks for the video. Good information. I had no idea the 14" wheels came in two widths. Do you know which Pontiac cars received the 14x6? Maybe 6 cyl Firebirds? I have a set of Rally 2s (14x?) on my '69 Firebird. Now I want to check the letter codes and width of them.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I don’t know all the fitment but one thing that I was told and thought was odd is gto and 6” rims and birds had 7” rims. My got had the correct JA stamped wheels and they are 14x6

[@davidbisnette7673]

Great info thanks, 15 inch alleys should work correct?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes, absolutely the 14 just barely doesn’t so I am certain 15” should fit with no issues.

[@davidbisnette7673]

@@VinylVillageGarage Thank you , I want to stay with factory Pontiac wheels but run disc breaks , I have some engine questions for you if you have time at some point , maybe by e-mail

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes it seems KZbin removed posts with email address in them. Check the video description it is one there. Sorry about the late response

[@mikeoneil2281]

informative as always good to see ya look forward for your next video good stuff brother

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Much appreciated, glad to help. almost have the bird ready to go for a go-kart style drive.

[@jamesforehan2809]

Will the caliper that you have on the front interchange with the GM caliper. Without changing the caliper mount?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes, 100% interchangeable with factory 1969 Firebird caliper. I believe the rear is actually 73 Cadillac Eldorado caliper.

[@jerrybleeg8297]

Great video as usual. As a subject for future video, can you talk about adding 3 point seat belts to a first generation convertible. I am trying to figure out how to add an anchor point for the shoulder belts on my 1967 convertible.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Well I might be able to help. It was actually a factory option to have a shoulder belt on a convertible, not common but it was done. It anchors real close the where the top frame attaches in the rear quarter. I have pictures of it somewhere if you are interested

[@jamesforehan2809]

This also tells me that changing from drum brakes to disc brakes changes the track width of the tires. Does this wider track create fender rubs?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

It can yes. It actually tells you in the directions it will change the offset so just incase you have maxed out your wheel width that their kit will not work without further modifications

[@shawnbaird2015]

front disc break cars got different coded stamping rally II for disc breaks. ..

[@VinylVillageGarage]

You are correct, I have yet to find any rally 2 wheels that did clear front disc brakes. I have heard of issues just can’t tell you which ones don’t. I was told the JS wheels would not and they cleared fine on the front.

[@scottylimpin9177]

Awesome video! Cant wait to see those 22s on it 🤣🤣

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Ha ha ha ha ha, never. Thanks!