Disc Brakes and 14″ Ralley Rims

Q: Disc Brakes and 14″ Ralley Rims

I am about to acquire (hopefully) a 1967 Firebird Sprint Convertible with the 14″ Rally wheels and fdrum brakes all the way around. Can the front brakes be converted to discs and still retain the 14″ Rallys? The Firebird FAQ mentions that they might not work

A: The real answer about 14″ Rallye’s and disc brake conversions is YES! Pontiac offered disc brakes from 1967 on, and while there were changes, these cars were also offered with Rallye II wheels. For a correct-for-year conversion would require the 4-piston fixed-position calipers, but the more roadworthy way to go is the 1969 Firebird/Camaro single-piston sliding caliper system. The same components were used on LeMans, GTO, Grand Prix, Cutlass, 442, Skylark, GS, and Chevelle from 1969 through ’72 (these are A-body cars); and a few Nova cars (X-body) from 1969 to probably ’74.

The best trick is to get the spindles, calipers and rotors plus the brake hose brackets from any of these cars from a boneyard or swapmeet. Then get a new master cylinder and combination valve from the ’71-’72 A-body cars. Trade up your core calipers for loaded calipers from your favorite parts store, plus new 1969 Firebird/Camaro front brake hoses. Get the rotors turned, or replace with new; get new steel lines from the vintage car suppliers to accomodate the 71-72 set-up, and build your system.

With it, you can have your clean stopping power and still fit most 14 X 6 and 14 X 7 Rallye II wheels on the car (there were a couple of wheel codes stated to be incompatible with discs). I’m not so sure whether Rallye I’s will fit, but they sure look great on a 1967 or 1968 Firebird! This group collectively can help you with the correct wheel codes.

A: I went with the Stainless Steel Conversion which fits just fine.

www.ssbrakes.com

Their good folks to work with, and they make the conversion with modern, easy to find pads which are still in use on today’s cars. Also, it came with a 9″ booster, prop valve, and timken bearings.

They have many kits… You might want to check out their site, as it is pretty good.

Another one which I would recomend second (kinda pricy, and pushy, but has some good products if you know what you need) http://www.inlinetube.com I purchased some SS Brake line from them… 18′ of 3/16 12′ of 1/4, 20 SS fittings, 2 unions, 2 T’s, and all the stainless clips for $145 including shipping. In my mind that was kinda pricy, but it beat playing around with bent tubing.

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Category: Wheels, Brakes, and Axle - Brakes
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