4001 overhaul, what should I leave on?

[gibsonlp]

Hi guys,
It's very hard to intonate my 1972 4001 and I am sick and tired from having "almost perfect pitch" notes every time I playing an unopen string, the problem is that my saddles are too deep and taking them all the way back doesn't help.
I purchased a new bridge and saddles but it won't fit, the old bridge is smaller and the new one is much too big, the only option I have is to mod the modern saddles and make them fit. I am going to take it to our mechanical engineers at work so they'll help me mod it.
Since I need to strip down my bass for a while I decided to treat it so I am going to remove everything I can and leave only the naked wood for a lengthy scratch-X + zymol treatment and chrome polishing.
My questions:
1. How safe is it to disassemble the tailpiece (3 screws vintage tailpiece) and the grovers? I don't wish to harm my bass.
2. Any good (and safe) polish materials for the metal hardware?

Any other tips before I am continuing my task?

Thanks!

[gibsonlp]

Just found out that I need to solder out the bridge pickup to get it out
I guess I'll just leave everything there and clean around it...

[jps]

No issues with taking the tailpiece and/or the bridge apart. The new bridge you have should have a longer slots for greater range of intonation adjustment. I just sold John Allgaier a '73ish tailpiece that would work with the new bridge you have, but you would have to drill two holes for the extra two mount screws, just something to consider as you will be seeing John when you come in next month or so.

[antipodean]

Gil,

Sydney luthier and all-round good guy Frank Grubisa has said he can mill up some new aluminum saddles for my '73 aluminium tailpiece. Would this be of interest to you? It may help your intonation problem and keep the bass closer to stock than changing out the tailpiece.

[gibsonlp]

Thanks guys,
Jeff: I have no intention of changing my tailpiece, my original tailpiece is in great shape. I rather find a way to fix my saddles.
Evan: Thanks, that's exactly what I am going to try and do with my friends at work, they will probably fill the existing hole and re-drill it in the "vintage" position. I'll tell you if it doesn't work and perhaps Frank could help me.

Thanks again.