Classic/Antique Car Repair: Frozen caliper, bleeder valve, grip wrench

Question
I striped the bleeder valve trying to open [did not open]piston will not compress even with master cylinder cover off how can I open/remove stripped bleeder valve to relieve pressure and compress piston short of cutting brake line?

Answer
The master cylinder won't allow the fluid to return past the check valve - removing the cover won't make any difference, as you've discovered.

You can releive the pressure in the brake line by loosening the brake hose connection to the caliper, at either end of the brake line, or you can accomplish the same thing by loosening one of the fittings on the steel line, either at the master cylinder (the line that goes to the axle you are working on, of course) or the junction block near where the brake hose connects to the chassis.  To loosen these fittings, you should use a "line wrench" to avoid ruining the fitting.

If the bleeder valve is mangled, you really need to replace it - because you will not be able to bleed the brakes without it.  Maybe you can get at it with a vice-grip wrench, unscrew it that way, and then buy a replacement at your friendly local auto parts place.

Good luck!

Dick