Split tube dobs

My friend has a 12.5" F8 Optical Craftsman scope his dad bought in 1967. It
has never been used because there was never a mount for it, and the mirror
has been lovingly packed away all these years. The tube is fibreglass and
is 8' 4" long, and 15" diameter, a monster!!! (another friend of mine has a
20" F 4.5 Obsession that is about the same length). He'd like to get it up
and running, but would like to retain as much of the original as possible
for the historical aspect of the scope. He'd like to dob mount it, but the
size/weight of the tube will make it extremely difficult to setup by
himself. I've read passing comments on "split tube dobs".....is this a
plausible solution for this scope? Also wondering if anyone can point me to
more specific info on how to do this, or is it just as simple as cutting the
tube in half, and figuring out a way to secure it when in use.

Thanx,
Dave