Could I cram a 2 1/2" Trackball in here?

[mtd]

For those with 2 1/2" Imperial/Wico/Happs trackballs, could I make modifications to the casing that would allow me to fit the 4"x4" casing into a space that is about 3 1/2 x 4"?  or should I just put a spinner in there and be happy with it?

I'm working with a Japanese style sit-down cabinet and would really like to put a trackball on here, but I think that the only way that I will be able to do this is with a modular piece that replaces the player 2 controls all together.  It was originally a street fighter 2, so I have 2 joysticks and 6 buttons.  There is decent room in between the joysticks and buttons for a trackball, but the supports of the metal control panel are not as forgiving.  

[Chris]

Although it's probably not the answer you're looking for, a hackd PC trackball would probably have a better chance of fitting in the available space...

[ophtho]

For those with 2 1/2" Imperial/Wico/Happs trackballs, could I make modifications to the casing that would allow me to fit the 4"x4" casing into a space that is about 3 1/2 x 4"?  or should I just put a spinner in there and be happy with it?

I'm working with a Japanese style sit-down cabinet and would really like to put a trackball on here, but I think that the only way that I will be able to do this is with a modular piece that replaces the player 2 controls all together.  It was originally a street fighter 2, so I have 2 joysticks and 6 buttons.  There is decent room in between the joysticks and buttons for a trackball, but the supports of the metal control panel are not as forgiving.  

I have a Japanese sit down cab too (Sega New Astro City) and I was able to get an Imperial 2 1/2" in. However in my other cab (Jaleco Pony IV) it would never fit so I went with a hacked PC trackball. For the Astro City cab I was forced to take the top of the casing off to get it to fit (the top black plastic piece. You can still use the Happs trackball mount if you take the top of the casing off. Don't know if that helps, but might buy you a little room.

[mtd]

Optho - I have the older version of your sega cabinet.  Could you measure your control panel for me?  I am guessing that you might have an inch or two on me.