Desoldered BR2 and c5 again - the new bridge tests fine out of circuit and was definitely installed correctly
Without the components installed there is continuity from + BR2 to + C5 also -BR2 to -C5. I had put the jumpers in here anyway, so this problem should have been avoided.
I get continuity from pin 1 J101 to top right of BR2, and pin 2 to bottom left of BR2.
I also get continuity from the -BR2 and -C2 to any other GND spot on the board, including one smaller trace on top of the board that goes to just below the LM323.
That said - the solder through pads on BR2 are not present on the bottom side of the board BUT - i put the jumpers on to overcome this problem (for the top traces that go back to the + and - of BR2), and i get continuity when i test wherever the underside traces go.
The solder through pads on BR2 are all pretty good.
Are there additional jumpers to/from C5 i should be looking at?