Converting Squier truss rod nut to bullet

[bumnote]

I was given this Squier Strat neck & while cleaning up fretboard, I wondered if it's possible to install a bullet truss into it.
I'm going to have to install tuners on it, reapply a finish to the headstock since it's been removed...and wondered how much more work would be involved doing something like that. It's only paint in the slot, so removing that would be simple enough, but is there enough room to slid a bullet in there...and it probably metric...I'm assuming I haven't done anything with the neck but clean gunk off the rosewood.
No idea what year the neck is, all markings removed, but it is rosewood, 9.5" w/ med/jumbo frets, 4 bolt, & a wood plug for what appears to be a micro-tilt.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Seems to me that changing out a truss rod would be a thankless task that would risk ruining the neck...

 

[bumnote]

Seems to me that changing out a truss rod would be a thankless task that would risk ruining the neck...

I think you're probably right. But, free neck...no real need for it. Figured if it's just swapping out the adjustment nut w/out having to perform surgery it might be worth a shot to try before I refinish or buy tuners.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

That hex adjustment nut is likely welded/braised to the truss rod system, but I could be wrong. That's how all the double acting truss rods I've used are constructed.

 

[nickmsmith]

Seems to me that changing out a truss rod would be a thankless task that would risk ruining the neck...

I think he just means the nut, not the whole truss rod. Which is probably doable, but still thankless, and maybe not worth the trouble.

I don't think it'd be worth it, unless it were a short project.

 

[Boreas]

I would first check to see if bullets are even available with metric threads. If not, it makes the decision easier.

Also, it looks to me like you have an insert in the truss rod hole - not just paint. That will need to be removed.

 

[guitarbuilder]

If the nut comes off you could put one on if the the threads are correct, but Fender Bullets are probably 10-32 threads. Squier necks are no doubt metric I'd venture.



https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-h...MI-6mZ-bOH7QIVDfDACh1NrAOWEAQYAiABEgKKffD_BwE


Here is a metric one though.

https://www.ebay.com/i/192389092032...MIupW0jLSH7QIVzsDACh0xUQJrEAQYAiABEgJ1FPD_BwE

If your neck nut comes off and the threads match...no problem, If you have a tap and die set to fit in there, maybe no problem. Would I bother....nope. If it's double rod, besides being welded, the nut would most likely be parallel to the neck centerline, making excavation for the wrench a necessity. A bullet is at a 3 degree angle on a single vintage rod.
I would spend the money to get a bullet neck if that's what I wanted.

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5338148343&icep_item=143825626784


To remove the rod you'd have to remove the fretboard with heat. Then it would be a matter of doing the work you want to the truss rod nut and putting the fretboard back on. That is doable, but it may not look quite as pro like that it does now after you are done. It would probably require finish touch up and probably would require fret leveling.


Selling the neck off and putting it towards a neck you like makes more sense unless you want the experience of the above work.

 

[Rickwilko10]

Old thread but I was looking up to see if this mod was possible.

I just did it successfully. I was able to pull out the plastic lining of the trussrod hole then use a bullet welded to the stock nut as seen. I put it in a Squier strat neck and added decal and tint:

 

[Phaedros]

A little late to the party… my JV has a bullet, so Squier definitely did them.

 

[Rickwilko10]

A little late to the party… my JV has a bullet, so Squier definitely did them.

View attachment 1096537

Those were done in the 80s. Great guitars!