John, if the original owner did not replace the leadouts definitely cut it open and fix them, if they are not crimped and you can see they have been wrapped you should be okay. If they are soldered, replace them, accident waiting to happen. How do you plan to fix the front end? If it needs a whole balsa front end consider using dowels and some type of wrap for extra strength. I've never rebuilt a front end if you need more idea's post in the building forum.
Rich