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#300413 08/18/15 05:09 AM
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Anyone had a '69 Firebird with non-power front disc brakes? Was it terrible for a daily driver?

I noticed the factory shop manual didn't mention non-power front disc but the aftermarket list such a conversion kit.

My '69 350 manual trans Firebird is a real strip down model which appealed to me. Non-power drums, no p/s, no A/C. When I bought it the master cylinder was near empty and the pedal went to the floor. If I can't resuscitate the brakes by bleeding I'll take it as a sign to convert to front discs. I was hoping not to have to convert to power front discs.


1969 350 Firebird that needs a lot of help.
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'don't know about a 69 but my 68 has non power front disc, single piston, and rear drums. Seems to stop OK but you do need a little more foot pressure than one would with power.


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My '68 was a manual front disc car. It was OK to stop as Bluebird mentions with a little added force. But I have to ask, if you are going away from stock, why wouldn't you go to a power disc setup?


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That is a good question. I just like how simple it looks under the hood and I've driven '65 Mustangs with the factory option front disc (non-power only) and it was fine - although it still had the single reservoir master cylinder!

As you can tell I'm on the fence for the Firebird since it weighs a bit more than a '65 Mustang.

If I can get the drums bled to hold pressure it would give me an indication how well non-power brakes feel in a '69 Firebird. I had power drums on a '69 Firebird 'vert I had years ago and it was nice to have since the 'vert felt it weighed close to 2 tons.

Thanks all for the input.


1969 350 Firebird that needs a lot of help.
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I prefer manual disc's too. Harder to lock up.
Also manual steering. Power feels like driving a boat...


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