Mustang Cleanup
 

I'm a rookie DIY'er. I just found a nice, albeit weathered, 1974 Mustang in burst with a pearl pickguard. The plate was warped in several spots, so I removed it to reveal what the pics show.

I'm ordering a new pickguard (pearl? tort?) and screws, but should I clean this up at all? If so, how? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Probably the celluloid pg leaching its noxious chemicals and eating the nitro finish. I'd just knock any bumpy areas down with a light sanding, clean it with naphtha polish the whole thing and cover it back up.

http://www.balisongcollector.com/celluloid.html

thanks, tbird!

On the other hand, if the pickguard covers it I'd leave it alone. Somebody might want an unmolested '74 some day. If you can rub it off with a soft damp cloth go for it. Or sand it. It's your bass.