#1 I have decided to upgrade the hardware on my strat. I got a new bridge (hard tail), new pick guard, strap locks, and all new screws for everything. I can already tell that most of the screw holes in the body are pretty worn out and I would like to fill them with something and re-drill them. Any suggestions what to use? It will have to be strong enough so the new screws don't strip it right out.

#2 Since I'm giving it a makeover I'm going to have a local artist paint it for me. I don't want to pay him to strip the old paint off though, so I'm doing that part myself. Any suggestions on products to use for this? Sanding would take forever and probably deform it more than I would like, but I don't want to ruin the wood with the wrong chemical either. I may decide not to do this if it's going to be too much work, or possibly damage it.

Thanks!