C1 Clock issues?

[Al E.]

When I bought "Prince" you know the little red Corvette... her clock did not work. I took her for a spin and I heard it ticking. I set the time and the next day I drove her and the time was in sync with my watch. But the next day it stopped working. What the... Then a week later she started back up again. Only when I drive it does it want to work. Why is this happening? is this an easy fix?

[John F.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

While connected to the battery, they self wind every so often. If you keep disconnecting your battery , it will not rewind.

[Don H.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Hi Al, Assuming you are not disconnecting the battery, it probably just needs cleaned. They are easy to remove, simply push in and turn (counter-clockwise I think), then unhook connections. Be careful not to damage the lense pushing. Good luck, Don H.

[Al E.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Well..Don you are correct.. I did and still do disconnect the battery. I will try to give the clock a nice spring cleaning as well. Windex? Alcohol? Air gun? WD40?

[Patrick S.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Al,the fact it works at all is pretty cool,a little clock oil on the pivot points and cleaning the contact points is usually all it needs. Jewelers or clock repair shops usually have the clock oil. While you are in there an in line fuse would be a good idea.

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Becareful with air and WD-40 in a clock . Below is a great article on old clocks worth a read I managed to repair my 1960 clock with some of the idea here, like
Patrick said find some clock oil it will not attract the dust. Burnish the point and you should be good for another few years. Phil

http://www.oldcarsweekly.com/restoration/restoration-tips/putting_the_ticktock_back_in_your_old_car_clock

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Al, I have "repaired" three of the old clocks. I used a spray electronic cleaner that I got from Radio Shack. Do not use any WD40 or other typical oil. I ordered a small container of clock oil either through Amazon or Ebay. I don't remember which. The clock/watch oil is not cheap but it is what is supposed to be used. To clean and lube properly you have to take the clock out of its housing. That involved taking it out of the car, then taking it apart by removing the chrome bezel, lens and other parts. The setting knob unscrews from its shaft to allow you to take the lens off. Use the oil sparingly. The clock oil I got came with a long very thin applicator to deposit a very small drop of oil at the pivot points on all the gears.

If it runs now, then I would assume the points are OK and have not burned. You can hook it to a 12 volt source, you will occasionally hear a click when it rewinds the spring that runs the clock. When the spring winds down, the points make contact and power a solenoid (I think it's some type of solenoid) that rewinds the clock.

[John F.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Al, "The Clock Works", (715)479-5759, Eagle River, WI. is the only way to go IMO. Very reasonable and quick turnaround.

[Al E.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Thanks Don! This is wonderful ... thanks for the info.. I will try this tomorrow. I start with the cleaner then the clock oil.

[Al E.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Is this solenoid on a timer which makes it rewind. I will head home and hook the battery up and leave it on for 4 hours and see what happens.

[Dan D.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

It is not a timer Al, The solenoid winds a main spring that powers the movement. When the movement unwinds, a set of points close actuating the solenoid. When the solenoid re-winds the spring the points open. This occurs about every 2 or 3 minutes, and you will hear it click when it rewinds.

A common problem with these clocks is the points weld together and the solenoid is then energized continuously, which overheats it and burns it up. But your problem is either loss of power when you disconnect the battery, or the movement is dirty and gummed up from age, which your cleaning and re-lubrication effort should fix.

-Dan-

[Al E.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Thanks Dan,
I have the battery hooked up now and the clock was set at 12, I will see where is it in about an hr.

[Joe R.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

Al,

There are quartz movement clocks available for the 58-62. If you are not going for an NCRS award the quartz clocks make a lot of sense. With the 58-62 there is no teltale second hand to give away your secret.

JR

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

But you do not hear that "clunk" every 5 or so minutes when the car is just sitting there not running. Believe me someone will say something whether you have your car judged or not.

[Joe R.]

Re: C1 Clock issues?

But you do not hear that "clunk" every 5 or so minutes when the car is just sitting there not running. Believe me someone will say something whether you have your car judged or not.

The "clunk" should be loud enough when the jack handle bounces off their head!!!