:Jim, it may indeed be possible to re-string it by removing only the front plastic dial face trim and then the dial pointer and dial face; however, there is one very serious complication... the dial cord goes through a slot in the chassis and does two loops around the tuning shaft, and that may be very difficult to do from the topside. Removal of the chassis isn't a big deal, and I recommend it. Just remove the knobs and four chassis screws, remove the telescopic antenna mounting nuts, unplug both antennas and slide the chassis out the back while leaving the front panel in place.