How to Replace Stratocaster Pickup Covers and Install Fender Accessory Kit

Fender offers many different options for pickguards, knobs, pickup covers and accessory kits in a variety of colors.  If you want to replace any damaged or worn out parts, or just change to a new color, this great video from Fender goes over the steps to swap out your parts.  As a handy reference we've listed the steps in order below.  Here's the video:

HOW TO INSTALL FENDER ACCESSORY KIT - CHECKLIST

1. Remove strings

2. Remove the knobs while the pickguard is still locked down.  Tip: they knobs won't come off just by using your hands so use a thin cloth or a rag that you can wrap under and around the knobs

3. Pull off the switch tip then

4. Unscrew the pickguard screws and store them so they won't be lost

5. Lift up the pickguard up and look at the backside.   Make a note of how everything is positioned and try not to touch or move any of the wires.

6. Lay down a cloth on the face of the guitar so that the pickguard can sit on the cloth without damage.  Do these next steps with the pickguard resting flat

7. Choose a pickup to work on first.  Loosen or back-off each screw until the pickup is free while you keep one hand underneath to catch the rubber tubing or spring spacers.  Set them aside for now and repeat for the next two pickups

8. For the potentiometers, unscrew the top nut and again keep one hand underneath to catch any of the washers that might be on the pot.  Remove all three pots being sure to save all hardware.

9. Remove the two screws that are holding the switch to the pickguard. 

10. The pickguard should now lift up freely while the electronics remain in place.  Set aside the rubber tubing from the switch screws for use later.

11. Gently lift off the pickup covers being replaced and put on the new ones. 

12. Insert all of the pickup screws into the pickguard and replace the rubber tubing or spacers on each screw. 

13. Lay the new pickguard on the body and attach the three pickups. The correct pickup height later can be adjusted later. 

14. Install the pots next, taking care to replace the washers and hardware as they were when removed.  Replace the nuts and lock down the pots in the same positions as before.

15. Install the switch and lock it down.  Press on the new switch tip. 

16. Before attaching the new plastic knobs make sure the pots are all maxed out (full clockwise) for proper alignment of the numbers on the knobs.  For the first volume knob, closest to the bridge pickup, align the number "10" with the pickup height screw that is closest to it, and then press down.  The next knob in line is the Tone knob and align it so that the word "Tone" is in the same direction (parallel) as the word "Volume" on the first knob.  Do likewise for the last volume knob.

17. Position the loaded pick guard over the body and make sure all wires go back into the cavities of the body and don't get crimped or pinched between the pickguard and body.  If everything is lined up correctly it'll go right into place.  Take it slow, don't force anything you'll get it.

18. Now that everything is in place screw down the pickguard and remove the plastic protective layer if it has one. 

19. To install the back plate turn the guitar over and remove the six screws, replace with the new plate, and reinstall the screws. 

20. Test everything out and enjoy the new look!