TOM bridge TP install

[TBurst Std]

Needing to put in bushings for a TOM styled bridge and tailpiece. (Also needing to install string ground).

No press available.

Figure freeze the bushings for a day. Lube them up with wax as well as the holes, then drive them in gently with a hammer and block of wood.
Anything else to think of?

Also, the only wire I have on hand is 14 gauge multistrand. Is that to big to stuff into the hole then drive the bushing into? Should I go find some 22 gauge, or 18 gauge?

 

[dmraco]

I have always used a thick dowl rod and hammer.  Take your time and make sure they are straight.  Do not forget the ground wire like I did one time.  Pulling them is no picnic either.

I do not think there is a need for lube....save it for other things ccasion14:

 

[Cagey]

I seriously doubt freezing the bushings is going to do anything for you. Wax is going to wipe right off at the entry end, too. Bushing mounting holes are tight.

Cover the studs (or some bolts that will thread into the bushings) with masking tape or something, and thread them all the way into the bushings until they bottom out. Use a hammer to get the bushings started in their holes so they won't move. Then, use a magazine or block of wood as a pad while you pound them the rest of the way in. The bolts or studs will help keep you from hammering the surface of the body, as well as allowing you to seat the bushings slightly below the surface.

Speaking of surfaces, be sure there's nothing underneath the body when you do this, or it'll dent/imbed itself into the rear of the body.

14 ga. multi-strand wire isn't likely to work out for you. There's no room for that kind of intrusion. Usually, a 22ga-24ga solid wire is used.

 

[mayfly]

use the 14 gauge, but cut off half of the strands.

I usually screw in a bolt partway into the stud - then tap on the top of the bolt.  I still use a wooden block to keep the shock down.

 

[sixstringsamurai]

Speaking of surfaces, be sure there's nothing underneath the body when you do this, or it'll dent/imbed itself into the rear of the body.

Same goes if you have to pull them for any reason, don't set whatever you are using for a fulcrum on the body without something like a magazine, or scrap wood that's SOFTER than the body under it.

You can only steam out so much ugly with a iron..... :laughing7:
Ask me how I know... :doh:

 

[dmraco]

use the 14 gauge, but cut off half of the strands.

I usually screw in a bolt partway into the stud - then tap on the top of the bolt.  I still use a wooden block to keep the shock down.

Same here.

Cagey make good point.  I had a small wire end under mine one time.  It was the striped end from my ground. It's likeness is now a permanent part of the guitar.

 

[TBurst Std]

Many thanks. Dug around in the garage some more and found some 22 gauge solid core that I will use.

Thank you for the heads up on keeping the tag end out of the way of the guitar back.
The plan is to use a bolt and piece of wood for the TP bushings. For the bridge bushings, as they are not true bushings, but conversion bushings with threaded posts, the plan is to use a 1/4 deep well socket with a piece of wood (Will validate this thought Monday when they arrive). I cannot hammer on the posts as they would bend.

Pulling the old bushings wasn't that bad. Made my own bushing puller for about $2. A short section of PVC tubing (actually a coupler), a rubber furniture leg caster with a center hole cut in it (as the non-marring base) a few washers and a bolt.

 

[TBurst Std]

Also, any practical advice on drilling for the ground wire? Have a 1/8 aircrfat bit on hand. My LP was not drilled for this.

 

[dmraco]

Also, any practical advice on drilling for the ground wire? Have a 1/8 aircrfat bit on hand. My LP was not drilled for this.

Warmoth body?  Are you sure?

 

[TBurst Std]

No, not Warmoth body. My 1979 Gibson LP Std. In the late 70s/early 80s, they used the metal plate and ashtray cover and did not run a ground wire to the bridge. I have not had any hum issues, but figured while it was apart, I would go ahead and put a bridge ground in.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I prefer a drill press (power off) and use a bolt with the head at least larger than the width of the stud bushing.
Press down slowly until desired mounting depth is achieved.

 

[Cagey]

Drill or arbor press is definitely the right way to go, but he said he didn't have access to one.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Take the body to Harbor Freight or Home Depot, & "demo" one of theirs, lol! :glasses9:

 

[TBurst Std]

Bridge bushings tapped in no issue.

 

[TBurst Std]

And the TP bass side bushing went in no issue. Will wait on the treble side as I need to still drill the hole for the ground wire and I don't think I am going to tackle that tonight. I'm a little tired and have had some refreshments.

Trying to not be impatient. This was my first good guitar and it put food on my table for a few years. I haven't played it in a live performance for almost 5 years as the frets wore out (after 4 dressings over the decades since 79). Money to refret it went to other builds and acquisitions. Now I really want to get this one back into rotation.

Once I get the ground wire and bushing in, it's off to the luthier for a new nut and SS frets.