After moving the output jack, I drilled a 1/8″ pilot hole to the pickup area. I then used a 12″ long 5/16″ bit to make the hole bigger.

I ran into a problem and could not get the holes to connect. I bought an 18″ long drill bit and went to work.

Turns out the first hole drifted off course which is why it didn’t connect. Then I drilled too far and it came out the back. Ugh.

After the bit came out the back I realized what happened and connected the holes. It’s a bit uglier than I wanted but no big deal. It won’t show.

I needed to do a bit of modification to make the pickups fit. A little quality time with some sharp chisels is all it takes.

I moved the output jack on the guitar.  I found a cool spot for it and marked the location with the templates I made.  Then I used a drill, some heckin sharp chisels, and a Dremel to make the hole.

The V area where the jack plate will go has a curve and the jack plate is flat.  I’m recessing the plate into the guitar a little bit so it won’t be seen unless you look for it.  That is hard part and requires a lot of fitting.

After the output jack plate is done, I need to drill a loooong hole to connect it to the pickup cavity. This is so I can snake a wire through and get into the control cavity.

This is what the hole looks like.

I decided to get a new set of Invader pickups. They are so nice and shiny and sexy. They shall melt faces. I’m going to mount them with black pickup rings (I think).

I (mostly) finished stripping the paint off the body. I still need to work on the pickup cavities and in the tremolo and control areas, but the majority is done.

The tremolo mostly fits too! I need to fine tune it a little bit, but it works!