There is always a question about a non working clock and how to repair it. The hardest part of the job would be the gauge bezel removal. At that point you could decide which way you want to proceed. Many people choose to replace their original with a new quartz version. The main reason your clock stops running is due to a worn out set of points; similar to the points in a distributor. These points make contact and wind up the clock for a short period of time.
After cleaning the mechanism, I found that soldering new contacts on the points and filing them down will get the clock working again. You will want to bench test your repair, running off a 12V battery, for a few days before replacing and installing your bezel. If you want to repair yours, here are a number of pictures showing that process.

 

WOW Toylman! Thanks for the pictures! Having already done this, I can attest that if you follow the pictures, you will be able to repair the clock. What did you use for the contact material? Did you simply place a glob of solder on the contact and file that down? Mine were in worse shape than yours when I attempted the repair.

 

My first attempt was to cut a thin slice off a machine screw the same diameter of the point and solder it on. That took to much effort so I simply soldered a ball of the solder on the points and ground them flat.

 

Nice write-up and great visuals.

I would only add: If the contact points don't look worn out, it would be much easier to fold over a piece of 800 grit wet/dry paper and pull it thru those contacts once they are together. This will clean off any burnt/carbon deposits on the contact points which COULD BE preventing adequate current from resetting the clock spring. Once cleaned, you need to put some dielectric grease on the contact points to prevent arcing/burning of the points during future operation.

If the clock is operational, you can manually reset the movable contact....which will wind the clock....and the clock should run for about 2 minutes. When the contacts come together, the clock will stop. When energized, those contacts will pass current thru to the solenoid to reset that movable contact and the cycle starts over again.

If the clock will NOT start on its own when you reset the contact arm, then it will not function properly even if you correct any problem with the contacts. To resolve this, you might be able to very lightly lube all gear spindles and pivot points with a 'dot' of watch oil. Otherwise, take it to a watch repair shop (are there any left?) or just replace it with a quartz movement or entire clock assembly.

P.S. Mine has not worked for a 3-4 years, but I had no need to delve into the 'black hole of doom' for any other reason. Well, I just changed dash lamps and checked out the clock. I had rebuilt it 10 years ago (NOT a quartz movement...lesson learned). I found the contact points to be a bit burned; but the mechanism was sticky to the point that the balance wheel would not start on its own. Lightly lubed everything and it started working perfectly. Cleaned points, added dielectric grease, and reinstalled it....because I couldn't justify replacing a working clock.

 

I agree to just sand the points if they still have some "body" to them. Also, for lubrication, I spray and then blow the lube off. I figure that there will be enough left, but not enough to attract dust/dirt.

 

toylman.......thanks for the great pics!