mess-free brake bleed? hard to reach reservoir

[Nico1]

76F with the 201 windshield, brake fluid reservoir inside firewall, pilot side (picture attached). Top of reservoir has a small brass tube/vent that goes through firewall.

Last time brakes were bled, the top of the canister did not really seal so besides pushing fluid through the brass vent, it spilled all over the place (fun to clean up, months of absorbing with paper towels).

Is there a way to do this without soaking the remaining insulation with brake fluid? It's very hard to reach the reservoir because of the windshield mod. Thanks for all suggestions!

[Jsno]

When I bought my F the reservoir leaked out on the way home.  It was rusty around the bottom seam like yours.  You should take that out and make sure that it isn’t about to let go or you will have a mess.

[Nico1]

1 hour ago, Jsno said:

When I bought my F the reservoir leaked out on the way home.  It was rusty around the bottom seam like yours.  You should take that out and make sure that it isn’t about to let go or you will have a mess.

Already had a mess last time filling it, didn't seem to be leaking from the bottom, but hard to say. Probably a good idea to remove to inspect.

[Kelpro999]

 With access problems like this, using some metal tubing with a 180 degree bend inserted into the reservoir hanging down inside to the level desired. The outside portion is connected to vinyl tubing running outside and connecting to a portable vacuum. A makeshift oil collector can be used inline to keep your vacuum clean.

 With this I can work alone without having someone operating a handvac pump.