Re: Doing some research on a MIJ Strat. (Circa late '80's)
Cool guitar! I am a semi-aficionado of the Fuji-Gen Fenders, especially the "vintage" models. My first electric was an '85 1950's style, and I have owned around a dozen MIJ/CIJ Fenders over the past 25 years. (I still have three: my first one, a '94 1950's style, and an Aerodyne Tele.) There were indeed hardtail models made. I love that guitar. Please contact me if your friend ever wants to sell or trade it. It'd be nice to have any and all original parts that he still has, but I'd buy it as you have shown it too. Thanks.
P.S. Has the body been "fake aged?"