Modding the Manfrotto Super Boom

Just wondering if anybody had shortened the Manfrotto super boom. In my old space, it wasn't an issue, but I've moved into a much tighter one this week and, although I really like the crank controls (and it's paid for), it's just about a foot and a half to two feet too long. I've had two since the late 80s, but never took them apart. I let one go before I moved, but the one I kept is just a bit unwieldy. In all the time I've used it, I don't believe I ever really needed all that extension. It looks like the tubing would be easily cut with a hand tool and the end caps are held on with clamping screws, so maybe it wouldn't be that hard, as long as the gearing is held in place with something serviceable. I'm moderately handy and have a pretty good workshop for a hobbyist.