have cut an RCA jack end and soldered this
in place of the points. You may need to grind
the edges to get it to fit. Also, don’t use the
rounded edge of the RCA jack. Remember,
the original points were not rounded.
Clean the mechanism with some aero-
sol air dust cleaner like you would use for
your computer keyboard. Then, sparingly
use some light clock oil to lubricate the
mechanism.
The most common problem I have found
is that the rivet that holds the ground lug
onto the back of the clock becomes loose
and will need to be restaked or replaced.
Before reattaching everything, you may
want to plug the clock in and check to see
if it is keeping accurate time. There is an
adjustment for speed next to the oscillat-
ing wheel. There you will find an oscillating
wheel handle, moving this handle slightly
left or right will adjust the speed of the clock.
To check the speed of the clock you may
want it to run for several hours and check
its accuracy.
If the above did not repair your clock you
will probably need to send your original unit
out to an expert for repair. You could also
replace the mechanism with a quartz con-
version. The quartz conversion is more reli-
able and will keep time more accurately. The
only disadvantage of the quartz conversion
is that it is not original and you will be penal-
ized if you have the vehicle judged by the
National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS)
or Bloomington Gold.
Bob, if you decide to go with the quartz
conversion I’m sure if you have some
patience that this is something that would
make a good do-it-yourself project. Besides
ordering the quartz mechanism conversion,
I would recommend ordering some correct
needle paint, bezel paint and a new lens, and
possibly a set stem knob if it is worn due to
time. If anyone needs a quartz conversion
procedure let me know and I will try and do
an article. Thanks and good luck. VETTE
You may need to slightly angle the clock
so the area where the clock is staked
together does not damage the dash
paint when it is removed.Notice the pitted points, use a points file
and file the corrosion off of the points. If
you don’t have a points file you can use
a fingernail file, but if your wife or girl-
friend asks where there fingernail file is
just play dumb.QUESTIONS
Got a question for our Tech Corner expert?
Just jot it down on a paper towel or a lightly
soiled shop rag and send it to us at VETTE
magazine, Attn: Technically Speaking,
1821 E. Dyer Rd., Suite 150, Santa Ana, CA- Alternatively, you can submit your
question via the Web, by emailing it to vette@
enthusiastnetwork.com. Be sure to put
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Technically Speaking
Remove the screws attaching the
glovebox liner to gain access to the
back of the clock.