ok so i'm looking to fix up a cheap stratocaster for me to use while i'm in college but i have come across a small problem, i bought a new strat pickguard but the holes on the pickguard don't seem to match the holes on the body... which leads me to my question is it possible for me to drill screwholes on the guitar body without ruining the finish?

Yes, as long as you're steady with the drill. A drill press would be best but you can do it easily enough with a hand drill.
Tap a guide hole for the bit with a nail or punch first so the bit won't walk.

_________________

Now on Facebook Too

ok will do thanks

for anyone curious i'm taking a blue imitation 99€ strat and swapping the pickguard with a black hss pickguard and the bridge single coil is gonna be swapped with a humbucker (seymour duncan jb)

Put your new pick guard on and install the screws that do line up....then use a pushpin to poke through the mis-aligned holes to made a divot in the finish....this divot will help keep your drill bit from wandering before it bites in to drill!