Always been curious about these as I lusted after Rics, saving up to buy a 4003 in Jetglo (my dream bass) and then was massively disappointed. Didn't want to take the iron work off as that's part of the look and the less said about the bridge the better (YMMV of course). These basses seem to be the answer to most of my Ric issues.
Karl can I come round and stroke it gently (that's the bass btw, not your genitalia).