How to thicken complex surface

[tomSALWV]

I am trying to make a model of a set of bicycle handlebars that I have just bought. I have take a photo in 2 planes at 90deg then used intersecting curves to produce a path to sweep/loft a surface. I am fairly happy with the geometry of the surfaces, however I cannot thicken the surface. Very stuck, all help appreciated!

[TrippyLighting]

The curvature of the curve/spine you use for lofting is unusable and will never create a good surface.

That is the reason for the thickening problem.

The reason for this is a combination of bad techniques.  The input spline has way too many control points to be smooth:

An intersection curve then will make things even worse. 

[TheCADWhisperer]

Have you calibrated you images (or are you making shorter than original)?

If I were doing this I would 

1. Calibrate Images.

2. Locate the Images with symmetry about the origin.

3. Extrude, Pipe(solid) or Revolve half the center section that is cylindrical (if it is in fact cylindrical for some portion).

4. Extrude, Pipe(solid) or Revolve one end portion that is cylindrical.

5. Loft(solid) between 3 & 4.

6. Mirror.

7. Shell.

I am thinking maybe 3 fully defined sketches (if I use Pipe rather than Extrude or Revolve) total.

Maybe, just maybe,  a couple more sketches if needed as guide curves for the loft.