I have two edge 7'MH black widow rods I purchased back in '16.  They are built with NFC IM blanks.  They are good blanks, but I'd like to upgrade them to the new lmx-xray's.  I know this can be done, just curious about the labor cost on top of blank price.  Maybe the builder could take the IM blanks as a partial payment.

All you're gonna be able to salvage for the new build is the guides.  Best bet is to start over.

Your almost certainly going to be better off buying new rods. The labor involved in stripping a rod to bare components without damaging anything is massive (and impossible in most cases). By the time you pay someone to strip your rods, purchase new blanks, then pay to build the new rods... the cost will almost definitely be more than new rods. 

Your best bet is to sell your old rods and put the money into custom X-ray builds, or purchase more from Edge. 

I'll probably just keep them.  Thanks...

There is a very good chance your reel seats, if you are lucky to get them off, which I doubt, wouldn't fit the new Xray blank you are using, that offset reel seat and it's corresponding special rear grip are all important in the feel and how much you like those rods. They are at a 15° offset, not straight like most rods. Ergonomically more comfortable.

The Edge Black Widow spinning and casting reel seats also have other special features that Gary has used for 40+ years and they are also US made products.