Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

[Joe L.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Quartz wil FAIL PV!!!

Gary------


...if it's detected. There are some quartz movements that have a hand sweep that's virtually identical to "tick-tock" movements. I think only Superman could tell the difference.

[Joe L.]

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

Ron-----


A non-working original clock will also fail PV. You might get it working the day before the PV, but will it still be working the day of the PV?

[Pat M.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

I'm not sure about mid-years, but in addition to the sweep of the hands early Shark original clocks produce an audible pop, or snap, when the mechanism is electrically "rewound."

I'm not aware that quartz clocks produce such a sound, and thus a (very) picky judge might be able to detect a quartz clock this way alone.

[Gerard F.]

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,

I had the same problem with my 67 clock about 6-7 years ago, and I replaced the mechanism with a quartz one. But I saved the original mechanism, instructions and parts.

Went for my first judging and lost all points on the clock.

Then I found a guy on ebay (forget the name) who specialized in these old clocks. Sent him the mechanism only, and he changed the points and generally cleaned up the mechanism, calibrated it. I then did the rest of the refurb of the case, needles, and lense.

Been running great for the last five years (and through 2 Top Flights) but I have to admit it runs slightly fast, and varies with temperature/humidity and battery charge. Yes, battery charge, I notice it running faster with a full battery charge, even though the battery just winds the mechanical clock. Probably has something to do with the force of rewinding, which I think takes place every 6-10 seconds. If you got a jolt every 6-10 seconds, your point(s) would wear out too.

Try just filing the points. If that doesn't work, plan on sending out the mechanism or the whole clock. Some of these guys can make it look brand new.

[Valeria H.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Jerry,
Any info on who can make it look like new? I'd like to know a resourse.
Valeria

[Gerard F.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Jerry,
Any info on who can make it look like new? I'd like to know a resourse.
Valeria

Valeria,

You might try calling D&M Restoration (they advertise in the Driveline). They didn't do my clock, but a few years ago I sent them my 67 speedometer and tach assemblies, and with an easy turnaround, the assemblies came back looking brand new.

There are also a number of others in the Driveline who do work like artists. I saw one at Kissimmee recently, and complimented him on his display of C1 and C2 instruments, I think his name was Roger.

Just call them personally, and let them give you the sales pitch.

I'm sure a few other will come up with some names.

[Jim T.]

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 don't know if this will help, the following is copied from my 68's owners manual.
"Resetting the clock provides automatic regulation providing there is an error, either fast or slow, of at leat 3 minnutes. No regulaton will be introduced if the clock is reset for an error of less than 3 minutes. When resetting, pull out the small knob and turn in the direction in which you wish to set the hands-clockwise if the clock is slow, counterclockwise if the clock is fast. Do not move the hands past the correct time. Your clock should be cleaned and oiled periodically."

My 70 owners manual has the same information, except for the last sentence, it does not say it should be cleaned and oiled periodically.

[William C.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Dead flunk for a Quartz in a PV.

[Terry M.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

Valeria don't know if this will help, the following is copied from my 68's owners manual.
"Resetting the clock provides automatic regulation providing there is an error, either fast or slow, of at leat 3 minnutes. No regulaton will be introduced if the clock is reset for an error of less than 3 minutes. When resetting, pull out the small knob and turn in the direction in which you wish to set the hands-clockwise if the clock is slow, counterclockwise if the clock is fast. Do not move the hands past the correct time. Your clock should be cleaned and oiled periodically."

My 70 owners manual has the same information, except for the last sentence, it does not say it should be cleaned and oiled periodically.

The differences in the owner's manuals is interesting, since I don't believe there was a difference in the clocks.

Many many moons ago (around 1985 + or -) Ron Dembowski (how's that for a name from the past for you old timers) and I did an article for The Corvette Restorer about Instrument Repair Service, then in Delavan Wisconsin. I remember them telling us that they often had to repair clocks that had been lubricated with WD40. The clock mechanism is mounted on rubber cushions -- that look like small O-rings -- and the WD40 deteriorates those. So do not lubricate the clock yourself unless you have the proper lubricant designated for use on automotive clocks.

[Valeria H.]

Re: Clock Problem - Starts then Stops

I had the good fortune to speak with Matt Patterson today. Years ago he repaired the clocks for D & M Restoration. I'm posting the information he relayed to me as it may help some others with their clocks.

At least on C1 clocks, there is the stem to set the clock's time located at the "6". There is also a pin at the location of the "12". It is at the pin location where the adjustment for too slow or too fast adjustments should be made not at the stem on the bottom.

I turned the pin 180' clockwise today. I'll check the time tomorrow and see if that made a difference.
Valeria