"Upgrading" my OLP

[darchirnoj]

Last month, my wife bought me an OLP and it was suggested by a few forum members that I might want to do some upgrades to it.
A few things that I've considered:
Dimarzio Area 58s in neck and middle
Dimarzio PAF Pro or Norton in bridge
get a new vintage style trem (trem bar is very loose)
perhaps getting a new nut

The biggest question lies in the opportunity to re-finish the guitar.
I have some very good Chromabase Automotive paint that was recently used on my Acura (slight fender bender).
The color resembes a cross between EBMMs egyptian smoke and graphite pearl colors (shading is somewhere in between those).
Given that I prep everything correctly (do research, get all other necessary supplies, etc.), and the fact that my father-in-law owns his own paint and bodyshop (automotive only; limited knowledge with woods, err, guitar bodies), do you think that this is a bad idea?
I asked my wife because I don't want to be disrespectful to her by altering her gift, and there is a possibility that I could screw up.
I think that it would be fun and an excellent learning experience. Plus, I've always wanted to do something like this.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
darchirnoj

 

[dstockden]

Last month, my wife bought me an OLP and it was suggested by a few forum members that I might want to do some upgrades to it.
A few things that I've considered:
Dimarzio Area 58s in neck and middle
Dimarzio PAF Pro or Norton in bridge
get a new vintage style trem (trem bar is very loose)
perhaps getting a new nut

The biggest question lies in the opportunity to re-finish the guitar.
I have some very good Chromabase Automotive paint that was recently used on my Acura (slight fender bender).
The color resembes a cross between EBMMs egyptian smoke and graphite pearl colors (shading is somewhere in between those).
Given that I prep everything correctly (do research, get all other necessary supplies, etc.), and the fact that my father-in-law owns his own paint and bodyshop (automotive only; limited knowledge with woods, err, guitar bodies), do you think that this is a bad idea?
I asked my wife because I don't want to be disrespectful to her by altering her gift, and there is a possibility that I could screw up.
I think that it would be fun and an excellent learning experience. Plus, I've always wanted to do something like this.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
darchirnoj

if it doesnt upset the mrs why not! sounds like a fun project!

 

[TNT]

Darch,

In my opinion, I've done several of those type projects with the OLP guitar. My advice is that you should not put any money into that guitar! Unless, you're just lookin' to practice or fiddle around on.

Put that money aside for the "real deal" MUsicman!! It is an economical guitar all the way around: construction, funtion, (parts seen and unseen).

Pickups: I own all those pickups you mentioned. Yes, they are all better, BUT for the OLP the pickups that are on it are more than adequate.

The trem can be secured a little better for tuning stability if you want. However, there are many "other" parts of that guitar that are also "cheaper".

I love it for what it is - great guitar for the price!!!!

 

[spychocyco]

As a former OLP owner, I'm with TNT here. What you'd spend on the pickups and a new trem would make a nice down payment on a real EBMM. While the OLP is one of the better budget guitars that I've ever owned, it doesn't come close to comparing to the real thing.

 

[candid_x]

I kinda think you'll be happier just playing it as is, and then planting the seed with your beloved, just how much you hope to own the real thing "some day". I think most wives like to see their guy happy with something they've been given, before they try to upgrade or turn it into something else.

 

[darchirnoj]

Thanks for the great advice, guys.
Yes, the OLP is terrific for the price.
Ok, I'll leave her alone and start dreaming up my Graphite Pearl Silo Special.
Thanks,
darchirnoj