Dating my friend's stratocaster

My friend has a beautiful sounding strat with a genuine 'road worn' appearance. He was told it was a USA made '57 reissue and thinks it is a '82 or '83 model. Serial number is V017235 but doesn't say "made in the USA" on it. If he's right, might be worth a bit, especially if cleaned up and re-painted. Checked Fender website but serial number that are V + 5 or 6 figures have several options of years made. Any way to find out without pulling it apart to check out neck butt??? Any help would really be appreciated.

Hi GJ. Here are the details for your guitar.

Just a point when searching serials make sure you put V Zero etc not VO.......I mean put a zero not an O not write zero as it could read. in other words V017235

Guitar Info
Your guitar was made at the
Fuji-gen Plant (for Fender Japan), Japan
in the Year(s): 1996 - 1997



Fuji String Instrument Production Corporation
Fuji String Instrument Production Corporation was opened in may 1960, they initially started manufacturing violins and quickly switched to classical guitar production. In 1962 electric guitar construction was started. Fujigen has a reputation for excellent quality and craftsmanship so the guitars they produce are highly regarded. They produce guitars via OEM for famous brands such as Ibanez, Epiphone, Yamaha and Fender (the import Special Interest Group nature model), G&L and others.


Regards Fenderphil