Finally found a flat spot so we could jack up the July acquisition and look at why things squeek so much.
What can be seen is all four wheels are Girling. All four rotors are shiny and without grooves or any obvious damage. Every set of pads however looked very different. Only one wheel had even wear and plenty of pad. One front had a pad at a severe angle and it didn't want to move. (See picture)
Several issues-
1) the rear calipers don't really return. Am suspecting hoses need replacing, as when the bleed valve is open, the pads can be levered away from the disc.
Any recommendations on sourcing these?
2) the right front caliper had one pad worn to an angle and it seems wedged, such that it doesn't lever away from the disc.

Any wisdom on these issues or advice in general on sourcing the bits?
Pad material?
Do shims really make a difference? This car braked and sounded ok until the squeek made us park it and find the flat spot, and it doesn't have shims.

Any particular fluid type seem better on something this old?

Thanks!