1972 Telecaster Custom questions.

Hi guys. I recently acquired a 1972 telecaster custom body. It has been criminally abused. But, I am attempting to resurrect it. It appears to be blond/olympic white in color originally. Then it was painted black. There have also been a couple of repairs made to damage that it has incurred over the years. I am currently trying to remove the black paint and clean up the repairs with out doing too much more damage to the original finish. Once I have finished that I will be able to decide on a total refinish or just a touch up and retain the relic look.
I have begun looking for parts and have yet to decide whether or not to go with an original rebuild with all period correct 1972 parts or look at using new (improved?) re issue type parts. Any recomendations out there?
I have heard that some reissue parts will not work. The pick guard for example. I have a schematic from the Fender web site that shows 4 250K pots. I believe the original pots are 1 Meg. But, is the rest of the schematic correct for the original 1972?
Also, can anyone recomend any particular publications with info and specs on the original circa 1972 customs? Are there any particular parts suppliers that any of you might recomend? Thanks for the help. I will try to post some pics as I progress.
I think I may be in trouble though. I seem to be having more fun tinkering with this project than I am actually playing my strat.

Whoever painted over the beautiful original Olympic white paint with black should be whacked over the head! :twisted: lol...Anyway, about the parts...the reissues pretty much look the same as the originals so that's what I would do. Of course they won't look as naturally aged, but it's up to you. Buying old parts is bound to cost more.

The book by A.R.Duchossoir has specs on all Tele models...this site is also good http://lidbjork.homelinux.org/72cc/index.html.

I've always coveted the 72 Custom for its looks - but alas, being a lefty it will remain a dream (unless I can secure a MIJ reissue, but anyway). Anyway, I look forward to seeing pics and I wish you luck. I hope she turns out to be a beauty in the end! :razz:

According to a 1972 Fender catalog I have, Oly White wasn't available, but blond was (along with walnut, natural and black). The early bridges were, of course, the three-saddle type and the pots would indeed have been 1 meg. My understanding is that the original humbucker had CuNiFe magnets - which gave them their unique sound - unlike today's reissues which use AlNiCo.

It's a shame that the link that Trimac20 provided no longer works as that was a good site - the '72 Custom Club. Duchossoir's book is indeed the one you want. It's "the Bible" for all things Tele.

I have a completely original '73-'74 model in black with maple board that I bought used back in '76. It's a little on the heavy side - as many of these were - but it's a cool guitar with the pickups giving it a lot of versatility.

Guitar Parts Resource (http://www.guitarpartsresource.com) should have most of the stuff you need.

Thanks for the info guys. Very helpful. I'm still trying to get all that Krylon off. But, it' s coming along. I think you may well be right about it being blond and not Oly white. I'll try to post some pics later.

I just found out that the '72 Custom Club website is still there.

Try http://lidbjork.homelinux.org/72cc/

There's a ton of info there.

The only two places I see old Fender parts (really old vs. re-dos) are the guitar shows (go to B-3 Vintage Guitar Shows) and eBay. I did just miss on a 1970 bridgeplate, never used, no saddles, that went on eBay for $175. But, there the only two places I ever see old. vintage parts. That being said, there are a ton on real good reissue parts out there.