project, with pics

[quadperson]

a few yrs. ago I scored a Peavey Tracer off of the bay. Stop puking in your mouths, lol. Made in USA and a pretty good little player. I've owned several of these and they are not bad. Anywho, I got bored...this project will take some time, but I'm gonna document the steps with pics. I think the end product will both amaze and titilate you, lol.
<a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/k...DSC00001-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...DSC00001-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[quadperson]

[quadperson]

[quadperson]

the first step, after disassembly, was to rout for the mid-pickup ala Nightswan. If you've never routed before, lemme let ya'll in on something I learned...you have to make prgressive passes. You can't do it full-depth in one go. Trust me.

[quadperson]

yes, the pickup ring screw holes are a little off...was using two different ones, etc. It'll all come out in the wash. I have these little mistake fixers called toothpicks.

[rjohnstone]

If you've never routed before, lemme let ya'll in on something I learned...you have to make prgressive passes. You can't do it full-depth in one go. Trust me.

Sure you can... you just need a better router.

Nice mod btw.

[quadperson]

thanks Rick, I'm just using an old standard plunge router. That was the first thing I've ever routed.

[rjohnstone]

It's cool... nice job for a first timer.
You should have seen the disasters I've caused in the past with a router.

Three simple rules when routing.
#1 Make sure your bits are sharp and use the right bit for the job. Dull bits shred and can cause your router to wander around. The wrong bit can make the job look like crap.
#2 Go S L O W. Fastest way to destroy a bit and your project is to rush it.
#3 Use routing templates and a bearing bit whenever possible.

I use a 1/2" hinge mortise bit for routing pickup routes. They have more mass and better control over a straight bit.

[quadperson]

yep, went too fast with the first bit and it sheared off, yikes. I don't know what the bit is called that I used, lol, I just picked one that looked like it would work. Next time I will use the template and bearing bit...I think I saw them in Stewmac??? I just freehanded that one, I figured as long as it was close, it would work since it will be covered by a pickup ring.

[VitaminG]

yep, went too fast with the first bit and it sheared off, yikes. I don't know what the bit is called that I used, lol, I just picked one that looked like it would work. Next time I will use the template and bearing bit...I think I saw them in Stewmac??? I just freehanded that one, I figured as long as it was close, it would work since it will be covered by a pickup ring.

that's the spirit!!

keep the progress pics coming.

[Chief_CrazyTalk]

I like the color. Very cool.

[Trussrod]

Nice work...

[DeathThrashAttack]

You better use cream colored pickup rings and cream humbuckers! Well thats if you keep the original color.

[straycat]

Tracer's rock I love em'.

[markD]

You better use cream colored pickup rings and cream humbuckers! Well thats if you keep the original color.

+1

very nice so far!!!