Strat - Floyd Rose - Fat Strat - Some Questions

[jgmedanth]

Hey all,
I have a few questions re: Floyd Rose trems and strats. I would like to get a Squier or a used MIM strat and put of Floyd Rose on it (not sure if I want to pay the $500 for the Fender Floyd Rose/Fat Strat). Specifically, I was thinking of the Guitar Fetish Floyd Rose trems - I think they're around $65.
Black Floyd Rose "Fastloader" Locking Tremolo System
Can you just swap out the old trem for a Floyd on these models?
What is the issue with the locking nut? Do I need a new nut and/or neck then?
Another question I have is whether Fender makes a Squier Fat Strat? Just looking for a Fender that is slightly inexpensive and has the hum in the bridge.
Any assistance would be appreciated!
Thanks!

[too-many-strats]

I'm currently re-doing a Fat Strat myself. Bought it used & it had the old style FR. Bought a used Fender locking trem & am going to have to redrill the holse for the new posts.
For most conversions, you have to take the stock trem off it. The next step is to ACCURATELY mark & drill the holes for the 2 bridge posts. Have seen my fair share of screwed up Strats from some guys who "knew what they were doing". In my opinion, the locking top nut is a option. I have them both ways (even have one with the Fender LSR top nut).
It's going to be a hard, long haul but you'll have an axe you can be proud of for years to come if you pull it off (AND you can).

If you need any further help/opinions give me a shout. The email is:

gorey_one@hotmail.com

[jgmedanth]

Thanks for the tips. Looks like I will need to mark and measure where the Floyd Trem bridge posts go...so, what you're saying is that you don't need the locking nut? I could just use a stock nut or the Fender LSR top nut?
That sounds like a slightly easier mod, then.
Thanks, I'll holler at ya if I need more direction. This is more of a dream project currently. It will have to wait until I get some real $$.
Yeah, I'd rather do it myself then just go buy a Floyd Fat Strat...then I can get it the way I want. Here is what inspired me to think about doing it.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0367IUSue5s
Alex Lifeson used a custom Strat/Floyd Rose during my favorite period of Rush's music. This video of Limelight really shows his use of the trem. Mmm..also had a strat with a Floyd and humbucker many years ago...as with all the guitars I've sold over the years...wish I still had it!!!

[aznrambo481]

I'm really sure that the FR is NOT a drop-in replacement for any fender stock bridge. You will need to rerout the whole cavity and redrill the mounting holes. A locking nut is not required, but helps to maintain tuning balance (hence the advantageous nature of the double-locking trem).