Nice idea!
You can get rid of much of the fender pick guard, just leaving enough to mount the electronics. You can even leave the hole where the pickups go exposed, to show more of the finish and stripes…
I’d consider replacing the machine heads, I’ve had much less success with the bass than guitar ones, makes sense with the tension on them I guess. The all parts ones are well priced and work, the wilkinsons the same.
I’m happy with the tonerider bass pickups I put in my last project, although I haven’t been able to use them in anger yet. I’m used to dmarzio model P.