Classic 70's Strat upgrade suggestions

[goddamn electric]

As discussed in my thread in tech about aging maple necks im after a low budget strat and think im going to go with a classic 70's model. I was very impressed with these for the money, however, i'll probably upgrade a few of the parts on it.

As I'm at music live this weekend its a good chance to pick up a few things to make it play a bit nicer. I'm not going to spend loads making it better as in that case i'd just buy a more expensive model, but i'm open to hearing suggestions regardless of price, so my question is......

What are the parts etc which would benefit the most by upgrading on a classic strat and what would you recommend as replacements?

[Philly Q]

I don't think there's much that needs upgrading (apart from pickups but that's probably a discussion in itself). 

On Japanese Fenders the pots and switches are usually cr@p, but the Mexican guitars have good quality electronics.  The tuners are (I think) vintage '70s style Fender/Schaller units, again fine unless you maybe want locking tuners?

Not sure what the bridges are like on those Classic models, but they don't have a steel block so that could be a worthwhile upgrade.  Have a look here:

http://www.callahamguitars.com/blocks.htm

[goddamn electric]

cheers Philly,

I was thinking the bridge would probably have to be changed, i like playing around with them when i have them and im thinking tuning may become an issue.

As i said im not looking to spend loads on upgrading it as i'm only after one so my more expensive guitars dont need to be knocked around as much if i have friends over etc. The pickups will be replaced aswell, but this will be the only major one!

[Spitfire]

Strip the paint down, refinish it.. get a new neck.. new tuners.. a new bridge, new pickups, new scratch plate.. then after all that get a replacement strat body...

there u go.. u have a modded Classic 70s Strat... then out of the spare parts you can knock together a parts caster version Classic 70s Strat.. thats how to make 2 Classic 70s starats out of just one.

[TwilightOdyssey]

Here's what I did with my '79 Strat:

Replaced the neck with one that matches my other guitars. "Routed" (via a screwdriver and hammer) a VHII into the bridge. Removed the volume and tone controls.

[Spitfire]

Newcastle United :|

are all thoes amps yours??

[TwilightOdyssey]

Newcastle United :|

are all thoes amps yours??

I wish!