Let $O(n)$ and $SO(n)$ denote the split orthogonal linear algebraic group and its special subgroup, over some fixed field of characteristic not two. 
I am looking for a reference that explains how to describe the simple (finite-dimensional) representations of $O(n)$ in terms of the simple representations of $SO(n)$.

The relation between the complex representations of the corresponding compact Lie groups is explained in section VI.7 of  Bröcker and tom Dieck’s *Representations of Compact Lie Groups*.  I believe the key statements made there also hold in the above algebraic situation,  and I have worked this out in a fair amount of detail,  but I am currently unwilling to believe that this has not already been done somewhere in the literature.
Roughly, these statements are as follows:

* When $n$ is odd, $O(n)$ is a direct product of $SO(n)$ with $\mathbb Z/2$. Thus, every simple $SO(n)$-representation can be lifted to two distinct $O(n)$-representations, and every $O(n)$-representation arises in this way. (See also [this question regarding simple representations of products](http://mathoverflow.net/questions/137909).)

* When $n$ is even, $O(n)$ is only a semi-direct product of $SO(n)$ with $\mathbb Z/2$.  In this case, only some simple $SO(n)$-representations can be lifted. Those that can be lifted can again be lifted to two distinct $O(n)$-representations.  The remaining simple $SO(n)$-representations occur in pairs whose direct sum can be lifted to a unique simple $O(n)$-representation.  All simple $O(n)$-representations arise in either of these ways.

Of course, in this question I am mainly interested in references concerning the case when $n$ is even.