Before I break something: any tips on body to rear axle brake line connector removal?

There is a clip that secures hose to body tab.

Yup! There is a clip there somewhere. But it shouldn’t keep you from breaking the threads loose, it will hold the line to the tab though.

I think heat is probably you’re best option. Sometimes there’s just no way to save the car side line though. That metal brake line is 46 years old and is just plain steel. It may be rust damaged and pretty thin itself.