Suggestions Needed DIY Refinish on Warwick Corvette-5

It’s safe to remove the strings for your refin. project. I would also recommend removing the neck, electronics, and hardware.

 

You will have to remove all of the hardware to properly strip the body so don't worry about setup at this point. That will be done after the bass is back together.

I would completely strip the finish. Try Citri-Strip. It has no odor (actually it smells like oranges) so you won't bother anyone with fumes. I find that Citri-Strip doesn't dry out the wood like harsher chemical strippers.

Once you see what the wood looks like underneath you can decide what to do with the finish. If the grain is really nice you can just put a few coats of Tung oil or gunstock oil on the body and put it back together.

Post some pics of the body after you strip it and I'm sure you will get all sorts of conflicting opinions. That always makes it much easier to decide what to do.

Rick B.

 

If it were mine I'd just clean it up and play it.

A proper refinish is much more than wiping the dirt off and spraying cheap paint from a rattle-can.

 

Here is your assigned reading. You can do a beautiful job if you do the homework first.

Threads describing How To Refinish a Bass

 

Well, if you know what you want it to look like and have the experience to do it go right ahead.

I'm just trying to help new people.

 

Has the troll left the building?

 

super helpful.

 

The oil finish on Warwicks are easy to remove by sanding. I refinished a ‘98 Thumb as a project a few years ago. Take all the hardware and electronics off, sand with a block or a cheap orbital sander. Be careful with the wood dust as I learned the hard way that some of the woods can be very irritating. Wear a dust mask amd gloves and work outside if possible. I did use a rattle can to refinish mine, turned out just fine... It should be a fun project!

 

Before you completely remove the strings, you may want to loosen up the truss rod since the strings will be off for a prolonged period of time.

I don’t think you’d have anything to worry about in regards to loosening the truss rod (it’s usually tightening it incorrectly where some people have experienced issues).

 

This is the same bass as in my avatar. I sanded down and re-stained it with a mix of tru oil and a bit of StewMac dye. Fantastic results. Be mindful with the sander - it’s easy to screw up the contours. Patience prevails...have fun!

 

You can see my limited edition Warwick in my avatar - the light maple finish looks outstanding. Although the dark woods have their own character, I like the lighter finishes better.