1977 Telecaster restoration - Part 1 - Dating the guitar parts

Obviously, the headstock serial number states it's a 1977 Fender Telecaster (starting with S7). After contacting the Fender Consumer Relations, I got this answer back (thank you Fender!):

..."Thank you for contacting us, regarding a serial number.

While we appreciate your interest, unfortunately, our serial number records only go back to 1993. So, we cannot identify your specific instrument based on the serial number, as it predates this time.

Based on the style of the serial number, it would relate to either 1977, or 1978. CBS owned Fender from 1965 - 1985. We did not acquire Fender until 1985 and CBS did not pass along production information, so we would not have details on the parts used during that time. Also, it can be difficult at times to determine if parts are original to an instrument, because they could be from around the same time period, but a modification, or swapped out."...

Although I pretty much expected this answer, I thought it worth to try it. So let's try to figure out the dating of the parts ourself. The reason for this is simple: if the part is original, it's worth trying to try to restore it; if not, why not simply replace it.

1. The tuners:

The tuners are Fender 70s style tuners:

Having the 'natural relic' and rusted screws, I don't see much need to doubt if they are original or not. Notice that they are pretty hard to turn, but are worth to fix.

2. The neck:

It's not because the serial number is on the neck that the neck by definition if genuine. Therefore let's remove the neck from the body and check the heel of the neck:

The number 1303 2174 (MMNN WWYD) tells us the following:

Model codes (first pair of digits):

• 01 = Precision Bass
• 02 = Jazz Bass
• 04 = Mustang Bass
• 08 = Telecaster Deluxe
• 09 = Stratocaster
• 13 = Telecaster, Telecaster Custom, Telecaster Thinline
• 49 = Musicmaster, Mustang, Bronco

Neck Codes Used from 1972 to 1980 (second pair of digits):

• 00 = rosewood fingerboard
• 01 = rosewood fingerboard
• 03 = fretted maple neck OR skunk stripe neck with rosewood board
• 10 = fretless maple neck

Made on week 21 of 1977 and it was a Thursday (4th day of the week). 

The number 2374 (WWYD) tells us the following: finished on week 23 of 1977 and it was a Thursday (4th day of the week). The round stamp is to believe a quality control stamp.  

Obviously, the woodwork and the finish and fretting aren't done in 1 day, so this number and stamp is on the back is on the finish, while the one next to the trussrod is on the wood. 

Conclusion is that it's definitely a telecaster from 1977 (and not 1978).

3. The Body

The body is often harder to date:

I couldn't find any clear (conclusive) reference to date on the body itself. Some partial numbers are visible in the neck pocket, but looking at the other parts gives us a better idea:

Underneath the pick guard is a sticker with the same serial number than the guitar. The thing that worried me a bit, was the bridge because I expected a Fender patent stamp on it. However, when  removed it, the stamp seemed to be underneath the bridge-plate:

So maybe it's related to the fact that it's a left-handed tele that it's on the back? Anyways, I'm reassure to have found it.

Since I removed the pickguard, I also took a look at the neck pickup:

Everything looking good. Also notice the 'NAT' mark on the body. Often they first carved the body and the pieces with the most beautiful grain were marked to be finished with a natural (transparent) finish instead of a opaque finish. 

So I see no counter indication that the body wouldn't be genuine.

4. The electronics

So far so good. The final check: the electronics. That worried me the most because the controle plate was removed from the body (see my previous post) and thus someone was looking underneath the hood. You usually don't do that if nothing's wrong. 

Let's have a look:

The pots are 1MEG CTS. I was surprised that they had plastic shafts, but after investigation that seems t we age correct. After checking the CTS Serials:

013350 1 MEG A - 137 7633

013350: Fender Part number

1 MEG A: resistance = 1 mega ohm, A = audio taper

137: CTS manufacture code

7633 (YYWW): 1976, week 33

Since the electronic parts should be created before the assembly of the guitar, they seem genuine!

Finally, the 3-way switch:

Normally one would expect a CRL 3-way switch with serial number. However, the only marking on the switch is DM-5. After investing, it looks like the switch was replaced by a Japanese spare part and the it was badly soldered (causing a short circuit) and an internal blade (contact point) was broken. 

The switch was obviously broken and not genuine. So this is a very good candidate for replacement.

The pickups needed to be rewound. The neck pickup only measured 200Ohm, and the bridge one nothing. 

The jack seems fine.

Finally, I made a small inventory of parts missing: 

- Ferrules: only 3 present and different types

- No strap buttons

- 1 screw missing of the pickguard

So all in all, pretty complete and time to start the restoration!

Sources: Vintage Guitar Info, Strat-Central - 70s strats, Vintage Guitar and Bass - Reading Potentiometer codes