They are only a couple of mm deep. I just used a small drill and pulled them out using a small screw driver. I've just put the caps back on, they look okay if you get the hole dead centre and you can get them out again later if you want/need too. They are on pretty tight, but come out easily with the screw driver method.

Putting the new taps on wasn't pretty easy. I had to carefully file the square section a bit bigger, then they went on with only minor resistance. The stock screws went back in and they are done. The size is perfect and the nice warm timber feel as you crack the tap to open steam is great.

The colour of the taps kinda blend in a little bit, but they still look the part.

Now an antivac is a must. I was thinking of a pipe extending from the boiler and just making the cap point straight up (would have to be slightly curved) and then a cap with antivac. A new top cover, painted red to match the case. Thoughts? It would save taking off the cover to refil and having to put it somewhere, and the small amount of water would at least be outside the case to limit corrosion.

Then maybe building my own lever machine in the future, but I have to find a boiler maker, and ways to make the group parts. I've got the idea in my head and how it will work etc. Using the same principal as the lusso, but easier to remove the case, levers instead of taps for HW & Steam, better steam wand, plump or tank feed & removable pistons like the old SAMA units. Maybe I'm dreaming. Probably am.