I have a IA Thunder 6 string, made in 1982. Played for years, dropped on concrete Sports Hall floors, rained on at festival gigs, a bit tarnished, like its' owner, but still rock solid. They were a very well built instrument for the money with versatile sounds. The bass versions were always well regarded so I reckon you'll do OK with it. It's not actually worth a deal of money so treat it to 4 new machines is what I'd do, especially if you want to gig with it,
One of the rhythm guitar guys in E2 - maybe Alton ? - used to play skank guitar on one in the late 80's/early 90's.
The Westone forum is very good, for sure. The guitar to look out for in the junk shops/car boots is the 'superstrat' Pantera X390 which was manufactured to a high spec in very small numbers - less than 100, I believe. Anyone out there seen one ?