Electrical question on C2 clocks

[Larry E.]

Mine is a 1966. Is the clock "fuse protected"? If so what fuse in the fuse block covers the clock? Getting different
answers when searching this board and other boards. Thanks-Larry P.S. Just sent my clock to Instrument Services
to restore. Telling me it is a two month minimum wait.

[James G.]

Re: Electrical question on C2 clocks

I believe they are fuse protected however the fuse will not protect it from the contact points low amp arcing together as the battery in the car goes dead. Once the car battery doesn't have enough power to jump the points back apart -(auto winding the clock), the points basically burn together.
I have seen something about installing an inline holder using a very low amp quick blow fuse which will protect the clock points.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Electrical question on C2 clocks

In 1967 the clock is protected by the same fuse as the courtesy and glove box lights. I think that is the bottom fuse in the fuse block. It should be labeled as such. Best way to determine which fuse, if they are not labeled, just remove fuses until the courtesy lights go off.
I assume the circuitry would be the same in 1966. Check your AIM wiring diagram. The clock is powered by an orange #20 wire.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Electrical question on C2 clocks

You can save the clock points by installing a battery disconnect and using it when the car is parked/stored for extended periods. Not only will this save the clock points, (no cycling) it'll protect the entire car from an electrical short/fire due to "questionable" wiring in these old cars. I have a friend whose muscle car wiring was less than pristine..... the car burned to the ground, as well as the trailer it was in, last weekend. We had discussed a disconnect and he indicated his wiring was ok "good enough".

[James G.]

Re: Electrical question on C2 clocks

You can save the clock points by installing a battery disconnect and using it when the car is parked/stored for extended periods. Not only will this save the clock points, (no cycling) it'll protect the entire car from an electrical short/fire due to "questionable" wiring in these old cars. I have a friend whose muscle car wiring was less than pristine..... the car burned to the ground, as well as the trailer it was in, last weekend. We had discussed a disconnect and he indicated his wiring was ok "good enough".

I second Stephen's motion... I use a disconnect religiously.

[Harry S.]

Re: Electrical question on C2 clocks

Only way to travel, If I'm not in the car, the battery is disconnected.


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[Frank D.]

Re: Electrical question on C2 clocks

I don't know the voracity of this technique to save the clock points, nor have I tried it but the author claims it works (attached).
I put an ON/OFF rocker switch, invisibly, in my 63's glove box in series with the 12V power feed to the clock and I ONLY turn it on for car shows or an occasional cruise; seldom turn it on during routine driving. Clock Works included instructions after it was restored stating to keep it powered down as much as possible to save the OEM Borg mechanical movement and those are becoming scarce now.

[Larry E.]

Re: Electrical question on C2 clocks

Thanks for the replies>Just measured the volts on the orange and black input wires to the clock and did get 12+ Volts so we
should be Ok when repaired clock comes back. W/O getting out all the manuals I will take your word that the clock is tied in
with the courtesy light circuit. I do unhook the battery when car is not running all the time. Even when in the trailer I unhook the
battery just for safety. I do have a battery disconnect switch which is not hooked up at this time. Clock never ran since I bought the
car in 2019; should be interesting what Instrument Services find out. Just a little trivia I did not know that the C2 clocks where
made in Delavan WI by a company named Borg Instruments. My 1st judging meet(1994) with the ILL. NCRS was held at Lake Lawn
Lodge in DELAVAN WI. Who would have guessed that the clocks where made just a few miles down the road>>Small World for
sure. Larry

[Stephen B.]

Re: Electrical question on C2 clocks

I always unhook the battery on old cars when I'm not driving them.

I pulled my '65 out of a barn in 2012 after it had not been started since about 1983. After a few months of ownership, I prepped to start and installed a battery. Much to my surprise upon hooking up the battery, I heard the familiar "click" sound. Low and behold, the clock started working again, but the car would not start as it has a spun bearing.