82 coupe brakes

[geordie]

OK....I did all the major work on my brake system, including new rear wheel
cylinders, new pads and shoes, new rotors, new master cylinder, new fluid
etc.

I bled the whole system, BUT, I need to bleed the brakes again because they
feel like there is still air in the system. I can't lock the brakes at all,
the pedal isn't as stiff as it should be, although it feels better than
before. The "one person" brake bleeder kit I purchased was overpriced for
what it was, and didn't seem to do the trick. This time around I'm doing it
the old fashioned way with two people and a jar of clean fluid at both ends.
But anyway...

The manual tells me to remove the vacuum line from the brake booster. Am I
the only person who cannot remove this thing? I pulled and pulled for quite
some time, using every technique I know, and the thing never came loose. Is
there any BTDT on this? What should I do with it to ensure my brakes are
properly bled?

Furthermore, will the old rubber brake lines be adding to my poor brake
pedal feel even if the brake lines are properly bled? I was going to replace
them, but I feared I would break something beyond repair.

still working on the beast,

geordie
Vic, BC