Those who have read my recent threads know that I have had a few problems with my rear brakes and that I am just about to do the bleeding, change the rear brake pads and look into the parking brake shoes to make sure everything is all right there.
It seems my car has the original rear calipers and, since both of them (L and R) have been using the internal pads more than the external, my intention was initially to change calipers with new ones... But, after seeing what they go for, right now I can't spend $300 on ATE/Bendix calipers alone... so I am looking into ways I could possibly "condition" them (bring them back to life, so to speak). I am not even sure something is inherently wrong with them... it would be absurd to spend $300 without first trying whatever else that can be possibly done... How do I go about it? Also, when I disconnect them from the hoses in order to take them apart, what's the best way to prevent the brake fluid from coming out?

Thanks,
Rino

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1979 240D, W123, 105K miles, stick, white w/ tan interior.