Joe you kept my motivation going, thanks.
Update: I set the "Fun" level to 10. I bought a flaring tool. From EFI Solutions I bought: steel 3/16 brake line and stainless brake tube nuts (M10x1.0mm) so an ape like me can't strip them again.
I've had a crack at double flares and finally got them tight enough to sit nicely against the nuts - I guess until I pressurise them I won't know if I did a good or a bad job. It's not like I'd have to undo the whole thing if they were bad....oh...
The brake juice had stripped all the paint off my rails so whilst I had parts removed and some access...first attempt at rust converter last night, it's a mess. Then some primer later today straight over it. What could POSSIBLY go wrong? (/sarcasm) Anyone feel free to correct me if I am off course.
Next: primer, then rattle can of VGPaint 306, then tape it all up ready for more leaks, then bend the brake lines into shape, test fit, redo it x10, then bleed brakes.