filling dings on silver sparkle raider 1

Hi all.
First post here. I recently got hold of a silver/black sparkle (although on close inspection the silver is tinted light gold/green and the 'black' is more like a blue/purple). That's how i remember them from 1983 when i first had one.
Anyway, typically it's come with a few chips out of the pointy parts. Any clues as to what i could use to fill cracks and try to blend into original finish?
I'm also amazed at how well this thing plays - the neck action is comparable to my Mex strat, and faster than my Eastwood airline. I thought all those years ago that it was a bit of a pig to play, but maybe it was me being rubbish back then.
Anyway, I'm thrilled to have one back in my hands again.

Hey Phil, nice to have you with us.

The usual approach to repair dings is the drop fill method. This post will give you some direction. Especially see the link to Trevor's approach on the Matsumoku Forum.

However, the sparkle finish does present a more substantial problem. Our corsair has some experience here and may be able to help more. I'm sure he'll be by shortly.

Meantime some pictures will help with the advice when you're able. (Note that new members are required to wait 7 days before being allowed to post hyperlinks)

... and here I am!

The mode of repair would be according to how bad the damage is - slight bumps and nicks would be OK to dropfill but anything more could be a problem.

My Raider was in rag order when I got it so a repaint was the only option, and if yours has particularly badly marked or chipped points, then you may have to visit your friendly airbrush artist for advice... much as I do!!

OOps - same pic on there twice - can't figure out  how to take it off - anyway , you will get the idea. One is older and has already had a rough touch up. the other must have happened in transit when I bought it. both not really visible from the front, but they bother me. 
Also I lost the volume knob somehow. put on a replacement but if I could get an original spec one plus missing trem bar that would be great too. 
Any ideas on doing this will wait a couple of months - I'm working out of the UK until October.

philbags wrote:OOps - same pic on there twice - can't figure out  how to take it off

Done.
Actually Phil, they don't look so bad. Lord knows we've seen worse!

Staining the wood first with black would be a good beginning. The drop fill method would then certainly repair the divot. The hard part would be matching the "sparkle" finish. Your best bet is likely nail polish! It might take a bit of searching but you'd be surprised what's out there. Assuming you find something suitable you can optionally apply a final top coat of cyanoacrylate for durability.

You're lucky that it's in a spot that doesn't show so perfection need not be the goal...unless you're anal about such things.

As for the knob, not likely you'll find a original replacement unless one of the members has something sitting in a box to offer. Your best bet is probably a Telecaster style replacement.

The trem bar should be 6mm dia. unless someone corrects me. You can find them online, usually under the "import" section.

That's great - thanks for your support. Luckily I'm married. By which I mean my wife collects nail varnish more than I collect guitars, records and old paperbacks. She thinks she has a match.
As I said, I won't be able to get onto this until a few months down the road.
I really love this guitar - think I may have to get more.

You're welcome Phil.
Be sure to read up on the drop fill method and get comfortable with it. The CA will set up very hard and will need some scraping and sanding to to get it all level and smooth so take your time and, have fun!