Old leaf stick refurb question

[EggZilla]

Okay, fellas. I could use some of your experience here.

I've got an old control panel--very old, actually--and it happens to have what appears to be a four-way leaf switch stick on it that I'd like to put into my panel (don't know if it's Wico, but it's as close as I can get).

The trouble is, the centering gromit (sp?) is a rubber disc with a metal sleeve in the center. Which has unfortunately rusted completely onto the joystick handle.

I can't seem to get the two pieces apart. I've tapped it with a hammer and screwdriver from every possible angle, and it gets nightly baths with WD-40 in hopes that somehow it will seep into the cracks. But so far, no go.

Any advice?

[Searcher7]

Okay, fellas. I could use some of your experience here.

I've got an old control panel--very old, actually--and it happens to have what appears to be a four-way leaf switch stick on it that I'd like to put into my panel (don't know if it's Wico, but it's as close as I can get).

The trouble is, the centering gromit (sp?) is a rubber disc with a metal sleeve in the center. Which has unfortunately rusted completely onto the joystick handle.

I can't seem to get the two pieces apart. I've tapped it with a hammer and screwdriver from every possible angle, and it gets nightly baths with WD-40 in hopes that somehow it will seep into the cracks. But so far, no go.

Any advice?

Soak the grommet in coke overnight.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York

[paigeoliver]

That is a Wico allright. But it looks like an 8-way to me. I believe the 4-ways had grey bases and the 8-ways had black.

That is the EXACT joystick that I recommend that everyone get. I have many of them, and they ROCK!

[EggZilla]

Hmmm. Coke. Great idea! I never touch the stuff myself, ever since the time I saw it spilled on a rusty car hood--the rust began to bubble. I should have thought of it. Thanks Searcher7.

Actually paigeoliver, you were one of the guys who helped convince me to dig one up. Of course, if this Coke thing doesn't work, you'll be the reason I'm cursing a blue streak and kicking the neighbor's dog, but that's just the way of things, I suppose.

Just kidding about the dog, by the way.