Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

[Ron N.]

I need help to fix the clock in my 67. My clock is original, never serviced. When I turn on the ignition the clock starts when I turn the dial stem. It runs for 10 to 30 minutes keeping accurate time but then stops. It will start again if I turn the dial stem.



Thanks.
Ron

[Timothy B.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Ron,

There are a set of points in the movement that spark when they make contact together then spring apart and the clock will run until the points are pulled together again for spark.

The spring that pulls them together makes the movement work. Someone will probably describe it better but your problem is that the points are frosted.

You may want to have it cleaned by someone that works on Corvette clocks.

Don't exchange it, keep your original..

[Joe L.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

I need help to fix the clock in my 67. My clock is original, never serviced. When I turn on the ignition the clock starts when I turn the dial stem. It runs for 10 to 30 minutes keeping accurate time but then stops. It will start again if I turn the dial stem.



Thanks.
Ron

Ron-----

If you attempt to repair this clock, you're going to be in for a LOT of frustration. What you're describing are among the many symptoms exhibited by old "tick-tock" type automotive clock movements.

You could send it out to a qualified automotive clock repair shop. In that case, when you get it back, it MIGHT last through the warranty period (if they offer a warranty for this type of clock repair).

[Valeria H.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

I agree!! I sent my ailing C1 clock out to Clockworks to be repaired. It was a really inexpensive repair ($50 - $65) but several months later the clock started losing time. I'm debating whether it is worth it to take it out and send it back or just readjust to the correct time as necessary.
Valeria

[Joe L.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

I agree!! I sent my ailing C1 clock out to Clockworks to be repaired. It was a really inexpensive repair ($50 - $65) but several months later the clock started losing time. I'm debating whether it is worth it to take it out and send it back or just readjust to the correct time as necessary.
Valeria

Valeria-----


...and the next thing that happens after the "losing time" is that it stops working altogether. Sending it back for further repair is just going to "prolong the agony". You're fighting a losing battle.

I believe you can obtain a NEW "tick-tock" type movement for these clocks. Then, you can pass a PV with it. But, don't buy it too soon before you intend to PV the car because, if you do, it might not last until that time.

After you PV it (or, right away if you don't plan to go that route), have the clock converted to a quartz movement. That way, you get completely original external configuration and 21st century clock technology.

[Pat M.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

I had the original clock in my 70 fixed YEARS ago and it's been working fine ever since, including passing PV. Maybe it's lasted this long because I disconnect the battery when the car's not in use.

[Valeria H.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

As I've stated many times before (self-deprecating) I seem to do things in an a_ _ backward way. I already have a new repro quartz clock for installation after or if I ever get the car judged. I obviously liked your suggestion.
I'd still like the original one to work like it should but I think I'm asking too much. I think I'll continue resetting the time for now.
Yeah, the sun is out here once again!! I think I'll uncover her and take her out for a much needed ride.
Valeria

[Joe L.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

I had the original clock in my 70 fixed YEARS ago and it's been working fine ever since, including passing PV. Maybe it's lasted this long because I disconnect the battery when the car's not in use.

Pat-----


...or, you've been VERY, VERY lucky.

[Pat M.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Joe, I just went back and checked and I had the clock fixed by Instrument Services, Inc. out of Illinois in August of 2005, and it's worked fine ever since. I just assumed my experience was normal.

[Joe L.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Joe, I just went back and checked and I had the clock fixed by Instrument Services, Inc. out of Illinois in August of 2005, and it's worked fine ever since. I just assumed my experience was normal.

Pat------


Instrument Services is one of the best. In fact, it was the "head guy" at Instrument Services who told me about 20 years ago that trying to fix these original movements was an exercise in futility. I didn't believe him but just to be safe I purchased a near-perfect, reproduction clock for my 69 but with quartz movement. I spent the next 20 years, or so, trying to prove that an original movement could, indeed, be made accurate and durable. All I proved was that the fellow from Instrument Services was right in what he told me 20 years ago.

Finally, after 20 years, I just installed the clock I got from him. The car is not on the road yet but I'm pretty confident that my clock problems will be over. I absolutely hate a clock that has to be reset all the time or one that's "dead".

By the way, I expect that what Instrument Services did was replace your movement with an original style but NEW movement. If so, that's why it's lasted so long. How much longer it will last is anyone's guess. Maybe awhile since you disconnect the battery but doing so can actually be harder on these old movements than leaving them go.

[Pat M.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

You're right Joe, they did simply replace the movement, because they also sent me the broken movement back. And while it does lose a little time it's not much - and the loss has not increased since it was new.

Hopefully it'll last a long time, because like you I despise a non-working clock. It's literally the FIRST thing I fixed when I bought the car.

[Ron N.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Thanks to all for the information. I'm going to pull the clock, clean the contacts and see how it works. I don't need the car cock to know the time so I'll live with the stats & stops if the fix doesn't work.

Ron

[Joe L.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Thanks to all for the information. I'm going to pull the clock, clean the contacts and see how it works. I don't need the car cock to know the time so I'll live with the stats & stops if the fix doesn't work.

Ron

Ron-----


Hardly anyone actually uses the clock to tell the time, although using it might be convenient in some situations. For me, I don't like the idea of a non-working or inaccurate clock in the car. It's just something that's always bothered me. In the old days, if you got in a car that was more than a few years old with a clock, the clock was usually not working. I always hated that. To me, one is better off with no clock in the car, than one that's not working or inaccurate.

Nowadays, the problem is solved. Just install a quartz movement in an original clock.

[Ron N.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Joe, one of my goals is PV. What will quartz in an original do if/when I go for PV.

Ron

[Gary J.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Quartz wil FAIL PV!!!