anybody use Uglystick lite/intercoastal blank to mod out their own rod.

Ive been thru some hell lately buying 40-90 dolllar rods and them not holding up. I have come to the conclusion that i just want to use a good ugly stick lite or intercoastal, (med -med light) rod, and modify it with the handle of my liking. Anybody ever did this? I just bought a 7' intercoastal med action with the cork handle. The handle is too long for me but i love the quality of the rods. has anybody used an ugly stick blank to make their own custom rod?? i want to buy a shorter handle and get it the way i like it.