Two guys worth contacting are JJ Perodeau http://jjperodeau.com/ and Dewey Vicknair http://www.vicknairrestorations.com/Vicknair_Restorations___Home.html . I've no idea what they'll tell you, just that it will be worth hearing. Sending the barrels to Britain seems like a good option to explore, but Larry's idea--new barrels from the factory--would be even better.
Good Luck!