'74 Gibson J50. multiple cracks and binding issues

[David Hardie]

I've just picked up a '74 Gibson J50 Deluxe. It's got many relatively severe cracks and issues with the binding. Some of the binding is missing and chipped. There are many many scratches n dings too.
With the cracks in the back and sides I think I've got the 411. Watching videos on Youtube, I've made the little plexiglass cubes with a tuning machine to feed a guitar string through the crack with a piece of wood, glued and then tightened with the tuner cube.
But I'm not sure how to deal with the bindings. Any advice would be appreciated. Also, these scratches, can I buff that out? Sand it down and lay on a few coats of lacquer? I've built dozens of electric guitars and always spray nitro. I've got a good spray rig. Just have never refinished an acoustic guitar........Also, as is now, it plays great. Neck reset is not needed. There's been a little movement, but not enough for a reset

[David Hardie]

I just found out this neck block may be broken. I did not realize it might be broken when I started this thread. I'm not sure If I want to go that route or pick another project. I bought this from a guy on Reverb. $400. The cracks and finish don't scare me much. The binding a little. The neck block or a neck set, I'm not sure I want to go there.
whats the neck block take to repair? Replace? What am I looking for in the sound hole? Is the broken block going to be obvious?
Appreciate ya

[Mark Swanson]

I saw that the neck block had probably broken when I saw the cracks on each side of the neck block...when that happens the block is usually cracked too. I would take the neck off and then re-glue the block, and put the neck back in. This is a "Norlin era" Gibson, not worth very much. It will be good practice for you to fix it up.

[Michael Lewis]

Usually a broken neck block is visible through the soundhole. The repair in this case is likely to be a big job, but you can do it. It looks like somebody has already been there, glue in the cracks etc. In such case I would have to assess what the job is worth to me. In your case the educational aspect can be quite valuable, but it will not be a small job.

I worked on an old D-28 with a broken neck block/neck heel, and epoxy "repair" someone did. I took the back off and replaced the neck block, repaired the heel, replaced the damaged linings, repaired loose and broken braces, attended to the various cracks, and refitted the back. Replaced the old cracked binding with new and refinished the whole thing. I usually avoid refinishing good instruments but when they have been so badly hacked I think it can't hurt. Finally reset the neck and refret. It was a big job (actually a lot of smaller jobs) but it's a great guitar today, and worth the effort.

[Greg Steil]

If this is one of those double X braced Gibsons, I would not even waste the time. Also, if it has that nightmare neck joint/block travesty, I'd hang it on the wall and leave it there. Otherwise, good practice piece.

[Mark Swanson]

I see Greg is familiar with the Norlin era Gibsons too.