I have tried to remove the fork caps as instructed with a piece of wood inserted in the recess tapping it not to damage the caps. No success! It seems too easy to damage the caps. I am trying to install a fork brace on my o7 deuce. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated...thanks in advance!

 

not sure where you got the tip to use a piece of wood, I usually wrap them in blue painters tape and have good results .