Restore Mustang advice

[Milkshape]

Hey Everyone,
first post here
I was given a 67ish mustang, that had been drilled out to accommodate humbuckers, looks like that to me any way. There's also a channel cut to the upper horn for what I guess was a pickup selector switch, also I think there is some kind of split or checking just behind the trem, doesn't look like it has propagated much tho'. Lot's of damage. I've seen restorations where the plug inserted is a close match and the the gaps are filled and sanded, and others where things were smoothed out to a regular shape and and much more precise plug was inserted. Are there any pros or cons to either method? Effects on sound?

Also the bridge legs were sawn off and are lost, having a hard time finding replacements, I will search for DIY alternatives on the site but tips and trick advice appreciated.

I know... this post is nothing without pics, but I am unable to upload images yet. I imagine because I am new to the site (I read the FAQ when I was unable to locate a GUI element for uploading images) so mods if you are listening I would be in your debt if the ability to upload was granted.


Thanks for listening pics soon...
Milkshape

[countertext]

Posting Images thread
Simple answer for images: insert a link to an image on the web.
Real answer: read through the thread above and practice until you figure it out. Your images have to be hosted on the web already to link them here.

Seems like serious repair folks always rout out a nice, clean, regular shape so they can perfectly fit a plug in it. It does seem easier than trying to carve a plug to fit an irregular hole.

[hulakatt]

Seems like serious repair folks always rout out a nice, clean, regular shape so they can perfectly fit a plug in it. It does seem easier than trying to carve a plug to fit an irregular hole.

Hard yep. Just so much easier to do. I've patched so many holes in wood by drilling the holes slightly larger and much cleaner and plugging the holes with a dowel rod and wood glue, let it set and saw it flush, and then sand or plane it smooth and get to finishing.

[Milkshape]

Thanks countertext, got it no upload gotta host yourself,
Pickups
Milkshape's Mustang
the damage...

[interceptör]

Any close-up photos from under the vibrato plate and the possible crack in the wood?

Do you want to just get it working, or do a full restoration with refinish, or something in-between? Are you doing it for yourself or for resale?

If it were mine, I'd probably just clean up the routing, cover any visible issues with a sticker, get a black pickguard and rock as is.