I agree this is not a easy scope to diagnose & repair.
First thing that is recommended is to service the PSU, a set of new capacitors is a must to avoid damage from electrolyte leakage & possible damage to other parts (some of which are expensive to replace) from overvoltage.
Once the PSU is serviced & output voltages/ripple is correct, then move on to the display & readout fault.
The readout circuitry on older scopes is spread across several boards, the readout sub board and the display sequencer part on the mainboard, there have been occasional failures of CA3046 transistor array.
Most controls are done by computer control, the switch matrix is scanned to detect the switch positions, the analog controls are compared with the DAC value, the DAC value is adjusted by the processor until they match and the digitized value stored in the EAROM, along with the switch settings.
Some controls use sample & hold circuits and some are directly connected to the function they control.
The DAC needs the +10Vref to be working, the sample & hold needs the +/-1.25V to be working.
If you end up with a line of dots or question marks in the readout, the cal data has been lost/corrupted.
If working on the scope with the casing removed, it's recommended to direct a fan at the hybrid ICs & U800 on the mainboard to prevent overheating. In normal use with case fitted, make sure the case fan works, for the same reason.
David