Custom joystick ball-top replacement handles

[MrToasty]

I may not be the first, but I've found a guy through Ebay who is selling custom made replacement handles for Wico joysticks.  He makes a 4" version (1/2" longer than original, like Robotron?) with seamless polished ball-tops.  He also makes reproduction handles for Joust and Bubbles.  I've talked with him through email and he can make any color to order in long and short (except for long red, he sells them to Arcadeshop in bulk).  He also offers a price break for larger orders if people here were interested in pooling an order.  Here are a few of his ebay auctions (I just bought the green ones)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=717754846
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=718443828
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=718441254
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=719935657

Now, not to step on anyone's toes, especially not Oscar's, the guy told me today that he is planning on offering ball-top replacements for Happs soon as well.

Just to clarify, I am not the seller and I am in no way affiliated with him.  I just thought this was information that everyone here might like to have.

[Grasshopper]

That's very interesting. I'm not buying anything just yet, and in any case I'm waiting to see what Oscar comes up with. However, I'm definitely making a note of this guy's email address for the future.

I'm wondering whether you can answer a few questions.

Firstly, Are the joysticks as good as described? They look fantastic from the photos. I've got some genuine Wico handles (not the colours I wanted unfortunately) and I've been a little disappointed by the build quality. They are fairly scratched and the injection point of the mould is very obvious.

Also do you know whether the guy sells outside of ebay, and if so how much the handles cost? The ebay prices are all over the place.

Thanks in advance.

[MrToasty]

I'm wondering whether you can answer a few questions.

Firstly, Are the joysticks as good as described? They look fantastic from the photos. I've got some genuine Wico handles (not the colours I wanted unfortunately) and I've been a little disappointed by the build quality. They are fairly scratched and the injection point of the mould is very obvious.

I haven't received them yet, so I can't comment on the quality until then.  I'm in the same boat as you with the handles I currently have - they're rather dull and don't look like they were made with much care.  These new ones shouldn't even have a seam on them.

Also do you know whether the guy sells outside of ebay, and if so how much the handles cost? The ebay prices are all over the place.

He does sell outside ebay.  You just have to contact him and let him know what you want.  I haven't asked how much just a pair would run, but he did give me a breakdown for bulk ordering:
10 units = 7.50 each
25=  7.00
75=  6.75
100=6.50
500= 5.00
Not sure if 'units' are individual sticks or a pair.

I'll post more info as I get it as well as my impressions of the sticks when they arrive.

[OSCAR]

Thanks for posting this info.  While these Wico style shafts are a MUCH simpler & cheaper design than what I'm looking at, it gives me an idea of where I need to be.

[MrToasty]

Definitely something for you to shoot for Oscar.  I love the look of your new spinners and if you can get something this good or better for the Supers then I'll be getting those as well.  Are you still contemplating the screw-on ball tops?

[Chris]

Ooh... OSCAR, I'd love to see a hollow joy handle with a threaded top that can take a screw-on ball, bat, button-top bat, or trigger-stick handle. The tricky part would be making the connecter at the top of the shaft automatically engage the button or trigger wiring....

[MrToasty]

Just an update.  I received my sticks today and they look very nice.  The color is nicely saturated and the balls are well polished.  They're a little heavier than the sticks they are replacing and should stand up to a beating.  No flaws that I can see and no seams, as advertised.

By the way, if you're looking for replacement Joust handles, he has a pair up for sale with the Buy It Now price set at $1.00 with free shipping if you use paypal:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=722278500

Not sure if that price is a mistake or not.  Good deal for somebody.

Edit:  Looks like he got rid of the Buy It Now.

[BombProofPlane]

do those replacement wicos fit on supers?

[MrToasty]

do those replacement wicos fit on supers?

Nope, they don't fit.

[MrToasty]

Looks like he is now selling any color you want through ebay with price breaks for 2-4 sticks:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=727307993

[Kitbasher]

Is the diameter of the shaft larger than the shaft on a super or smaller?  If its larger and the handle shaft is long enough I could have my brother-in-law throw it on a lathe and turn it down to fit a super's base.  But if it

[mikenotbob]

I couldn't see any problem in manufacturing a similar stick to fit the super, if he is already making them from scratch.  The only problem, I believe, is that the super needs that black plastic sleeve to keep the stick together.  Maybe some type of silver tubing would do?

[MrToasty]

Is the diameter of the shaft larger than the shaft on a super or smaller?  If its larger and the handle shaft is long enough I could have my brother-in-law throw it on a lathe and turn it down to fit a super's base.  But if it

[Grasshopper]

Just an update.  I received my sticks today and they look very nice.  The color is nicely saturated and the balls are well polished.  They're a little heavier than the sticks they are replacing and should stand up to a beating.  No flaws that I can see and no seams, as advertised.

I forgot to ask, do the handles have a mark where the injection point of the mould is? Each of my Wicos has a very prominent injection mark.

Also do you know whether this guy has a website?

Thanks in advance.

[MrToasty]

No injection marks, balls are completely smooth.  He doesn't have a site up AFAIK.  

I just looked him up on ebay again and he's now selling replacements for Sinistar 49-ways as well.  I hope this means he will set up a site in the near future to sell his wares, or at least start making replacements for the Supers.