Do-it-yourself quartz clock replacement advice
 

Just wondered if anyone has replaced their own broken clock movement with one of the quartz clock movements specifically designed to replace the original mechanical movement? If so, just how hard is the job. I realize I can pay someone to rebuild my clock with a quartz clock movement, but if it's not over my head, I like to do any of the repairs that I can myself. I've already got the broken clock out of the dash. Any advice would be appreciated.

I did mine and its not hard. I might have a video of how to do it. Bill

Thanks. If you can find the video and send me the link, I'd appreciate it.

Paul

Here is how its done - a later car clock but the process is the same:

I did one in my C-2 and C-3. The hardest part is getting the clock out and back in the dash. Jerry

Paul, found the video. I bought my kit directly from Instrument Services in IL. They produced the clocks for most cars back in the day, including the Corvette. I don't know if I can put their website here cause I think they need to be a sponsor but google will get you there on the first try. The usual suppliers like Ecklers and Zip all re-sell their kits, but I found buying direct from Instrument Services it was a little cheaper. I found the video and if you send me a PM with your email I will send to you. You can do the whole conversion in an hour taking your time. Its delicate work but certainly not difficult. Cheers, Bill

tick tick
 

does the quartz kit tick tick or is it a smooth sweep?

I've thought about doing this, so I tried to take my 65 clock apart and couldn't get the hand-adjustment knob (whatever it's called) off. I tried clockwise and counter-clockwise but it didn't budge. At that point, I had to many other things to do and put it aside for another time. Has anyone else had a hard time taking the knob off?

Thanks,
Dex.

There are no tik-tok quartz movements for midyears...

Frankie is correct, pretty much done the same way as the 68 and newer cars. You'll just have to count the teeth on the re-set pinion to determine black or red gears for the conversion. You'll also need to check the clutch to make sure it's not binding. Watch the video above, it's pretty easy.

Except... If you are replacing the lens... when you remove the bezel it's held in place by six rivets made into the bezel. So you separate this by using a tiny screw driver and pry the bezel off and if you are lucky you won't break all the rivets... if you do you'll need a new bezel.

The other thing is that you hold the reset shaft with set of pliers (over a rag) and then the knob itself screws off the shaft.

Willcox

That's exactly what I was going to say. Converted mine and the directions were spot on.

On my 65 the hardest thing was separating the case which is crimped together. You have to be careful prying the crimps apart for a good reassembly. I have seen clocks where the cases had to be epoxied together. replacing the movement is not hard. If a knob is stuck drip some blaster on it.

I have quartz movement but can't set hands anymore with stem is there a gear worn ? or ? thanks John

Did you use the correct gears? If you use the black when red is required you won't be able too....

Tomorrow I can post you this info......and how to calculate... but tonight.. just being honest... whiskey has taken it's toll... :) I pulled a muscle jogging and I'm not feeling so good or thinking so clear.. :thumbs:

Ernie

I replaced my original clock with a new quartz clock from Wilcox. Easy plug and play process, just take out the old one and put in the new one.

I think the clock was around $250. My 73 year old ears can’t tell if it “tic tocs” but the second hand moves in a “stop, go, stop, go” fashion like the original clock.

Steve

“I always keep some whiskey handy in case I see a snake...which I also keep handy.” ― W. C. Fields.

==============================
The OP had a caveat in his original post -- that a quartz movement be "....specifically designed to replace the original mechanical movement".

I just want to reiterate that the quartz movement will have a smooth sweep, no tik-tok and won't have the "snap" of the original clock movement every few minutes. If he's OK with that the quartz is an excellent way to go in non-judged cars...

Steve (RatDog) - Like you, I swapped in a quartz entire repro clock into my 61, unfortunately, in some cases, that's not an option.

No repro clocks for 63 and even, ratty, rebuildable cores are going in the $450-$550 range....

\

I'd better check that, I think I still have a few 63-64 cores here... ;) might come in handy to buy some more whiskey... :D

Okay...

The reset knobs had two different numbers on the spur... The only issue is that if you have a clutch that is sticking you'll have issues setting the hands. So you have to check the clutch before you install the quartz movement..

1963-1969 used a 12 tooth pinion to drive the reset, the 1970-1979 cars used a 10 tooth pinion to drive the reset.

So,

If you have
12 tooth pinion reset you use the red gears in the quartz kit 63-69
10 tooth pinion reset you use the black gears in the quartz kit. 70-79

If you use the wrong gears it won't reset.

Willcox :thumbs:

Website https://willcoxcorvette.com/
Tech Page http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/

Please bump our sale threads if you get a chance.. :)

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