Major Mod. G.A.S. anyone?

Ever have serious GAS for bass modifications/ restorations? I am having such a problem for my 80's Ibanez mini-Musician fretless! This was the MC888 model, similar to the little black one Sting had, except that this is the 2 pickup version with the more sculpted body, gold hardware and gorgeous 2-tone natural finish. It's about 20 years old now, and has been professionally converted to fretless (ebony fret splines). I also replaced the pickups with Bartolini's.

Now, I am aching to see that bass refurbished - big time! What I have in mind is not for the faint-hearted, and will require that the work be professionally done. First - I want to have the bass refinished to it's original splendor (minus the 20 years worth of dings and gouges - some of which are not so minor), which may require some re-staining in addition to the laquer being re-done.

Next, I'd like to have the fingerboard epoxy or polyester coated, however I want to have it stained ebony first to eliminate the fretlines, etc...with only clearly-defined, white side markers where the frets used to be. (I just don't know if I want to wait a year for Thor to do the job! Any other reputable recommendations would be much appreciated!)

I already found a local place that quoted me $100 to re-plate all of the hardware (gold).

The only sticky part is going to be fixing the route around the neck pickup. It originally had a P-bass style split pickup that was housed in a huge rectangular cover. Even with Bartolini's biggest Ibanez replacement pickup, there is still a bit of gap around it which looks okay with the bass as is, but will not be so great if I go to all the expense of having this bass re-done. Does anyone have any brilliant suggestions for fixing this blemish on what would otherwise be an incredibly gorgeous bass? Since it's a natural finish, it's gonna be hard to make look good, I'm afraid!

So, my question is...AM I nuts, or does this sound like it will be worth all the hassle??? (Silly question, since it's ALWAYS worth it for a bass fanatic, eh?)

 

Thanks! Wood covers would not look too shabby on this bass, as a matter of fact. Any good sources you could recommend? Also, any idea what Pedulla charges for doing the fingerboard treatment? I believe Thor is around $300.

 

Yeah, I probably won't be able to go with new covers, because I really like the Barts (even passive) on this bass. I did check on Pedulla's prices. They are about $40 more than Thor, but could get me in just after the first of the year, as opposed to the end of next summer. And you're right - they ARE the "real deal". It was actually playing a Buzz bass that convinced me to go with a coated board in the first place. (I just don't care for the looks of the Buzz, to be honest. And I'm awfully attached to this little Ibanez!)