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I have a small clock project. It began with just checking the accuracy, after that is opened it to check and clean it, and now I am searching a a source for the points.
One of my points was loose in the case, and the other looks like toast. So the idea is to install new points. Any idea for the size and source of the points?
And no, I don't want to convert to quartz, send it to a rebuilder or buy a new one.
You have the diameter of the hole where the contact is missing get yourself a 6" piece of tungsten or better yet silver tungsten, skinny wheel a short section off. Low temp silver soldier should hold in place.. It's OK if it's a little longer then a standard point contact...
I would try a local welding supply store...
Bring the clock with you and show them your idea, who knows they may just give you a stick and have the correct silver soldier...
They make these small solid aluminum rivets. Aluminum is conductive, so might work there. Cut or grind the shaft to the length you need. You could try to crimp this into place or just solder it in maybe.
Don't know the size you need, this is the smallest one I saw. Size is about 1.6mm, I assume that means the head. They come in bigger sizes; you can just search for similar ones of the size you need. There are steel ones, but they would be less conductive:
If you're handy with a soldering iron what you can do is use a soldering and soda a bead where the one side is missing and then after it cools you can file it so it matches the other side. Make sure the surface is very clean and you shouldn't have a problem.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
If you google search c3 clock repairs you will eventually find other methods...I remember one that was using an old tiny head phone jack tip as the contact. I will ook when i get home. I have some links book marked on that computer.
The idea with the rivet, I also had, but I did have concerns with the material. Yes, aluminium is a good conductor, but also very soft and has a low melting point. Silver would be the better choice for conductivity and has a higher melting point, but it is also soft. Copper rivet is also an option.
The setting instruction is perfect, but the way with the self-adjusting didn't work well on my clock; I will go with the technical way. with the oscillating spring tensioner's handle.
Last edited by jeffrey864; Dec 7, 2025 at 03:28 AM.
The idea with the rivet, I also had, but I did have concerns with the material. Yes, aluminium is a good conductor, but also very soft and has a low melting point. Silver would be the better choice for conductivity and has a higher melting point, but it is also soft. Copper rivet is also an option.
The setting instruction is perfect, but the way with the self-adjusting didn't work well on my clock; I will go with the technical way. with the oscillating spring tensioner's handle.
I wonder what the original contacts are made of. I would think the aluminum rivets would be harder metal than just making a spot with solder.
I wonder if a pair of donor contacts from a set of ignition points would work? Solder them in place? Might need to cut them down a bit but they would be very tough.
I found these on eBay pretty cheap. My clock isn't working but I haven't pulled it out yet. If it needs contacts, I'll have these on hand: Flat face, not round, so hopefully that will work.
20 NORSTAN 70049/05 Machine Composite N100/OFHC Copper Electric Contact Rivets
Aluminum is conductive so something like that might work. No one has replied here that they tried it though. The copper rivets are made to be contacts so will work for sure if they can fit in the hole.
The question is, do you find a so small pop rivet? And the other problem is you don't have a flat surface on top for a good the contact. It's a high-energy point, the contact should be strong.
The best is a round head, but a flat head will work. I can send some pictures of my rivets, which helps?
Before you go forward, check how dirty it is. If necessary, clean it CAREFULLY with ultrasonic or isopropyl. You can easily damage the balancer spring and wheel. After that, use the right oil for a clock. I also heard weapon oil is good. Use only a tiny bit oil not to much.
Currently, I have regulated the clock and found a sweet spot. The clock has plus 24 seconds per day, that's for a 50 year old cheap clock very accurate. I have luck, my balance spring is in good shape.
Corvette C3 Clock Pointer Source
