Well, as it turns out, the top cover is very easily removed. I was able to twist the remote and get my finger under the top cover plastic pad. It's just held down with double stick tape, and since it's so old, it just peeled right off. It also goes back on with no problems and still works.

The top two rows of pressable buttons have become 'non-conductive'. I temporarily put the top face back on up-side down and all the buttons that didnt work before are now working correctly. That means that the conductive ink/epoxy/whatever it is isn't conducting any more.

I have found a few products out there, such as conductive paint, but I'm unsure if they're going to work becuase the buttons actually flex as you press them. That may cause any paint to fall back off. I have even read that you can use a graphite pencil to re-color in the pads.

Anyone have any suggestions as to how I can recoat the conductive pads? I can take a pic if anyone would like to see what it looks like.

Here is what I've found so far...

http://www.replacementremotes.com/store/productdetailp.cfm?productid=3063

http://www.atotech.com/carbon-conductive-ink-paste.html