NGD/ New Strat soon

So... I planned on crafting a Tele for the longest time. I have everything needed to build it, one of the key items being a custom made solid rosewood neck. The body was unrouted and too nice for me to risk cutting into it with my lack of carpenter/luthier experience. That, and I could never find proper time to work on it. So time passed and the project sort of collected dust.
I am left handed and on a relatively low budget, so my guitar options are a bit limited. Magically, I came across a deal on Ebay. 139 dollars for a fully loaded, left-handed, 2001 MIM Strat body, in almost new condition, unaltered. I bought it.

So. I am sticking the solid rosewood Tele neck mentioned earlier on it (yes I know I will have to modify the neck pocket a bit), and I am going to sand off the solid black paint in favor of a natural wood look, with some artwork painted on the side. I am going to finish it with either shellac or some light poly. I am hoping to get this project done soon, and I will keep you all updated.

First post for me in this neck of the woods.

Here are the pics:

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m490/halcyonGray/strat.jpg?t=1343007508

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m490/halcyonGray/guitar%20project/tn2.png?t=1331561680

If you sand off the black finish you may find that the body isn't really suited to a clear finish.