I removed the MIM and MZ serial number from the back of the headstock last night. The guy on ebay that sells the rereliced road worn guitars told me how, using only fine grade sandpaper (300) and 600 wet sand paper to only go thru the laquer over the S/n sticker and the the sticker. leaving the headstock laquer virtually untouched.... afterall the s/n is on the neck heel anyway, so no real harm....