Look What I FOUND! Need help ordering parts - Yamaha SJ-180

Hey all. I found this Acoustic (I find things all the time in the real estate business). It is a Yamaha SJ-180 and was made in the early 180's. It's missing the tuning machine heads but it still has the bushings in the head stock. Here are some pictures, I've already started some sanding.

Here is what I need advice on from the forum:
1. What kind of tuning machine heads can I buy, without replacing the bushings/ferrules? I can't possibly re-drill the holes and Yamaha's website no longer sells them. Is there a cheap alternative?
2. What kind of paint can I use on this? I plan on sanding down past the gloss finish. Then maybe paint it a nice solid color, then re gloss the top.
3. I'll also need a new saddle, which I should be able to find pretty affordable.

End Goal: This guitar might be painted green for my personal campfire use. I might also paint it pink or something girly for my girlfriend and then give it to her as a gift. I have a couple of month to slowly take my time doing this. I am experienced in painting, but not hardware. This guitar does not have to look professional when I am done, it just has to look good at first glance. It was free and I figure if I can put $75 into it and make it playable again it will be a good investment.

Thanks for all your replies and advice!




A front view
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/jenixisu/IMAG0701.jpg
The sound hole confirms it is a Yamaha Semi Jumbo.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/jenixisu/IMAG0700.jpg
Here is a picture of the headstock front. I've already sanded past black and found new colors underneath.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/jenixisu/IMAG0698.jpg
And here is the back of the headstock, which I may as well leave black.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/jenixisu/IMAG0699.jpg

Judging from the screw hole locations on the back of the HS this probably had covered tuners, they are readily available from sources such as Stew-Mac, they are the cheapest thing you can get but would be Ok for a beater.
If you want to use something better, it's not difficult.,and you may need to do some work anyway as covererds vary a bit so this is what I do..

You need the tuner of your choice, if the screw holes don't line up, fill the old ones with a bit of small dowel (a round wooden toothpick will work in a pinch) dipped in white glue, trim flush and touch up with a bit of stain, paint etc.

Check the shaft hole size, if they are too small knock the old ferrels out by tapping them from the back with a flat screw driver that will just catch the bottom edge, and a small hammer, they are just pressed in and a few taps will have them out. Don't pry them out, from the front.

Get a tapered reamer (stew Mac, harbor freight maybe sears) DON'T USE A DRILL. Carefully enlarge the hole, alternately working from the front then the back. Keep things even Constantly check to see how the new ferrels fit, when it's almost there stop, and press the new ferrel in...if you go toofar you can wrap a bit of masking tape around it to bulk it up.

If the present holes are too big you can get oversized ferrules that will fill out the hole and let you use smaller shafted tuners, but you probably will need to enlarge.

Position the new tuners and mark the screw positions.
Using a small drill (I like a hand cranked job for this) tap a SMALL guide hole for each new screw..you don't need much, just kiss it for a few millimeters.
It helps to have someone hold the guitar for this..not too big a hole, just something a little smaller than the screw to give it grip. It also helps to put a tiny dent with a nail where you are going to drill to keep the bit from wandering.

Pop the tuners in,(you might need to take off a shaft nut)replace & tighten up the nuts( use a wrench not pliers ) if so equipped, line things up& carefully screw in the small holding screws, and you have new tuners!

I would advise against stripping this, more trouble than it's worth IMO
I would just do some cool designs on it and enjoy.

Looks like you may need a new nut also...

Good advice from Warm Gums. The tuners shouldn't be too troublesome to replace. If you have the skill and time, you might try to gently sand the top back to the bare wood, then give it some clear gloss. I'd keep the sides/back/neck a neutral solid color (brown, black).

Stewart MacDonald will have all you need for tuners and bridge.

Good luck!