4001FL - truss rod troubles

[endlessbassic]

Hi Everybody.. i originally posted this in the 'basses' section, and someone suggested i cross-post here, which makes a lot of sense!
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..I'm aware that some of these issues have been covered (to varying degrees) before, and i apologize for the semi-revisitation. However, i'm looking for some more specific instruction/help, and on the advice of Jeff Rath, i'm posting here in hopes of gaining some advice on the following situation:

I'm the proud owner of a '75 4001FL (b.g.), and have never needed to adjust the truss rods in the 9+ years i've had it.
However, i recently purchased a Hipshot ric-replacement bass
bridge, and needed to tighten the rods, as the action was beyond high. So, off with the TRC.. the bad news: the nuts are both pretty rounded (as a result of an open-end wrench in it's past?) and were bent down into the t-rod cavity. The 'good' news is i could get just enough bite on them to turn them (properly, mind you, following the old-style rod-adjusting protocol, and using the proper wrench), but in doing so, i split one of the nuts in half, and the threads on the rod aren't looking too hot either.. So, here are my questions:

1) Do i need to pull the rods and re-cut/clean the threads? If so, can someone please tell me exactly how to pull the rods; they do slide easily, but only to the edge of the TR cavity, and i have no interest in further damage by exerting upward pressure on the fingerboard.

2) Is it possible to just purchase new nuts, if a re-thread is needed? I've looked all over creation for these, and am getting the impression i'll have to go to a machine shop/pro fastener supply to have them fabricated..

3) Should i just replace the rods? I've emailed all kinds of folks who supposedly can make these, but almost no one's responded.

4) Is there another solution/alternative to my little conundrum (HotRods, etc.)? If so, i am all ears, as this is my one and only bass, and i play(ed) her every day..

I'm not opposed to taking the long way home and doing the work myself, as i know of no one in the Chicago area that's experienced with 4001's. For the record, the original bridge is now back on the bass, but obviously it'll still need adjusting, or at the very least, the t-rods will need to be secured.

Any assistance anyone can provide will be so greatly appreciated. I don't have access to a camera, so pics aren't available, but if my descriptions aren't helpful, i'll do my best to re-clarify. Also, sorry for the very long post.. just wanted to be clear. Thanks much in advance..