Yeah, I agree. I'm currently leaning towards trying to replicate the photo finish using
these techniques. It won't cost much to give it a shot.
Meanwhile, I've moved on to cleaning the CRT housing.
Years of cigarette nicotine attracted by the HV I bet

It cleaned out easily with some "Spray Nine" my new favorite multi-purpose cleaner.
The CRT inside is a genuine Philco replacement 21FDP4.