1976 Corvette clock
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 110
Likes: 4
From: Northern Virginia
1976 Corvette clock
Just out of curiosity, has anyone had to put 4 clocks in their C3 Corvette? I am in the process of investigating why my 3rd clock, with the improved chipboard, quartz technology, (ZIP Corvette) part has stopped working again after driving around for about 1/2 hour... I do have the car sit for extended periods in which the power is turned off to save a battery charge loss. Could this affect how this technology performs? Maybe it needs a constant electrical supply. It seems odd that I have to install/replace a clock in my car every 3-4 years, unless this is some of the lousiest technology known. It is also undesirable to keep removing the dash, gauge cluster, console, etc, esp. since mine is installed perfectly and the constant removal will eventually yield a scratch or scar and make the interior look like ****. Maybe I should just replace the clock with a little lighted sign that says, "Time is irrelevant when you're driving this car".
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,756
Likes: 2,589
I replaced mine years ago and have had no issues. Turning the power off shouldnt do anything to the clock but you are better off with a tender. Have you checked if your alternator is putting out between 13.5 to 14.5 volts and no higher?
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Just out of curiosity, has anyone had to put 4 clocks in their C3 Corvette? I am in the process of investigating why my 3rd clock, with the improved chipboard, quartz technology, (ZIP Corvette) part has stopped working again after driving around for about 1/2 hour... I do have the car sit for extended periods in which the power is turned off to save a battery charge loss. Could this affect how this technology performs? Maybe it needs a constant electrical supply. It seems odd that I have to install/replace a clock in my car every 3-4 years, unless this is some of the lousiest technology known. It is also undesirable to keep removing the dash, gauge cluster, console, etc, esp. since mine is installed perfectly and the constant removal will eventually yield a scratch or scar and make the interior look like ****. Maybe I should just replace the clock with a little lighted sign that says, "Time is irrelevant when you're driving this car".
If you are doing a quartz conversion yourself, I always bend the grounding tab inside the clock and I also make sure the back wall where the grounding tab hits is free of paint.
Willcox
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 110
Likes: 4
From: Northern Virginia
Alternator
There is a possibility the alternator, esp. the internal regulator may play a role in this. I have an aftermarket 100amp alternator on the car to support a stereo with internal booster, halogen headlamps, hi performance (MSD) distributor & 9mm wires, etc. and it may have affected the clock, but the first 2 clocks were retired before this alt was installed... at last check, the meter was saying that this new alt was charging at 112amps, too.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,756
Likes: 2,589
112 Amps
There is a possibility the alternator, esp. the internal regulator may play a role in this. I have an aftermarket 100amp alternator on the car to support a stereo with internal booster, halogen headlamps, hi performance (MSD) distributor & 9mm wires, etc. and it may have affected the clock, but the first 2 clocks were retired before this alt was installed... at last check, the meter was saying that this new alt was charging at 112amps, too.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Unless your clock is getting an excessively high spike in voltage (unknown reason), it should not be harmed by any level of alternator output. The clock only accepts the amount of current it requires to run.
I suspect you have a grounding problem in the car (circuit board, ground wire connection, etc).
I suspect you have a grounding problem in the car (circuit board, ground wire connection, etc).
