Frenchy_I think your question has been answered....
Here we go, Step #1 - Fret Level: There were only a few slightly high frets and the ends were pretty good so this process didn't take too long. Hopefully I won't have to do much more once the guitar is set up.
Step #2 - Pre-fit and Experiment: Although the new neck has a Fender style headstock, my goal is to maintain the "stock look". Here's a pic as a frame of reference:
Utilizing the same pickguard material (purchased from Bezdez) that I used to make the pickup rings and some covers, I cut a small piece to experiment with heating and bending. This tuned out to be an easy process yielding the result I was looking for:
To accomplish this, I preheated my toaster oven to 150 degrees F, placed the plastic on a piece of parchment paper and left it in for 3-4 minutes. Now warmed up, I was able to pick it up by hand and placed on the neck. Parchment paper was placed in between the wood and the plastic. I held in in place for about 5 minutes to cool.
The next step was to see how the tuners would fit the headstock with the addition of the pickguard material. I had to widen the holes to accommodate the tuners first. I also removed the Raven logo which was attached with two very small black nails.
I'll have sand approx. 1/32 - 1/16" off the thickness of the headstock for the tuners to fit the way I want them to. As for finishing, I'll be using the following:
From Lowes; Valspar Gloss Black Laquer, Gloss Clear Laquer, Satin Clear Laquer.
From Lee Valley Tools; Honey Tone Amber Wood Stain.
Stay tuned!
I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished product - definitely closer to the Trini Lopez than a Coronado, and that's a good thing! I think the finished off headstock with the Raven logo is really going to be unique and something to take pride in.