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This looks like a little classical guitar @Cadgirl . Classical guitars can not handle the tension of steel strings. They don’t have the bracing as you have mentioned. They must have nylon strings. Not even extra lights. Small guitars built for steel strings do have the bracing and can handle the higher tension.
The headstock looks like an open headstock, though it is hard to tell form this angle. I am confused as it looks like the tuners are pointing up instead of down. When you repaired the neck, did you take the tuners off? Looking at one of my guitars with an open headstock, it looks like it would be possible to put the tuning knobs up instead of down.
Anyway, I congratulate you on tackling this project. It is valuable experience to work on your own guitar. I hope it all works out well for you.
MG 😀