I determined that I had my brake lines reversed. I flipped them over and was able to bleed the calipers. The pressure is still not as firm as I'd like but, it's better.
In regard to the rims, I've decided to buy the Cragar rims shown below as they'll fit my Coker white walls at 15x7 and at $60, I can't beat it.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/crr-69576037
Anyone have experience with these?