I have a 57 hot rod strat and a 62 hot rod strat and just realized that the logo on the headstocks are not underneath the lacquer, but that it is just stickers. Didn't know this and it was a little shocker. What happens if they fall off? Can you buy new ones? I can imagine that will be difficult. Is that the way it was on the original vintage guitars?
If so, I think the vast majority of buyers wouldn't mind a change in that practice. The same with the seriel no. on the backplate. To varify the authenticity it would be much better with the seriel no. underneath the lacquer. Maybe it has something to do wtih the fact that it is a nitro finish?

So, is it possible, if needed, to get hold of original logos for the hot rods?

Yes, it is possible. See link,
http://www.fender.com/support/faqs.php#q9

Yes the logos were applied over the lacquer back in the day. Same goes for the vintage reissues as you personally know.

And they are not "stickers" that you just peel and stick. They are decals and take some finesse to apply.

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

Ok. If they are the same as on the vintage guitars I guess I don't have to worry they will fall of. Can't really remember seing a Fender without one no matter how old it is.
But if you stick you nails on the edges of it, it doesen't seem very lasting. But, enough worrying, more playing!

They won't fall off but you can scratch peices off them, my guitar says Fen ler. They're no different then the waterslide decals the come with model airplanes.

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!