I don't know exactly how your chassis is arranged, but sometimes getting to parts isn't easy, its just part of the task. When you have more restorations under your belt you get used to it and perhaps have a better eye for getting to things.
This article by Phil might give you some tips. Maybe in your case also it may make sense to remove the CRT to get to the detector diode.
https://www.antiqueradio.org/RCA_14-...Television.htm