BrianN wrote:
Do vintage fly rods suffer the same decrease in collectibility / value when "restored"?
Don't lose sleep about it. Fly rods should go fishing and be kept in functional condition. Besides, collectible fly rods are few and far between.
Most rod companies sold fiberglass rods because they could readily make them in volume. A hallmark of anything collectible, whether it is a bench made fly reel, a sports car, or fine furniture is how much time and effort craftsmen spent on the item's creation. 'Collectible' encompasses very few fiberglass rods (or graphite, or cane for that matter). As noted above, if a collectible rod needs restoration the market value has already crashed. Restoration won't hurt. Still, if a fiberglass rod is truly 'collectible', it would be nice if the work is done by someone that won't wiff.
Most fiberglass rods are better classified as 'desirable'. They have more value on the water than as an investment. A desirable rod in top fishing condition is more valuable than a ruined one. If the original rod company (or their successor) can restore the rod with original materials and knowledge, so much the better. But most experienced rod builders can do a satisfactory rebuild.
The most important category is 'sentimental'. The fly rod your grandfather gave to your father when he enlisted. Your uncle's trout rod. That favorite rod you want to give to your grandchild. Sentimental rods can't be replaced. The market value may be nominal, but getting the rod right is important. Sentimental rods are best restored by professionals.
Tom