R & R clock?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 0
From: edmonton ab
R & R clock?
What is involved in replacing the demised clock in my 69? The CD player has one so it is really only because I hate have a guage that doesn't work. On the other hand I hate doing any kind of trim work if it can be avoided. I have seen a few threads on fixing the clock itself and that part of it looks pretty simple, but what about opening up the guage bezel? Anyone?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,113
From: Crossville TN
You can fix the clock--if you are really handy and can work in tight spaces carefully--or you can just rebuild it to "like-new" condition. First you need to remove it from the console and carefully take it apart to see what is wrong. Almost always, the contact arm (for the solenoid action rewinding mechanism) is fatigued/broken or the contact point is dirty/corroded. If it just needs cleaned, use very fine wet/dry sandpaper and an alcohol soaked Q-tip to clean/dry. If broken, you can try to solder or braze it back in place and it will probably work just fine.
If you just want to replace the mechanism, order one from ZIP Corvette Parts (on-line). They used to be about $75 and you get all the parts required plus good instructions.
Another alternative is to find an oil TEMP guage out of an '81 or '82 (they were installed when the Corvette radio changed and it had the clock in it). Some modification is required, because the location in the cluster will be different; but it would make a nice addition to yours.
If you just want to replace the mechanism, order one from ZIP Corvette Parts (on-line). They used to be about $75 and you get all the parts required plus good instructions.
Another alternative is to find an oil TEMP guage out of an '81 or '82 (they were installed when the Corvette radio changed and it had the clock in it). Some modification is required, because the location in the cluster will be different; but it would make a nice addition to yours.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I think you can fix the clock you have pretty easily. Most times they just need a little cleaning on the contacts where corrosion builds form constant contact.
If you pull the clock, find the metal to metal contacts and clean them with solvent or the small tip of a paper nail file.
Maybe that'll save you from buying a new one.
Edit: 7T1vette good job. Faster typer.
If you pull the clock, find the metal to metal contacts and clean them with solvent or the small tip of a paper nail file.
Maybe that'll save you from buying a new one.
Edit: 7T1vette good job. Faster typer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 205
From: Lewes Delaware
R&R Clock
Once you clean the electrical contacts, remember to lubricate the points where the spindles holding the gears/spring touch the case. Put some very fine oil (I use oil intended for model train locomotives - available at a good hobby shop) on the tip of a needle and touch those spots.
I did the above on my 73 clock and it has run non-stop (lost about 2 minutes) for the last 2 years, even in 18 degree temperatures.
I did the above on my 73 clock and it has run non-stop (lost about 2 minutes) for the last 2 years, even in 18 degree temperatures.
