So I just did an easy little mod on my own yellow-and-black PS1 Namco stick (pictured on previous page) and I wanted to make sure that the other novices among us were aware this could be done...
I've used this stick a whole bunch over the years, and over time, the lever became very loose, creating a huge dead zone. I opened it up today only to find that the design of the lever--obviously made by Hori--is identical to what they're still using in the newer models in the low-cost Fighting Stick line.
I just swapped the entire lever assembly--while keeping the original Omron microswitches--with one from a stock, lightly-used Fighting Stick 3. No soldering, 10 minutes, and it feels like a brand new stick. Heck, because of the superior microswitches, it feels better than it did in the original FS3. I love it. So, if yours has loosened up over the years, consider giving this a shot...
...so now I find myself actually wanting a spare Hori lever from a Fighting Stick, to replace the one I used. Anybody have one that's just lying around, perhaps from a mod project? Name your price.
Also, I've got two entire sets of MadCatz parts--one from a TvC stick, one from a 360 WWE BrawlStick--never used. A lever and 8 30mm snap-in buttons... the best knockoff Sanwa parts that MC has produced up until now. Anyone want to take them off my hands? $25 shipped for both sets sound fair? Or I'd trade them for Hori FS parts =)