Rebuilding an old South Bend bamboo rod

Question
I acquired the rod at a yard sale.  It is missing the tip eye and presently measures just under 9.5 ft without it.  The reel seat, which is chromed steel, says "South Bend Bait Company Quality Tackle"; there is no other information on the butt section or elsewhere on the rod, so I don't have a  model number.  The rod needs two snake eyelets on the middle section (although the windings are intact), the tip eye, the male ferrule at the base of the tip section, the reel seat needs to be reset, and the old cork handle has a few chunks out of it at the top and bottom although it is intact and tight.  Some of the thread windings could stand to be refinished and it should be varnished again because the old varnish is chipped and cracked.  The tip section also is warped, probably from leaning against the wall of the previous owner's closet for years.  

Do you think it may be worthwhile to rebuild?  If so can you recommend a rebuilder?  The local Orvis shop gave me the name of a local guy who restores bamboo rods but he has not returned my calls so I guess he is not interested.

BTW I also volunteer on AllExperts.com, in the area of geological engineering.

Answer
Robert,
Good to hear from another volunteer. I hope someday to ask you a geological engineering question, but none comes to mind.
South Bend rods are medium price/ quality rods. It is not gong to be worth thousands. But if you want  to restore it yourself , it is worth while. Most restores are going to be 120 to 150 dollars. That's close to the resale value for the rod probably.
If it has a thumb rest  cut onto the cork grip , it was made between 1939 and 1950ish.
I do restores out of Denver, CO.  Almost all the restorers ship rods - cost is $16 . e-mail me for more specifics [email protected]
or
You might post the location and request at
Clarks Classic Bamboo rod forum:
http://www.classicflyrodforum.com/ning
or at
Rod makers http://www.canerod.com/rodmakers/index.html
or the guild
http://www.rodguild.com/
You should get some one close to you. Please let me know if you don't find someone.
Luck,
Mac