Spent the week overhauling the brakes on my '72 142 -- rebuilt front calipers, new hoses, new pads. But I am UNABLE TO BLEED THE BRAKES. A first for me in over thirty years of wrenching on cars.

I've tried pressure bleeding, vacuum bleeding, and the old tried and true assistant pumping the brake pedal. In each case, I got some fitful spurts from the calipers, but no regular flow.

I initially tried all three bleeding methods with the car on jack stands. It then occurred to me that the brakes would not bleed properly unless the wheels were on the ground (an old Fiat trait). Lowered the car, same lousy result.

Anyone know any secrets? I'm about another frustrating couple of hours before this car goes to the crusher, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot!