might be able to weld them up, and redrill them round-
or maybe redrill them round oversized and place a bronze bushing insert in them-
theres actuallysome awsome two parts that are well machinable also-even though i just like option a the best

would be nice to see a pic of the link wear- also hows the playfeild?

i think i'd gird my loins and call steve at pbr and see what he says...

The height offset is interesting, but given the general arrangement, I'd try a test fit of a slightly more modern Gottlieb flipper setup, with a flipper pawl and return spring that mounts on the bushing, then use the fiber board linkages. The question would be whether the EOS switch can be made to work with the pawls, but given the location of that post on the metal linkage, it might be close enough.

The offset might be countered by the stack up of the more modern setup too, such that it's not needed. Hard to say without seeing the current setup in context underneath the playfield.

Otherwise, a piece of small metal bar stock could be used to fabricate these. For the post, a spacer and screw could be used instead. Steve at PBR might have some used ones tucked away too, so it's always worth asking.

Also, you might consider posting this in the EM Hangout sub-forum (more EM folks will see it there).

Check with Pinball Resource.

I believe Tim at the Pinball Hall of Fame once said that he made his own out of the metal playfield prop rods as he also didn't believe in using them for their original purpose.
Kevin

The thing to watch with the original bushings is whether they are still providing enough clearance for the flipper on top of the playfield. When those wear down, flipper drag marks can start to appear.

I hear ya on the originality part, and that's my philosophy too. But sometimes I'll flex a bit when:

a) there aren't good alternatives
b) I can still use Gottlieb parts
c) it's reversible
d) too much risk to the original parts

In this case, you could always keep the original parts with the game so they're on hand, while you create new ones. That way even if you did end up making new links, you wouldn't need to risk the original ones with welding/drilling.

Modern replacement bushings might eliminate the height that causes the offset too (just speculating though, I've not seen the underside of one these Bank a Balls before).

Hopefully Steve has something usable though; that would be ideal.