Oilcan and parts from Pitbull

[DJP]

Earlier this year when Pitbull guitars were still awaiting deliveries I was wondering what to try to make next. Around the same time I went to see Samantha Fish and was totally blown away by her oilcan guitar. Like a mug I thought " hmm... how hard could it be ?"
Actually - a lot harder than I imagined. But I bought a load of harware parts from Pitbull together with a neck, purchased a big can of castrol vintage motot oil and gave it a go. It has turned out to be a great learning exercise with lots of challenges, a few mistakes and a bit of luck along the way...plus a lot of fun. I've got to the point where I need to wire the electronics. Whilst not a Pitbull build sensu stricto - they were the source of about 90% of the components so I thought why not share some pics (now I think might actually work !).

[DJP]

Starting point

[DJP]

Got a neck too...

[DJP]

Started with shaping the neck

[DJP]

Next needed to work out how to fix neck to a "body" which would be inside the can. Didn't have an existing body to cut up - but found a u-tube video where a chap attached a piece of wood to the top of the neck - which was then inserted through the length of the can and used to attach the neck to a wooden top-piece in the can. Seemed a good idea so sketched out a plan and bought a piece of hardwood for the neck attachment. Found some scrap pine for the top. (Later was to find out I got lucky with purchase as they put the fretboard at exactly the right height above oilcan body). Needed to try to make the heel of the neck look tidy though - which was a lot of sanding.

[DJP]

Next purchased a dremel and carefully cut bottom off can.
Seems ok. Also cut off the handle of can, and carefully cut hole for neck having marked up the can.

[DJP]

Fits snugly.

[DJP]

Having cut top to fit in can - realised that whilst top is ok - need to go back to drawing board. The neck and attachments are great and seem strong - the sides / bsck of can are "flimsy" and have no strength. So used plywood to make a supporting frame for ends of can and sides - but with back of can free.

It is a bit makeshift but fits in snuggly and has a base-plate
that I can refix the metal base of the can to and fit with "feet" and a strap screw. I also cut some sound holes in side of it - just guessing they may be useful tho.

[DJP]

Attached neck.

[DJP]

Measured and marked pick up locations and control pane location.