Thanks again everyone for more input. Last night I did it successfully without removing the tape or lever. With a flash light, I was able to see the 'hole' into which the cables go. It was uneventful with the back cable . The front cable however was already cut short (in hindsight dumb move) and there was one spot in the housing where I had to use a bit of force to push the cable through. It came out with two strands slightly 'pushed back' at the end that they bulged out a bit in the braiding pattern for about 3 inches back. Good thing steel strands hold their shape well and I was actually able to lift and unwind the strands a few inches back and wind them on again so they fall back in nice and smooth.

The old cables were probably as old as the bike and although they were not rusted, I figured they were cheap and simple enough to be replaced as part of my rehab work. The housings and Benotto-like bar tape are still clean and in perfect shape so I want to get at least another season out of them with my light riding.