The match /alternating mini stepper in the back box of my Space Mission needs a rebuild. The plate and and the 'C' shaped pushing piece are gone {C&D in diagram}.

Pecos once stated:

and Rolf_Martin_062 once provided this diagram in another discussion.

Pre-Photos taken - any tips/techniques before I dive in??

--Thanks

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Thanks currieddog - that was the exact response I expected based on Peco's foreboding comment.

I have been looking for a while but even when machines that have this unit are parted out these seem to be gone already. I was able to find a used plate w the nylon c gizzmo so I need to at least try. As the unit is non op now , I can't make things worse ((well - I could )) is how I am thinking.

Can't be any worse than looking into the Total Perspective Vortex now can it?

Yep ArgosySK - that is the part I did get and soon to install. Just by looking at it one can see it is going to be finicky! Was hoping a 'pinball whisperer' might weigh in with magical tips before I do open heart surgery. Was gonna tackle it tonight but just was reminded I am away north all of tomorrow so now a Wednesday task.

Have it. In hand. Not a part concern - it be the task!

Pecos, currieddog and some suggest looking for the entire mini-stepper as once you tear into it getting back together and working just so is a PIA.

In the past year I have asked about an entire unit and never found one for sale. Reached out to Skip - toomanypins - a while back and his advise was to find a parts head with one still in it. Still looking. Saw the plate & pusher piece a while back online and purchased. Just made room for another machine and the Space Mission came out of storage and this steeper is the only thing left to fix - plays without it but I have to leave it set so the lanes stay lit.

Like fiddling with a Gott Ax relay - something I would rather avoid - and this seems way finickier with the number of moving parts that need to be oh-so-just-right.

So here to report success! Even if I had the third arm of my namesake, it would not be enough to hold, fit, rotate, slide and squeeze all the places and parts one needs to do at once. With three arms you could hold everything but reaching for the screw and driver is the issue. Used a hemostat as an apendage - clamp and more.

Prior to assembly, I adjusted the switch and brass brake in a practice assembly run. I made sure the axle turned with as little resistance as I could - making sure the spacer wasn't too tight or the discs alligned parallel. I was careful during the process not to bend the contacts/wipers on the discs fearing it could effect rotational force.

Fourth try, excessive language and a compact with the devil - when I'm done with it, it's Satin's machine, ass on the glass . But I think I came out ahead in the deal - Space Mission, mini-steppeer and all at 100%.

Cheers

Tom