Harmony Bobkat H15 guitar (1964)

[punkykatt]

Have any of you fine gentlemen ever work on one of these?  http://harmony.demont.net/model/82.htm .   I have one in great playing and sounding condition. What I need to do is replace the pick guard because its pretty well trashed where the guitar chord jack is.  The original D`Armond pickups are riveted to the pick guard. I can grind off the bottom flange to remove the rivets (BUT) can I still get those kind of rivets?  
I was thinking of using small SS bolts, but the pick guard sits flat on the guitar body. I would hate to have to drill holes.  Any ideas are much appreciated. Punky

[Platefire]

I am familiar with that model. I very good friend I played with in the 70's had one he used to play rhythem on and he was also the lead singer. I got the privilage of tuning it for him before every gig.

Don't know how you would replace that pickguard??? Either find another guitar or use the old one to make a template to cut a new one. Stu Mac should have the material. Platefire

[punkykatt]

Thanks Plate, I will be making a new pick guard using 3/32" plexi glass (scuffing both sides with fine sand paper to get a semi translucent effect) tracing the original.  My concern is being able to get decorative rivets or(fasteners) to reattach the pickups without having to drill holes in the guitar body. The back side of the pick guard needs to flat.

[plexi50]

Sad to see that most of the Hobby shops that used to carry everything are gone
Makes me wonder If ACE hardware has any riviets small enough to work

[sluckey]

I'd consider tapping the 3/32" plexi for a #4-40 or #6-32 screw. Should be thick enough to hold securely. Cut the screws to be flush with the back side of the plexi. Maybe use a little lock-tite or glue on the screw threads.

[punkykatt]

Thanks for the ideas Guys.   I forgot about the Hobby Shops. I will see if the one in town is still open.  I like the drill and tap idea too.

[plexi50]

If i remember right the Fabric shops have all kinds of snaps and odd ball stuff. I even think i have seen small riviets in chrome and gold for the arts and krafts stuff

[Ritchie200]

Take a look at your local hardware store for some frosted or opaque plexiglass, normally used for bathroom windows.  That might look a little more consistent than hand sanded clear.  That way you can do the work and pull off the paper when you are done so no scratches while riveting!  Good luck!  Show us the finished results!
Jim

[punkykatt]

Hey Ritchie200,  just saw your post.  I will have to check out the hdwr stores for that frosted stuff. In the mean time I used a leftover piece 3/32" of clear plexi I had laying around. I scuffed both sides with fine sand paper, and took Sluckley`s suggestion of drill and tap the plexi for 4-40 machine thread to attach the pups to the pick guard. I found some solid brass machine screws to match the color. Here is a pic.

[Willabe]

Hey that looks real nice! Great job.

I kinda like the body shape too.

How's she sound and play?


             Brad             

[punkykatt]

Thank you.  She plays like butta and has a smooth smokey tone with bite. Just loves the 5e3 circuit.