info requested on Heddon bamboo fly rod

Question
I have a Heddon Premier #115 9 foot 3 section rod with a spare tip. It was bought in late 40's or early 50's, I think from a Sears, Roebuck store. It was rarely used, and is in good shape with the original aluminum tube (though the cap is missing) and the black protective sleeve. The line guides are loose, it seems the yellow thread used to bind them to the rod has weakened with age. I'd like to use this rod, but I don't know what weight fly line to get for it. The rod says "Heddon Premier #115 - 9' - 3F-GBG or C".  I've started replacing the loose threads with a poly thread, which I'm covering with clear lacquer. It seems to do the job, but am I ruining a potential collector's item by this "fix"?
 I'd appreciate any advice you can give, re: the proper line weight and the repair.

Answer
Bob,
My books (homel) says the Premier 115 is 8 1/2 but lists a 115 trout fly rod, both with extra tips. I have had this question before so I know 9 footers exist. It is an older book so add at least 20%. Poor is 85-95, good condition is 215-275 and excellent is 425 to 475. Heddon rods have a following but some hate them. Take a look at ebay and you can see some prices.
You can read about the history and get an idea of their value in the following books:

Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997

Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
says the premier was made in 1948-54.  

If line guides are loose it is not in good condition but in poor. See the above books for commonly used conditions.

Yes you are ruining a potential collector's item by this "fix".

You need to strip all finish ,  rewrap the rod and dip finish.
Here's a nice ,easy , cheap way to dip on my website:
http://www.geocities.com/macsrods/dip.html

The butt ferrule size is designated by "2F" or "2 ?F". The larger the number, the stiffer the rod. For three- piece rods, a 2F is usually a trout rod and 2 ?F is a bass rod.

Sinclair has great info on restoration methods and techniques.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair

Line weight
AFTMA #   DT   WF            LEVEL   MM - OD   IN - OD
7   HCH   HCF       C   1.27   .050
8   GBG   GBF       B   1.40   .055

So you rod is a 7 to 8 weight.
Luck,
Mac