How Can I Hack a MEGA 1280 Into a MEGA 2560?

You're looking at replacing the microcontroller itself.
Comparable to pulling an atmega168 out and putting in a 328.

Am sure its doable if you comfortable unsoldering the 1280 and can do so without damaging the pads to install the 2560.
The parts are listed on the same atmel datasheet.

I haven't compared the 2 schematics to see if anything else would need to be done.

Wow - $18 for the 2560!