Hey, Jim!

Originally Posted by: stratmanjimbo

I have the opportunity to still pay quite a bit for a 50+ year old Fender Strat that does have two downsides going for it.[/quote][p]If at all possible you should ask for an appraisal inspection, or some evidence that this is an actual 60s Stratocaster.

Originally Posted by: stratmanjimboFirst, the original hardshell case is.......missing but it has a new Fender hardshell

Not necessarily a dealbreaker. After all it's the guitar that has the most value. But vintage guitar PLUS original case always gets top dollar. This could be a negotiation point.

[quote=stratmanjimbo]... second, it's body only has been refinished. The only cool thing about this is that it was originally in this Fender factory color......and like the seller explained to me 'some idiot decided to try his hand at recoating it with spray can paint'.

That's a potential red flag. I don't know the person you are dealing with. I don't knon how well you know them.

This story could very well all be true. But I've seen sellers intentionally mislead buyers. I've seen sellers honestly unaware that they were selling an inauthentic vintage machine (or not complete authenic vintage, but saying it was). I've seen sellers & buyers both aware that the machine is not vintage, but only LOOKS vintage & was fixed or distressed as a look-a-like machine.

So, just know what you are getting into. In the end, if you like the guitar, plays well, sounds good & you can afford it, then who cares if it's authentic or not.

But if authenticity matters to you, then you should ask more proof or evidence that it is.

Gruhn guitars in Nashville does appraisals & other sites & business offer this service or info.

http://guitars.com/

Have fun, but be careful!