rebuilding a power steering hose

[TooManyAudis at aol.com]

Still living with the groaning from the Shokan hose, but I would like that  
to end soon...
 
I took my power steering hose to a company that repairs hydraulic  hoses.  In 
an effort to autopsy my old hose, the guy at the counter cut it  near the 
crimp in the middle of the hose.
 
What we found was a small plastic tube running the entire length of the  
hose, as well as the small metal tube held in place by the crimp.  At this  point, 
he gave up and returned my two pieces of hose back to me and wished me  good 
luck.
 
So, what exactly is the plastic tube?  should it be transferred to the  new 
hose?  does it matter that it was cut in half?
 
Finally, can anyone recommend a place to send the hose so that it can be  
rebuilt the right way?
 
Thanks,
 
 
-- Tom Werner
Charleston, SC