Ball top for a midway 49

[southpaw13]

Does anyone sell replacement ball top shafts for the midway 49 way joystick ?

Thanks,
-sp

[benll64]

Ditto. I'm looking for this too. Anyone?

[edlee]

I recently purchased two Midway 49-way joysticks with bat-shaped handles.  After I put together a prototype control panel, I didn't like the feel of the bat-shaped handles.  I went searching for a ball top replacement joystick shaft but could not find any, so I created my own by assembling parts from Lowe's hardware store and NewEgg.  From Lowe's hardware store, you can purchase two hex bolts of 5/16" diameter and 5" length for $1.04.  This bolt is smooth for most of its length and ends with a threaded portion.  You can buy two packages of Hillman nylon spacers 1/2 x .328 x 1 (outer diameter, inner diameter, length in inches) for $2.30.  Each package comes with two spacers.  You need two of these nylon spacers to replace one joystick's original upper spacer.  From NewEgg, you can purchase the black, "INNOVATIVE COMPONENTS 3GDE8 Uni Ball Knob, 1 1/4 In, 1/4, 5/16, M6, M8," for $1.41 each:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5D52R46743&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-Raw+Materials-_-9SIA5D52R46743&gclid=CPyOo8WU4cUCFQ8waQod5pwAhg&gclsrc=aw.ds

You remove the E-ring of the original joystick shaft, remove the original joystick shaft, re-use the original lower spacer.  Insert the 5/16" hex bolt from the bottom so that the threaded end is sticking out of the top.  The hex head will support the original bottom spacer.  Use two of the new Hillman nylon spacers on the top part of the bolt.  Reuse the original dust cover.  Thread the 5/16" hex bolt into the Uni Ball Knob.  One of the knobs I could thread by hand.  The other knob I had to thread with the help of a wrench to keep the hex bolt from turning.

The knobs feel a little smaller than the knobs of genuine Wico joysticks, but the overall feel is similar to the Robotron joysticks.

[edlee]

I decided to use 6 inch long 5/16 inch bolts to get added leverage to make it easier to move the joystick shafts.  I had to use an extra nylon spacer on the top.  These bolts have 18 threads per inch.  You can search for ball knobs with 5/16-18 threads on eBay.  Some chrome Camaro car shift knobs with 5/16-18 thread are currently available on eBay, but they are bigger than typical arcade joystick knobs.  I settled on using M8 thread 38mm ball knobs made of Bakelite which feel the closest to Wico joystick knobs.  The M8 threaded opening is a tight fit on the 5/16-18 threaded bolts.

[RandyT]

Don't know how I missed this thread

I have some stainless shafts for the HAPP version, with the larger grommet hole.  It has a 1/4-20 thread for the knob, for which we can make Hand-Candy balltops to fit.  The shaft is a little narrower than some, but they look nice.

I also have stainless shafts for the 1/4" grommet hole version (the original Midway version), but these are more costly.  Thicker shaft and include an upgraded custom actuator part.  Also 1/4-20 threads for the knob.

I recommend replacing the grommet on the HAPP version, regardless of the type of shaft you want to use.  It makes a big difference.

Email me with what you are looking for, and I can work out the best approach and what it will cost.