Meh,
Don't listen to them old Nanas.
Get in there and do it.
Its no different than de-casing a PC monitor.
Remove the screws and lift the whole back off.
The CRT and monitor/tuner will still be mounted to the front 'bezel' somehow.
You can run bolts or brackets from the CRT mounting points onto MDF (or whatever) and leave the front 'bezel' on.
I removed a 29" TV from all the plastic bits on the weekend.
Only took about 10 mins and most of that was writing down where all the wires went.
Its in a cab now and running beautifully. Although I almost broke ---my bottom--- trying to lift the tube into place!
Don't be scared.
Oh yeah, if we don't hear from you ever again, we will suspect you had an accident.

Just kidding. GO FOR IT!