Dennis is quite correct in what he says . I must also add that the further problems are first removing the tubes without damaging them ,secondly in making sure all the tin is removed which may mean the tubes are not as tight fit as they should be and may even be loose . Third if this achieved getting the tubes back in place correctly so that the extractor wells line up . They also need to be welded around the rims and back ends as well as round the tubes . Top and bottom is that yes it is possible but not practical and is simpler if contemplating this to just fit new tubes .Real trouble here is that untill you get the old tubes out you do not know how good a job was done origialy and how thin the back ends are and you run the risk of ending up with a worse job or scraping it all together
Not quite sure what SamW means but I do not think it is a practical solution.
Damascus , the only time you cut the ribs on a sleever is if it has brazed ribs ,this will mean having to fit new ribs and if the job is done proporly the top rib would be taken back to about an inch from the breech when the new top rib is fitted as well as a new bottom and short rib .
