Calcomp Plotter suitibility for XY CNC control ?

I've recently scrapped out a Calcomp 1043GT plotter. It was able to
be controlled with the joystick prior to scrapping, but always had pen
related errors, and was given away by a local school in an obsolete computer
related giveway. It has servo motors, with optical shaft encoders, and a
relativly nice power supply, and servo control board. There are multiple
ports for remote plotter control, and keyboard connections. The motors are
equipped with a small, fine tooth gear, that drives a much larger gear in an
integrated unit. They appear to have a ratio of at least 1:15 ++.
Has anybody used a plotter like this for conversion to a CNC
controled X/Y device, drill, O/A cutting torch, minimill... It looks like
with the proper driver modifications it could be controlled directly from a
serial cable, with no other electical hardware needed. I would have to get
it out of fault mode, and able to take direct commands, probably with HPGL.
?
What says the collective wisdom of the group?

Brad Heuver