Just a quick question to throw out. Is there any advantage to removing the center instrument cluster while the speedo cluster is out?
I just fixed my left turn signal (thanks to this site) and need to/want to fix my analog clock in the center cluster. Just wanted to see if I should wait to put speedo cluster back or if I can put it back and then tackle the clock. Thanks for any advice.

 

It all depends on what year model you have. It is always wise to always give your year model. In some repairs it DOES make a huge difference.

Replacing any gauge light bulbs can make it worth wile. And YES...if I have the speedo dash panel out....I would remove the center gauge cluster at that time also.

And when I put it back in...the center gauge cluster will go in AFTER the speedo dash panel.

DUB

 

I am working on a 1978 Pace Car. I thought there might be an advantage since I can see the side of the center cluster from the speedo area. Just curious. Guess it is time to order a clock then.

 

Well, I followed the advice from above and removed the center gauge instrument cluster. I removed and worked on the clock. Got it cleaned up lubed up and hooked up for a test. It ran for 4 1/2 hours and then stopped. I disconnected it and reset the correct time, reconnected it to power source and now it has been running for 1 hour. Guess I'll see if it is still running in the morning.

 

Hopefully it stays working.

If it is an original clock...and not a quartz clock...getting it cleaned correctly and when I lube it I blow it out well with compressed air so I do not have a lot of lube to cause it to bind up.

DUB

 

I would check the condition of the circuit "boards" behind both of dash pieces you have out. They only last for a certain time and start to deteriorate.

Good time to replace them and change the color of your dash lights to whatever you like red, green or blue via LED's.

I changed mine to blue and have Colbart C2 monster tach from AutoMeter that shines blue, looks really cool at night.

 

Since your car is a 1978 there is no advantage to removing the center cluster while the speedo/tach cluster is out.

I have instructions on how to remove the center cluster on my site at this link, http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/1...-installation/ (click on supporting document) You just have to scroll to the bottom of page 3 and take it from there.

The movement in your clock was made by Borg and it is a horrible design. I rebuild these units but only if the customer is 100 percent dead set on having a standard movement clock for NCRS purposes. The warranty on this rebuild is stated to be 30 days and that's it. Sometimes we'll get lucky and they will last a long time, other times they will last weeks. The design is poor and all we can work with is what we have.

The clocks have a electromagnetic solenoid inside that will allow the points to burn. You can clean up the clock, oil it with jewelers oil, file the points and still have a quick failure. Other issues would be a failing slip clutch in the unit which will cause you to eat up the gears. The old saying on this movement is not how long it will last but how quick it will fail.

If you go to the trouble of removing the clock it would be silly not to convert it to a quartz clock and then you'll have a working clock for a long time. You can purchase a quartz movement and do the job yourself by following this video.



IMHO,

Willcox

 

I sure appreciate all of the advice. What a great and helpful site! I definitely understand the advice on the clock, but I want to give it one shot just for the fun of it. I went ahead and took it to a watchmaker and he thoroughly cleaned it, oiled it, filed the points, and so far all is well. I am sure it will be the first thing I check every time I look at the car and it will be disappointing the day it quits. At least I know I can always go to quartz.

 

If the servicing on the clock was done well, it will work for about five years (+ or -). That's about how long they worked when new.

Wish you good luck with it.

 

 

Hi Ld12345,
Welcome!!
It will likely help folks with their replies if you post the year of your car.
Also a bit more information would help...
is the car new to you?
have they ever worked?
have you been working on the dash?
Regards,
Alan

 

I just replaced the original clock in my 79 vette with a quartz clock and it works fine.

 

So curious as to where you found that clock that fit exactly into the cluster

 

Easy, just search internet for 79 vette quartz clock

https://www.ebay.com/itm/374520016141

 

I was wondering how he got the tach and odometer cables detached with out ALL HELL breaking loose ????????????