Replacing brake pipes, will clutch still work?

[1664]

Thankfully this question occurred to me BEFORE I started. The vast majority of my brake pipes need replacing and frankly it's another 'might as well do the lots' sort of job. Even if it was a small section I would still have to drain the brake system meaning the only brake left will be the (very good) handbrake which is a blessing seeing as the van is on a slope.
However, I would prefer to change the orientation of the van at various stages of doing the pipes so the question is will the clutch still work with no fluid left in the reservoir, just what's in the pipe leaving the reservoir?

I am praying for a "yes" here but in my heart know it's going to be a "no".

[george2490]

It should.
The reservoir is separated internally.

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[Mocki]

Ahem, the clutch res is the top part , so if you empty all of the brake fluid from the brake system , the clutch will have lack of fluid
Vw rightly made it so if you have a fluid issue , the clutch stop working effort the brakes

[1664]

So (aside from the clutch not working) I will most likely have to bleed the clutch system when I refill the brake system and reservoir after doing the pipes as air will have gotten in it? Great news, I know for a fact the nipple on the slave cyliner is seized - well it was ten years ago so there is little prospect of it co-operating any better now.

More damn expense!!

[Mocki]

No, as long as you resist the temptation to press the clutch , it won’t need bleeding, the fluid will still be in the pipe right up to the res

[1664]

No, as long as you resist the temptation to press the clutch , it won’t need bleeding, the fluid will still be in the pipe right up to the res

Well thank heaven for small mercies as the old saying goes, I wasn't looking forward to the hassle and further expense of doing that job too.

Thanks for your help