Hey guy,
why don't you make a call to Jeff Green at Hirobo. I hear he is a super nice guy who will always help someone with heli problems. he could probably answer your questions. I can tell you, In my humble opinion, that a lot of folks are getting out their old helis and resurrecting them just for the fun of it.
OC Bob who hangs out on rotory.com just had a fun fly in NJ for old helis.
there is a thread on runryder.com for old/vintage helis you could check out also.
I am ressurecting an old 60 size Schluter Twinstar scale helicopter. It is very big and in good shape. It will be better when I get done.
Good Luck