Mustang Cleanup

[el basso]

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!

[96tbird]

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

[el basso]

thanks, tbird!

[grisezd]

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.