My clock is not working, (imagine that), anyway, has anybody got any logical suggestions ? Should I just buy another clock? Should I buy the quartz clock rebuild kit and try to fix it myself? Should I send it out and have somebody else do it? I had seen an add on ebay for a guy in Kentucky that would rebuild your clock for around $39.00. I have also been told that sometimes you can just take them out and spray WD40 on them and they will start working again. I'm not sure what the common problem is with these little boogers so any input would be helpfull. Thanks in advance...

 

Just replace the whole clock.At $134 you cant go wrong for a quartz. Wilcox sells them at a better price than I got mine for.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=6574

 

More than a few guys have removed the clock, and cleaned all the contacts with emery paper and alcohol. Seems they contacts are vert susceptible to building up a corrosion of sorts and if you can clean that off leaving bare metal contacts your clock might work again and you didn't spend any money. If it won't work after that then get a quartz replacement.

 

Rebuilding the old Borg Movement is a crap shoot. Some will work for a long time, others will last only days. I would suggest going with either a new unit, or converting your to a quartz movement. We also carry the quartz kits and the directions are real simple to install.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=2855

This way you do it one time and your done with it.

Willcox

 

If you replace the clock, put the old second hand needle on the new clock. Otherwise, you will end up with a fresh one which will not match the red indicators on your other gauges. Ask me how I know this.

 

I took the clock out of my ’69 and cleaned it using WD 40. Just take some canned air for a computer and blow all of the excess oil out of it. Then clean the contacts like DB said. Mine has been running great ever since; it’s an easy fix. If it doesn’t work all you have lost is some of your time.

 

Here are the step by step instructions to get your original clock ticking again: http://Pcfred.com/Vettetip/FixC3Clock.htm

Doesn't cost much to try - just a little of your time and it keeps your car more original.

 

this is excellent information. Thanks...Question though. If when cleaning the clock, you never touch the adjustment, why would it run faster or slower, and then need to be re-adjusted? Would it not still be set from the factory if you never touch it?

 

 

My guess is the adjustment could me disturbed while cleaning. If not disturbed it should be pretty much the same as it was when new. The internal parts wear over time so some adjustment may be necessary. I know if you take a mechanical self winding wristwatch, like a Rolex or Omega, in for cleaning the watchmaker does check and adjust the time if necessary. I think it is a function of all mechanical clocks that adjustment becomes necessary over time.

A quartz movement will always be more accurate and reliable, but is not original to your car. If that doesn't matter then just get a quartz movement, but save your old clock movement with the car, don't toss it.

 

These clocks are self adjusting. Turning the set **** counter-clockwise slows them down, clockwise speeds them up. It you set it once a day for a couple weeks it will be pretty accurate. I have repaired over 30 of these clocks and have replaced the set stem in several. Just a word of caution when you are removing the face, there are three tabs that have to be straightened in order to get it off. These tabs were only designed to be bent once so be careful and do not bend then back past 180 degrees or you run the risk of snapping them off. Like others have said, these clocks are not rocket science to repair, clean the contacts for the winding mechanism, clean it with low pressure air, lubricate and you are good for another couple years

 

Binnie is correct,

If you’re clock is running to fast, turn it back 12 hours, and if it’s running slow go forward 12 hours. After a week or so, you’ll dial it in.

Everyone here is correct in all their suggestions! The downfall is the Borg clock movement was just a really poor design.

If you are cleaning it, be careful not to knock the tick wheel crooked (off it’s stand), and if the points are burnt on the electro throw magnet, you can file the point contacts with the same file used to file an old distributor point set. You need them to be matched up (flat to each other) when you are done!

Downfalls to this unit are the points burning, the electro magnet failing to throw the winding arm forward far enough and so on. A real good cleaner for removing debris from an old unit is “Brake Cleaner”. It will evaporate quickly, and dissolve most contaminants! It will not damage the clock movement either. Keep it away from the face!

Repairs to this clock can be easy, and it may last you a long time. However, it can fail just as quickly. Like Binnie, I have repaired these units for a long time! I’ve had some run for years, and I’ve had some just dump after a few weeks. Unless you have extra parts around to fix them, Should you break off one ear on the face, do not panic! If it’s only one ear you can epoxy it to the main clock can. Doing this will make the next repair harder if one is needed!

To test your repair, before you ever put it back together put a 12 volt wire to the post and ground the unit. When you energize the clock it should make a click sound. This is the magnet throwing the winding arm and when you hear this the clock should run. Let it run through a few cycles before installing the face back on the clock housing.

If you search the archives, there is a very detailed rebuild link. I don’t have it but maybe someone can post it.

Just my personal opinion, the quartz clocks run more dependable!

Willcox Inc.

 

Unless you're an NCRS type of guy, buy a retro quartz and stick it in....

 

"Unless you're an NCRS type of guy, buy a retro quartz and stick it in..."



I had a digital clock in my new CD/Radio (and one on my wrist), so I ended up removing it altogether from console and put in a tranny temp gauge in its place!

 

For me, it's not about knowing what time it is, it's about keeping the car all original and vintage. If I can get the clock to work, no harm done, right?