should I cut the tension band or mounting hardware on a 25GP22?

[Electronic M]

Yesterday I got a NOS Channel Master brand 25GP22 from Bob G.
I'm trying to install it in an Admiral that used a 25AP22....According to my sams CRT sub book they both cross to a 23VALP22 (yet neither is listed as a direct sub for the other) so I think electrically and bulb size wise it should work.
The new 25GP is a "speed fit" (all mounting hardware, degaussing coils, and shields come mounted to it) tube for Zenith sets, and the mounting ears that bolt it to the set are WRONG for the admiral (can't bolt it in).

I'm going to have to reuse all the mounting hardware from the previous CRT to make it mount, and that means I'm either going to have to cut the tension band (there is NO safety glass on this CRT) and remove the mounts it came with (which is 1 cut and guarantees a clean fit) or cut each ear off the mounts (8-12 cuts, and some hacking of the admiral's hardware).

What should I do?