new fuel tank and fuel line, what is best way to prime the lines?

[Lord Warlock]

I replaced the gas tank and fuel line from tank to engine, did not replace the return fuel line as the old line had been blocked off for 40 years without an issue, I was wondering how people get gas from tank to engine when  lines are empty.  Do you prime them by pumping gas backward thru the lines, or just fill the fuel tank and crank it until the fuel pump sucks the gas up itself? pumps usually don't do much unless there is fluid nearby. 
I'm using the original style mechanical fuel pump and I know it works fine by pumping gas from a gas can a few feet from the pump, but not sure if it will pull gas from the tank itself. 

Same question applies to the brake lines, car has power brakes, only way I can think of to push brake fluid thru is to close off each wheel fluid line except one, and pump brake until it flows out the bleeder valve on the caliper, can't start motor to assist since fuel line is empty still.  Will probably have to enlist help from a neighbor to bleed the brakes.  Can't do it alone. 

[don duick]

fill the bowls of your carburettor through the vents. the engine will run long enough to suck fuel from the tank. Another method is to put an air blower into your filler neck, make it air tight by wrapping a cloth around the air gun nozzle and hold it tight against the filler neck, make sure the line is not connected to the fuel pump yet. This is also a good way to repair a dented tank.

[b5blue]

I use a sucker tool from Harbor Freight. About the size of a grease gun, attached to the supply side line by the fuel pump, 1 pull and bam you got gas. 

[Charger-Bodie]

put fuel in the tank and jack up the rear until the hose at the front of the line is lower than the tank and it will gravity bleed. Then hook it up to the pump. alittle fuel into the carb bowls and viola , running.

[Lord Warlock]

Thanks, the ideas make sense, I will have to try it out, will probably go the jack it up in the rear route, still have to put the grounding piece on that attaches to the tank and line near the tank, and have to be under the car for that anyway. 

[Mopar Nut]

Same question applies to the brake lines, car has power brakes, only way I can think of to push brake fluid thru is to close off each wheel fluid line except one, and pump brake until it flows out the bleeder valve on the caliper, can't start motor to assist since fuel line is empty still.  Will probably have to enlist help from a neighbor to bleed the brakes.  Can't do it alone. 

I used a Motive power bleeder on the MC (with "c" clamp) to push brake fluid through the lines, cleans out dirty fluid too. This you can do yourself, very easy and you'll always have it to clean your lines every two years.