how much should I invest in fixing an old rod

Question
QUESTION: Rich, I see from previous questions that you give a low rating to Horrocks-Ibbotson mass produced fly rods. Someone asked specifically about the model my late grandpa left me: a "Spinner" model from the 1930s. It hasn't been used in 50 years & the line guides are rusty. The original 3 pieces are intact, as is the extra tip. I know that modern graphite & other composite rods sell for hundreds of $$, whereas my grandpa's rod is probably worth $50 or less. My question: is it worth trying to clean it up & use it? I love the idea of using my grandpa's rod, but I don't want to break it or tarnish his memory by using inferior equipment (I think he'd buy the new stuff, were he still around!). I went fishing in Utah last week with a guide, using an 8.5' graphite rod to fish for trout & it was great! I can't get a true comparison of the old with the new until I clean up the rod, but there's the rub: is it worth it?

ANSWER: Howard,
Value is a very subjective thing for the most part.  There are many kind of values. Collector's value is low for the  Horrocks-Ibbotson . Sometimes it is wrong and the rods are very good fishing tools but they are right in that they have agreed to the resale value. I have fished some decent Horrocks-Ibbotson and Montague fishing rods. Their weight was under 3 ounces without reel. Even cleaning it up to museum quality you are probably not going to get any more resale value for it. But it sounds like you would really enjoy it.
Get new guides that won't tear modern lines and fit better to larger modern sizes.
Good Luck
Mac


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks! I am sure you're right -- I think I would enjoy using it. However, getting new guides doesn't sound like something I could do myself. Do you know anyone in my local area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC) that could rebuild my fly rod? Or could I mail it somewhere to be fixed?

Answer
Howard,
What I have noticed is the big boys are charging 300-400 dollars to restore rods. I charge 35 per section plus cost on all parts. $15 return shipping. I don't know of anyone in NC doing restores.
I usually charge $35 per section unless you want something special. I charge cost for any replacement parts. There are outfits that will reproduce any vintage rod component so long as you have a picture or enough of the
original to  give them a visual clue. They are expensive.  I remove old varnish  and thread , preserve any labels ,  straighten, polish and re varnish with new
wraps.  I personally own a number of replacement parts that can be used to make rods fishable. But there are mail order outfits for new components. You can choose black or chrome colored guides. email [email protected] for further info.
See customer feedback on others rods at
http://www.geocities.com/macsrods/macsrods.htm
Mac