Has anyone replaced the alternator brushes on a 74-76 240D?

Very little room to work but it appears to be even more of a hassle to remove the alternator since the air cond. compressor is in the way. Ideas?

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87 300SDL (115,000mi. 7/1/2008)
03 Jetta Wagon TDI (62,000mi. 7/1/2008)
75 240D(sold, sad to sell it, needed the garage for the SDL!)

Smokey