Clock Tuneup

[Ted K.]

Hi folks, I've been a member for a year, so it's time for my first post! I have a 66 Mosport Green roadster, 300h.p. 4-speed, which I bought last year. It was restored and top flighted 20 years ago. An NOS clock was put in at that time. It works only intermitently and after I tap on the dash vigorously. I have a question regarding disassembly. What is involved in removing the back cover? What happens after I pry open the four crimps, are there wires attached ? What about the bezel, how is it removed?
Thanks for your help. TedK

[Don H.]

Re: Clock Tuneup

Ted,
did those jokesters in Cinncinnati tell you too that you had to wait a year before you could post on the TDB? And you believed them!? Ha!

[Jack H.]

Re: Clock Tuneup

"It works only intermitently and after I tap on the dash vigorously."

These symptoms are typical of disuse vs. wear... Clocks were intended to run 24/7. With our weekend warrior use of these classic cars, we let them sit for LONG periods with the battery disconnected. That lets clock oil follow gravity, puddle and dry up.

Often, all that's needed is a thorough cleaning and re-lube of the mechanism, but you're seeing the chore it is to get in there. Not Herculean, but reasonable. De-crimp the rear case and it'll slide off...

If you now intend on driving vs. seriously showing/campaigning the car, this might be the time to convert to quartz and set the original electro-mechanical movement aside for posterity.

[Michael J.]

Re: Clock Tuneup

If you do more than clean-up/lube, and replace the inerds with quartz, just make sure it is the movement that sweeps, and makes the windup noise inside the judges expect or you will lose points.

[Ted K.]

Re: Clock Tuneup

OK, thanks. I got it now...you undo the nut and remove the +ve lug before removing the cover. Cleaned the points and sprayed a bit of brake cleaner on the mechanism and away she goes. What kind of lube is recommended for this?

[Ted K.]

Re: Clock Tuneup

Help, I really screwed up.....Cleaned and adjusted the points, also used the tuner cleaner/lubricator....everything was working great until I put the can back on. I used a tiny hammer to crimp the edges and that was a big mistake. The pivots that hold the flywheel on center have moved apart. Where or how can I close the gap so it will spin again? Appreciate any advice on this. Thanks.

[Joe R.]

Re: Clock Tuneup

The use of a hammer on a clock is not advised!!!!!!!

There is an adjustment on the back side of the movement. You can tighten it down with a thin blade screwdriver.

My thoughts are that you have passed the point of no return.

Break down and send your clock to one of the many people that advertise in the "Driveline" and know what they are doing. Cost about $100.00 plus shipping.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Corvettes!

JR

PS. Quote, "A man needs to know his limitations" Clint Eastwood

[Ted K.]

Re: Clock Tuneup

I just got my clock back from Clock Works in Eagle River Wisconson. Jerry fixed it up for $49.95 Service and communication was great. One more item off the checklist.

[Dick W.]

Re: Clock Tuneup

Hmmm....I believe that poster Joe Ray has been known to fix a guage, clock, etc for a reasonable fee. Does good work also. Not a paid advertisement