When I last posted, I had just created the headstock logo and decals.  I’m pleased to say that the headstock now also sports a set of gold Wilkinson Deluxe machineheads (tuners, to those of you across the pond).  Whilst not strictly accurate (i.e. split post), these have two holes at 90 degrees to each other – maximum string-lockage without the need for fancy cam/screw systems.  Sadly, I also managed to drop the neck (silly, silly boy!) which has left a couple of marks. If things continue like this, the “to relic or not to relic” argument may answer itself…

Anyway, on to the body…

The (abused) blue poly finish was stripped using a chemical stripper, followed by copious amounts of sanding.  Going back to the bare wood probably wasn’t the best move, but at least I knew what I was dealing with.  Neck mounting holes were drilled out and plugged with some hardwood dowelling (turned by my father-in-law) and all other screw holes were filled with cocktail sticks and PVA glue.  Once dry, these were cut and sanded flush.

I spent quite a while sanding everything to a good standard and was ready to spray.  I screwed a batten into the neck pocket to act as a handle before applying a few coats of Volkswagen Vintage White.  As colour matches go, this was pretty good – although the spraying left a lot to be desired.  Hey – call it learning!

It was at this point that I noticed a dirty great crack opening up in the body – from the bottom strap-pin hole all the way up to the heel on the back, and up to the bridge on the front.  A better man may be able to salvage this beast but not me!  I’ve decided to keep this for my spray-practice and have purchased another, undrilled body – this time already finished in Vintage White.  No doubt the factory will produce a far superior finish than I can manage!

So, not quite where I wanted to be after another year but who knows?  I might even have it completed inside another 12 months…