Dec, aha now I know what you mean by bridge :thumb: top man....
I shall remove mine and insert new O rings post haste :lol:
Yes those hex studs that hold the tinware onto the housing can be a biatch, I've had two round off on me where I've had to knock an oversize spline bit in to remove them, two new studs required. They're actually pretty soft so easy enough to do.
The general cleanliness of you engine is excellent, mine is quite cruddy, I guess a symptom of living in the UK.
I also need to do the Power Steering pump belt and replace the casing as you have done, the casing is crusty/bent and one or two of the bolt holes are dead.
So my engine will also benefit from, new plugs, HT leads, Dissi Caps and Rotors, clutch, belts, filters, Alternator bearing (which was toast) etc etc. Mate it up to the recon box and we should be in good shape.
All the best and great work
Trev