wico balltop removal

[fdm]

Before I destory the joystick handles I have, I figured I would ask Is it possible to remove the balltops from a Wico joystick? I have 2 4" shafts with light blue tops and 2 3.5" shafts with regular blue tops. I want to use the regular blue tops but the 3.5" shafts are too short to allow me to mount the sticks from beneath the CP. So I want to switch them to the 4" shafts.

TIA,
Frank

[RayB]

Remove the "E" clip at the bottom, then slide the shaft up and out. Make sure to keep track of which way the parts go, so you don't put am back in upside-down.

[fdm]

Thanks for the quick reply. I know how to remove the shaft, I was wondering if I could remove the actual ball from the shaft. If I can't I guess my only solution is to mount the joysticks from the top sine the 3.5" shaft will not be long enough if I mount it from the bottom.

[Kremmit]

The balls are permanently attached.

[fdm]

Thanks, that's what it looked like. Just wanted to be sure.

[RayB]

Sounds like you need the "long" shafts.  (Wico's came in different heights)