Thunder I-A restoration

[willembad]

Hi all. I'm in the process of restoring a Thunder 1a. I believe it's an '83. Someone before me refinished it since the headstock logo is gone. All the knobs and bridge parts are really stained as well.

My question is if anyone knows or can check a stock model and tell me if the active electronics ran on 18V or 9V? This guitar is currently wired for 18V (2x9V batteries in series) and it differs a bit from the diagrams I can find online. As far as I know it works as is, I'm not sure if it is stock though. It looks like it has been re-wired.

Thanks,

Willem

[Hyperion]

My Thunder III has a 18volts circuit. 18 volts is way better than 9 volts for dynamic.

If you want to restore the logo, then here's a vectorized SVG/EPS "Westone" logo I have made, below. It can be used to create a professional looking waterslide transfer.

The original jpg : http://guitarandjazz.free.fr/REPERTOIRE/Mixo/westone.jpg
The SVG : http://guitarandjazz.free.fr/REPERTOIRE/Mixo/westone-2.svg
The EPS : http://guitarandjazz.free.fr/REPERTOIRE/Mixo/westone-2.eps

Cheers
JP

[Pollyanna]

Hello Willembad and welcome!

Depending on where you are in the world, I know a bloke here in the UK who makes waterslide transfers and he does a cracking job of them. I have just recently sold a Thunder I that I sanded the logo off and instead of painstakingly drawing it back on (which is what I usually do), I used one of these transfers and you couldn't tell the difference.

If you want to, PM me and I will give you his details. He sends full instructions on how to apply/finish them and he always provides spares in case of cock-ups!

Pauline

[willembad]

Thanks,

I'm in the US by the way. 18V it is then, I just weren't sure. Believe it or not I recreated the logo using the plate at the neck connection. The metal part had the Westone logo and I duplicated it from there. I have a method involving laser printer transparencies and paint, and if successful I'll post here on how to for anyone else inclined to try.

[corsair]

Hi there, fella - as I've said before, my Matsumoku Vantage VA900 has 2 9V batteries as well but one of them just runs the little light that indicates pre-amp on/off, so be aware of that eh?!

Yeah, do share your processes with us; we love this stuff!!

[hoax]

Hi - i can do the logo for £4.50 + £1 postage - Check UK Ebay.

Hoax

[turnersmews]

Hello Willembad and welcome!

Depending on where you are in the world, I know a bloke here in the UK who makes waterslide transfers and he does a cracking job of them. I have just recently sold a Thunder I that I sanded the logo off and instead of painstakingly drawing it back on (which is what I usually do), I used one of these transfers and you couldn't tell the difference.

If you want to, PM me and I will give you his details. He sends full instructions on how to apply/finish them and he always provides spares in case of cock-ups!

Pauline

Hi
Could you possibly let me have the details please.

[Pollyanna]

Hello Turnersmews and welcome!

Unfortunately, the guy I mentioned in the post which you quoted me from, is no longer in business. However, if you look at the previous post you will see that one of our members here can provide you with equally good waterslide transfers. Use the PM service to contact 'Hoax' and I'm sure he will be happy to oblige.

Hope this helps.

Polly

[willembad]

Way to resurrect ancient thread....

I forgot about updating this and stumbled across it today. Pic of the logo I made and of guitar body after refurb.

[corsair]

OMG... trans blue Thunder... oh yes!! Let's see a bit more please, Willem!!

[Barry]

Ohhh mommy!! A Thunder Skylark!
Beautiful. Well done!

[Westbone]

That looks realy nice, something different for a change. Good job, 'king A.

Do like all the chrome, all matching ect. Very nice indeedy.

[Warrn]

Oh wow, that blue is GORGEOUS!

[jefftone]

Beautiful job!!! I want to do my thunder like that as I have a USA Strat Custom Shop exactly the same colour. Did you use tinted lacquer with final clear coats once the desired colour was reached. What type of lacquer? Could you give me an idea of how you made the decal? Are the letters individual or joined together.....there does not seem to be an edge to the decal. Very nicely done man! Any help appreciated....Jeff