Is there an easy way to take this apart and detail & restore it, or am I better off buying a nice restored one?

Hi Jeremy, here are some before and after shots of my 66 emergency brake pedal, I photographed it, then disassemble as far as reasonable possible, mask off all vulnerable parts, bead blast it, blow it off, etch primer all metal, repaint to original and lubricate. You can do it!
Rich

What exactly can you take apart though? It looks like the only thing you can take off is the little lock washer thing that holds the release lever in place. I think my tensioner spring inside the pedal, which holds the teeth down & the pedal in place, is either worn out or broken.