Got it off! Found a thread on benzworld via google on a different car, but with similar breather covers. He used a wooden down on the underside and hammered to remove the breather covers. I made my own makeshift dowel that I had to modify with a box knife. It worked!
Now to get these puppies powdercoated!

Here are pictures of the access holes with the breather cover removed:

^ Passenger

Driver


Got the neck off on the valve cover. Now the oil cap will fit directly on top. I noticed there is no rubber o-ring on the cap. Is one needed since I am placing directly on the valve cover now?