Modern Thunderbird / Vintage Conversion Project (a few questions)

[dc10bass]

Alright...
So I am finally going to cave and get this once dead project going again.
...Wouldn't mind some input from the fellow TBird obsessed.

I have a 2003 Gibson Thunderbird bass with a broken headstock.
The plan is to have it replaced with a larger vintage style headstock to support original style chrome tuners.
...Also going to add;
•   A two piece bridge
•   Chrome pickups & Pickup Rings
•   Reposition the input jack from the side to the front of the body

1st Question:
Are the locations of the pickup cavities different on a 1964 TBird compared to the modern TBirds?
...If so, where are they in respect to the 12th fret?

2nd Question:
Two piece bridge location... where are they in reference to the 12th fret?

3rd Question:
Plug the three current bridge holes "OR" remove a portion of the raised body center and add a new center laminate?
I recall seeing a thread somewhere where this was done...
...the center portion was taken down up to where the seam would be hidden under the bridge pickup chrome ring. I recall that it looked good.

Any input would be appreciated...
THANKS!
Curt

[Highlander]

Re Q 1
iirc George has a pup position picture with the dimensions laid out - it's been posted a couple of times...?

Re Q 2... it was in the wrong position, so do you want it that "accurate" - I can give you the dimensions off my PC but I'm sure others will have them to hand...

Re Q 3
Sounds adventurous... () presume you are not going for a solid fin...? a plug is an awful lot less work but it depends on what you are going for...

Good luck...

[drbassman]

I can't answer 1 and 2, but filling the old bridge holes (take the inserts out and plane off a little of the center piece to compensate for the new veneer)  and covering with a new veneer isn't that hard, just time consuming.

[dc10bass]

I can't answer 1 and 2, but filling the old bridge holes (take the inserts out and plane off a little of the center piece to compensate for the new veneer)  and covering with a new veneer isn't that hard, just time consuming.

Nice one... thanks for the input.
Sounds good, that is the plan for the bridge holes.

[drbassman]

Forgot to say fill the bridge holes.  Also was wondering what kind of replacement bridge are you using?

[drbassman]

I was thinking about a two-point bridge.  You probably wouldn't have to plane the center block if you're using a two pointer.  A mm or so wouldn't make a lot of difference at the center.  You'll have to sand it down anyway for the veneer application.  As long as a veneer wouldn't raise the center appreciably high, it won't make a lot of difference since the bridge won't be resting directly on the center block.  Neither do the pickups. 

[dc10bass]

Forgot to say fill the bridge holes.  Also was wondering what kind of replacement bridge are you using?

Sure, I knew that the holes needed filled either way... was just on the fence about a new veneer.

If there is a significant difference between the pickup locations (vintage to modern),
I may fill those, continue the veneer, and reroute the pickup cavities.

I have a couple (new) retro tail pieces and one two-point bridge.

Thanks