Info needed: Chev 216 Oil pickup and Main Bearing

[cordenj]

Here is a simple question for anyone who has had the crank out of a 216 engine.
We are in the process of replacing the rear rope seal. Engine out and sump off, but looking at the oil feed pipe it seems to prevent access to one of the main bearing bolts.

Could someone tell me how the bearing cap bolt is meant to be accessed with a socket?

1. Is the oil pipe meant to be unbolted from one end and then pulled off the strainer column? Someone in the past has soldered that joint (can be easily unsoldered, but thought we'd check first!)

2. Was there a special socket tool to allow access the bearing cap bolt?

Here is a photo that hopefully makes it clear which part I'm referring to:

Thanks