Possible to whiten 5200 Trackball ? Worthwhile?

[MaximumRD 3,219]

Is the ball in these typically that yellowish color when new? After seeing images in some recent topics I decided to dig mine out of storage, forgot what great condition mine was in and about the only thing I have that also still has the clear plastic on the aluminum strip (MUST RESIST REMOVING 😛) I really need to try this accessory more as it seems to be in excellent shape however, I noticed like many pictured the ball seems discolored yellowish, looking up images online it seems it WAS originally white? If it should be white might look into brightening or SHOULD I BOTHER? Is it more trouble than it is worth? I only lightly tested it upon receiving the 5200 / games etc in a lot years ago. I should do more testing and also maybe give it some maintenance if required. ANY GOOD TUTORIALS or videos on that? Also, I may have posted similar at one time but my memory is not getting any better 😛 Still, thanks in advance for any / all replies....

 

[chas10e 1,075]

I don't think anyone had any success in removing the yellow hue. I had read the size is the same as a pool ball , but some cue balls are slightly larger for the ball return , not sure what size snooker balls are or boccie balls.

I like the yellow hue on mine , gives it that aged look :)

[RickR 14,169]

Test it out.  If everything works, I would not touch it. 

The 5200 was designed well.  It doesn't break like the joysticks do.  No lousy plastic membrane for the buttons for example.  The only thing I've seen go wrong is rust on the inside.  If that happens, you have to carefully brillo-pad the rust off, then lubricate everything.  But if you keep it stored in a dry place (and it looks like you do by the condition of the outside), I'll bet it works perfectly. 

 

[chas10e 1,075]

Just found this:

https://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=726298#p726298

from what I understand the developer can still be contacted for support but I haven't found it yet.

[Scott Stilphen 517]

Atari's were never white, they were always an off-yellow.

[Atari 5200 Guy 4,169]

Those trakballs are your standard cue ball from a billiard ball set.  Yours has yellowed from age and trying to use chemicals on it can cause it to yellow even more.  It is made of ivory and of the same quality Atari used in their arcade trakball designs.  That controller is one of my favorites to use with the 5200 system.  It's a solid design.  As long as it works I wouldn't mess with it.  But...if the yellow ball bothers you buy a new cue ball from a store, pop the top off, remove old ball, put new ball in, put the top back on.  Yes, it really is that simple and I've done it in the past.

[chas10e 1,075]

another solution .....

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