My .02 cents worth. As has been stated, your rifle, your decision.
Personally, I view a firearm as a tool and I like efficient tools. Over the years, I have bought a couple of (collector grade) Pre-64 Mod. 70 target rifles with the intended purpose of cutting them down, adding adjustable butt plates, forend stops, etc. for XTC match rifles, knowing full well they would no longer be collectible. They served me well for some 20 years and in that role, they were of more value to me than sitting in the safe collecting dust in their original condition. One of them now resides in my safe, as my competition days are far behind, and it is still worth more to me than it would be had I left it unmolested. 
Take your time and weigh the value of the rifle as is, to you and once you figure that out, have at it and don't look back.
