Modifing another builder's dulcimer

Has anyone ever modified another makers dulcimer so that it can be played? Here's my problem.

I've got this small dulcimer that uses zither pins for tuners which I can't tune. I keep picking it up and putting it down as unplayable, wishing it had geared tuners on it. Finally it dawned on me that either I should throw it out, or refit the peg head with a small flat head and three tuners.