Ok so red dot removal has no bearing on top cover anchoring.
The problem is, that he has everything off of the unit (transport arm speed dial rewind mech etc), but getting the top plate off entirely seems to be pinned at one point under the transport arm, where there is a collar where the arm sits, and inside that there are two retaining rings, one brass and one steel or other white metal, they appear to be the key, however the brass one I am very reluctant to attempt to remove because its a soft metal.
So once again ANY assistance here would be very much appreciated.