Well, without seeing the bass it's hard to make that call. It depends on a lot of things including the current condition of the top and the sound of the bass.
You will then have to weigh-in the estimated sound/structure change vs. the repair cost/bass value before and after equation.
Got a Crystal Ball handy?
I agree that Arnold would be the best one to ask for many reasons, some stated. He knows the bass, worked on it and knows the market. Taking suggestions blindly here from the gallery is not the most scientific way to come to decision. You are looking at spending a fair amount of money here. Once the bass is opened it would be a surprise to me that ONLY the Bar and Rib would get worked on. You never know what you will find inside.