71frameoff

I would like to have my clock rebuilt. has anyone used "The clock works"? or is there someone you can recommend. I connected it to 12v and it wound and ran for 7 seconds, if i gently tap it then it will run for another few seconds. I don't think it is a lost cause, just needs cleaned and oiled.

mikem350

No oil, clean the contacts inside. Search for details!

7T1vette

Don't waste your time. Been there....done that. The original Borg clock is a nifty device; but "reliability" is NOT it's strong suit. Fix it and it will fail again within 5 years (usually much less).

Buy a clone clock with a quartz movement...or replace the gearset in your clock with a quartz movement. In the long run, you will be glad you did.

Or, you could just convert that gauge location to something else: vacuum gauge, A/F meter, oil temp, whatever. Hey, you already have 'quartz' on your wrist and a cell phone with accurate time!

Haggisbash

My clock is now oil temp. I fitted a new original style internal mechanism to the clock and bench tested it for a week and it was fine, installed it in the car and it lasted about a week, contacts stuck and burnt out the coil.

Alan 71

Hi 71f,
I used Corvette Specialties of Md West.
It's still working fine after 10 years.
Not cheap.
Regards,
Alan

(760) 568-6450

Don Rickles

CS W, Great reputation and very knowledgeable!

I'll repeat a notation from the owner's manual Maintenance Schedule that says to have the clocks serviced annually, for lubrication and cleaning. Following this, will increase the lifespan of the original clocks.

71frameoff

Thanks to all. about a 50/50 split on what to do. I need to think about this, but thanks.

71frameoff

is there a way to take it apart to clean and oil it? I have seen clock oil on the internet.

Alan 71

Hi 71,
I've not taken one apart but since they can be repaired they certainly come apart.
I think the problem that plagues the clocks is their electrical system employs a set of points to 'wind' the clock every so often. As time goes by these points can 'weld' together.
Regards,
Alan

71frameoff

I have heard that all you have to do is file the points, blow the dust out and use a small amount of clock oil on it. I guess the big question is how to open it up without destroying it. Maybe just send it in every so often.
Thanks,

Hammerhead Fred

Pretty simple to disassemble and filing the points does work and is USUALLY the issue. NEVER use oil in clockworks - it attracts dust and dust is your enemy. Clean it with a dry Q-tip and test it - easy to test on a bench. Sometimes the spring is broken - can be replaced if you can find something comparable - ball point pen spring is very similar.

The quartz units are very nice.

Hammerhead Fred

I've never seen this in the 71 owner's manual.
Where specifically can this be found?

havesometo

This will show you how to take them apart and clean them. I did mine and it only lasted about a year.

http://www.pcfred.com/Vettetip/FixC3Clock.htm

A lot of people have done this to their clocks. You can buy them from Wilcox Corvette

68/70Vette

I'd put a little micro switch in series with the clock. This way in storage, you could turn off the clock and it wouldn't run down the battery. Hide the little switch so it's not seen.

thatcorvetteguy

I fixed my clocks points then I added a resistor to it to minimize spark arcing.

71frameoff

great idea, what value resistor

7T1vette

It would be better with a little capacitor (similar to the 'pop' filters for the Delco radio).

The points inside the Borg clock can get 'dirty' and unable to draw current necessary to fire the 'rewind' solenoid. BUT, the contact arm can also fail from structural fatigue. Cleaning won't cure that.

How does one service that clock "annually"? By removing the gauge cluster every year to put a drop of oil on it? I DON'T THINK SO!!

The only thing the quartz clock will do is keep the correct time and NOT FAIL. The second hand will 'bump' every second, instead of every 1/2 second. That's the only visible difference in the quartz movement replacement.

Quartz is a 'no brainer' on this one. Mine has been re-failed (if Obama can make up words, so can I ) for several years...but I'm not opening up the gauge cluster until something important needs to be done. Then, I'll convert to quartz.

Red Vert 02

If you want to fix it yourself Google pcfred.com and go to Corvette Tech Tips. He shows how to disassemble and repair the clock. If you use a battery cut off switch and kill the power whenever the car is not being driven the clock will last for many years.

c2427

I used Clock Works for my 69Z28. They did a great job. Their work seemed very reasonable too.

Hammerhead Fred

Beuler? Beuler?

I guess we'll never know...