Warped pickguard on a 60's Gibson bass...how hot to heat it?

[Jerry Ryan]

I have a friend that brought me his old Gibson bass. It has one of those pick guards mounted with metal legs. Anyway the pickguard is warped. My thought is to heat it to ??? and clamp between 2 plexiglas plates to cool. Good idea? and how warm to get it?


Jerry

[Steve Beckwith]

Put it in a pan of hot water?

[Jerry Ryan]

Any idea what temp? Bring to boil? cut heat and put it in for 5 min?

[Mike Kolb]

My gut tells me 140° to 150° for 2 minutes. Hide glue goes on nicely at 160° or so, and that's plenty warm for most anything we do... so my guess is "something less, but not too much less". And clamping between plexiglass plates would be good, as long as they're relatively thicker than the pickguard... and maybe just enough clamping pressure to get 'er done. Caveat emptor! Seriously, give us an update on how the project works for you?

[Jerry Ryan]

Thanks! Will do!

Jery Ryan

[Paul Hostetter]

A good way to flatten plastic guards is in a pyrex baking dish with some water in it, under a piece of heavy plate glass. Nuke it until the water boils for a couple of minutes and the guard goes limp, then leave it until the everything is dead cold. The plate glass keeps it flat until it's cold, and the water prevents any fire danger. I suspect this particular guard is too big to fit in a microwave though. It needs more prolonged heat than you think, and it needs to be full boil: 212F.

In any case, if it's BWB laminated, it may not stay flat for very long. Good luck!

[Chris Rochow]

What works for me is; placing the pick guard between 2 smooth metal plates. Clamping the 'sandwich' firmly with several clamps.
Next I use a old hair dryer to warm (NOT hot) the two plates. Then let cool while all still clamped... return a few hours later and un-clamp.. check the pick guard. You may have to repeat. *** Do NOT overheat! Those old pick guards are made from a plastic back then than can get really 'messed up'. Use patience, and caution.

[Paul Hostetter]

That's why I do them in water. You can't overheat them, there's no danger of fire, and the glass leaves a, well, glass-smooth surface. No clamps needed, simple gravity does the job.

[Jerry Ryan]

Ok, Water it is! Does sound like the safest method.

Thanks Guys!


Jerry

[Steve Beckwith]

Let us know how well it works for you.