Well it took a long time, but its finally done. I decided to paint it my way.
2 coats of black base, 1 coat of aluminum base using plastic wrap to get the wrinkle look, then 8 coats of candy apple blue. Finishing with 3 thick coats of clear urethane. Then I had a pro guitar guy redo the frets and make a new nut for it, string it and set it up. Lots of polishing of the brass, and it turned out great. It sounds awesome, I really mean awesome. The pickup has gone microphonic, but I don't care. You wouldn't believe how this thing sounds. After all, Neil Youngs black guitar is microphonic as well.It stays in perfect tune, harmonics are perfect, all the electronics work perfect. Not bad for a rare guitar, found in a garbage bag in a dumpster. Final cost for everything, $250.00 in materials and for the tech's work, and about 15 hours of my time. I have been a drummer for over 40 years, only tinker playing guitar, but I think I'm gonna keep it. My friend says to put it up for sale, but I don't know. I guess if the dollar offer was right, I might let it go. LMK what you think. I feel pretty good about restoring it. Pretty proud of myself. And I haven't lost my old airbrush talent. Its been 18 years since I last painted something. LOL. Enjoy!