Here's my 53 with a split chassis, I also have a 1951 17" tabletop with the split chassis.
I actually think it's a bit more trouble to work on these because you have to deal with two pieces and plug and unplug them as you work on them.
My set has worked reliably for hours at a time since I recapped it about 8 years ago, though it seldom gets turned on these days.
