As previously discussed in my Quicksilver build thread, I needed a set of ball guides for the game. So, I decided to make a set for myself and a couple friends. Since it turned out that a lot of people are also interested, I’m making them for the community.

Here’s what is being offered:
Metal ball guide set, consisting of two pieces (large and small). Price $65/set
Wire ball guide set, consisting of 9 pieces. Price $85/set
Eject shield bracket, one piece. Price $NA (no longer in production, unless large batch ordered)

These can be ordered in any combination. The prices do not include shipping

I have 10 complete sets finished, so these will be ready to ship late next week (I need to clean up the wire guides). If you’ve already shown interest in getting a set, no need to contact me again. I’ll be contacting everyone to confirm your request, in the order they were received.

If you don’t hear from me right away, please note that it will be approximately two-to-three weeks between batches, so you may be later on the list. I will make a set for everyone that wants one, so you won’t be left out, but it may be later when you get them.

The wire guides will be cleaned, but you may want to polish them. The metal guides and eject bracket will be left as standard stainless steel. This will allow you to finish the rails as you want (brushed, mirror, etc), or you can leave them as-is.

I’ll follow up with installation instructions, in case you need some direction.
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Here are the install instructions. I was going to print out a copy with each shipment, but figured this would be more environmentally friendly.

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Stern Quicksilver Ball Guide Installation

Thank you for purchasing a set of ball guides from me. I’ve done this to help out others that are building/restoring a QS.

Please keep in mind that many of these components are fabricated by hand and there will be some variation. Also, variation in the playfield hole location and wooden playfield rails will be present. You may need to slightly adjust some of the components to get them to mate properly in your application.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me.

Metal Ball Guide (2 pieces)
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1) For the small ball guide (with the tight bend), place the guide on the playfield lining it up with the hole locations.
2) Start at the mounting tab on the top left and insert screws. Do not fully tighten them down yet, as you may need some adjustment.
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3) Continue clockwise around the guide inserting screws, but not tightening.
4) Once all screws are in place go back to the top right mounting tab and tighten down the screws, working around the ball guide until all are tight.
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1) For the large ball guide, place the guide on the playfield, lining it up with the hole locations. Be careful not to scratch the playfield.
2) Start at the mounting tab on the left side and insert screws. Do not fully tighten them down yet, as you may need some adjustment.
3) Use a clamp at the location of the nail hole to hold the ball guide to the wooden rail.
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4) Continue clockwise around the guide inserting screws, but not tightening.
5) Once all screws are in place, use a drill to make holes in the wooden playfield rails, where the two holes in the metal ball guide are located. A 1/16” drill bit is recommended, but may vary depending on your nail or screw.
6) Attach the metal ball guide to the wooden playfield rail (using nail or screw)
7) Starting at the left mounting tab and tighten the screws down, working around the ball guide until all are tight.
IMG_0203 (resized).jpg

You will notice some white showing through at the very top center of the large rail. This is because the artwork was not extended far enough on the repro pf, unlike the original pf. If you prefer, you can add a 3/8" spacer behind the ball guide (where the nail would go) and this should take up most of the gap.

Wire Ball Guide (9 pieces)
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1) All holes for wire ball guides should be pre-drilled. IMG_0208 (resized).jpg
Use a 3/32” drill bit. Do not drill all the way through the playfield. Use a drill stop for the correct depth.IMG_0206 (resized).jpg
2) Start with the smallest guides (since they are in a non-visible spot). Align the wire guide with the two holes in the playfield, and gently push into playfield.
IMG_0209 (resized).jpg
3) Using a rubber mallet and short block of wood, place the block of wood over the guide and tap with the rubber mallet directly over the insertion point until the guide is at the correct depth.
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4) Continue placing the remaining ball guides on the playfield. As mentioned above, you may need to slightly bend the guide or the legs to get them to line up with your playfield. This can be done by hand—just be careful.
5) The two largest guides go at the top of the playfield, on each side. They are very close in size, but not exactly the same. The guide with the BLACK ZIP TIE is to be placed on the right side (just atop the shooter lane).

Eject Shield Bracket (1 piece)

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1) Place bracket on playfield, lining it up with the hole locations
2) Insert screws into hole and tighten

Got you down for a full set. I'll be in contact when they're close to shipping.

Yes, already have you down for a set (from the other thread). I think you're in the second batch to be made.

Got you down on the list.

And you’re on the list.

You have also been added to the list.

Already got you two on the list. You're on the bubble of the first batch/second batch. If a couple people back out, you'll be in the first batch.

Sheesh. Tell me about it. I figured maybe 5-10 people would want them to build their own. But, it's not a bad thing to have more Quicksilver's in the world.

Next batch is in progress. I’ve got the wire ball guides produced and will now start the metal guides.

I’ll notify the next people on the list late this week.

If you don’t get a pm from me, don’t worry, you’ll be in the batch after this one.

The list has now been increased by one.

Yes, you’re on the list and in the current batch being made.

The list will not increase, since your name is already on there. (You’re on the bubble of this batch)

You’re in this batch. I know we may combine some parts for you. So pm me, and we can sort it out.

You have now made the list.

And the list continues to grow. You have been added.

Thanks!

I have more sets ready to go, but am going to have problems shipping them out right now, due to the lock down.

I’ll be making the next batch in a couple weeks. When things are back to normal, I should be able to fill most orders.

Just finished up the next batch. I’ll be contacting people this week.

I’ve got one more batch to make, and then I’m all caught up.

I’ll probably start another guide set for a different machine soon.

Thanks for all the orders!

I've contacted the next group of people on the list.

I only have plans for one more batch at this time. If you'd like a set let me know and I can add your name.

Great! I can’t wait to see pictures of the machine when you have it finished.

Enjoy!

All requests for ball guides for QS have been fulfilled.

I still have some sets left over from the last (final?) batch, so if you're interested in building your own QS, please contact me for a set.

I have now sold the last set.

I will make more sets, but will now need a minimum amount to make it viable. This will be 10 sets (or so). So if you need a set, add your name in this thread, and once we hit the quantity, I'll start another batch.

Thanks to everyone that has ordered, and I look forward to seeing the results.

You have now made the list for the next batch. I'm thinking it will be a month, or two until I start the batch.

If anyone else wants to get on the list, please let me know.

Alright, got you down for another. I’ll be in contact when the next batch starts.

Got you added to the list Chris.

That’s now 6 names on the list, so once summer winds down, I’ll start the next batch.