I've done a few. Reading glasses definitely helps. If you're like me you will curse a lot and might even kick the dog. It's definitely possible though. Patience is a virtue.
While you've got them apart, get after them with some 0000 steel wool and then wax them. I assume that's why you took them apart in the first place.
If you got them rechromed, I'd be interested in knowing what you paid and seeing some closeup pics of the result.