The rear brakes had been working but were rather soft and not real effective so today I decided since it was warm I'd do the deed. I used my handy-dandly home made one man bleeder and when it came to loosening the bleeder screws I held my breath. Last thing I needed was to snap one off with travel time a week away, but they came loose quite easy. When I opened the rear reservoir it looked like a cup of molasses in there as shown in the bottom of the catch jug. Did the left rear first until it came out clean, I did have to use a paper towel and small screwdriver to clean the yellow jello that had collected in the bottom of the reservoir. Next was the right rear with the same appearance but finally came clean as well. Looking at the bottom of the catch jug, you kinda get the impression the PO probably had not paid much attention to maintenance...you'd be right! Those brakes hadn't been flushed since the conversion was done.
As for my bleeder, it's quite simple. I only had one speed bleeder in my stash so ground the pointed end down flat(the end that goes inside the caliper) and drilled a small hole in it. Next, I attached some snug fitting clear tubing to each end and used a couple zip ties to clamp the hose down tight. Using an old plastic jug, I drilled a hole in the top just small enough so the tubing had to be forced in, and drilled a second small hole for pressure relief. I cut the end in the jug with two angles so no matter how it was laying in the bottom it wouldn't be blocked. Then slipped the tube over the bleeder on the caliper and zip tied it tight, loosened the bleeder and started pumping...being careful to keep the reservoir filled. The end of the bleeder that goes into the caliper faces the caliper, same position as if it were installed. All you have to do is pump the brake or clutch and watch the condition of the stuff going into the jug and make sure the reservoir is kept full. My rear brakes now are solid and stop on a dime, and activate with much less pedal.
