Right now just the removal - but will finish once the new pickups come in. I was actually pretty impressed with the quality of the wire and solder work in the guitar.

Here's the before - stock Classic Vibe 60's Strat (that's Sadie, helper #1)


First step - strings off (that's Rosie, Sadie's mom)


Next remove the pick guard screws ONLY THE ONES AROUND THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE PICKGUARD


Screws removed...


Gently lift the pickguard - we will see the next step under the pickguard


There are 2 ground wires attached that must be disconnected so the pickguard can be removed from the body. One wire goes through a route in the body to the back spring plate, the other is attached to the body via a small phillips screw.


Gently turn the guitar over, and remove the cover (cool pic of Rosie in the reflection>


Here's the solder point


Use your soldering iron to remove the ground wire from the connection


Wire disconnected (that's Mr. Ed the talking horse cat - he's a big one and likes to meow at you as you talk to him)