Joystick Help/Painting Help

[Yoodaa]

Just a few quick questions. I am finishing my mame cabinet and wanted to know:

1. Are MCA joysticks anygood? I going to service them (new mswitches)
2. Are they 8 way?

The other 2 questions are How do i make those discs to cover the hole for the joystick? I have seen some and they look great. Can you put them on whilst leaving the joystick intact?

And can i polish the cabinet to give it a mirror finish when its painted? I am using Oil based paint. Gloss Black. Thanks.

[Apollo]

1. MCA joysticks bite big time
2. MCA's can be restricted from 8 way ( normal operation ) to 4 way and 2 way if you have the restrictor plate for the bottom..
3. Dust covers are just flat plastic so you could make some yourself.

[Yoodaa]

Why do they bite big time? I was told they are industrial qaulity, and are unbreakable. And they are Australian made  

[Apollo]

Yeah they are "industrial quality" and they are "indestructable" but to make them like that precise play, light touch etc are compromised in my opinion. They are designed to work only when really bashed, unles they are brand new and then I guess they would work ok but the very tough rubber grommet used to restrict movement really does restrict your movement.  They are generally considered the cheap nasty way to go as far as BYOAC but they have their place.

[Kremmit]

I've  got some of those, but have never hooked 'em up to try 'em out- they just came with some other stuff I bought.  I dunno about unbreakable- just wiggling them around when I got them, the did seem a little less sturdy than Happ or Wico products, and the black rubber thingie they use for resistance looks like it might break down over time.

That said, I've seen posts from people who are using them, and like 'em just fine- like this one:    http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=21506;start=msg174330#msg174330

[Yoodaa]

Thanks guys. Well i have always played on thses sticks, and I like them. With new switches, and a good greasing, I am sure they will be smooth enough.