5 replies to this topic

[Mrpeanut]

Probably a daft question but how do I wire up a clock?

It's a genuine rover one with a plug in the back which presumably plugs into a dedicated connector on the mpi, which my car isn't (it's a 1991 carb car).

Do I simply ditch the fancy plug and connect a couple of wires with spades to the two terminals?

There's also a red and a black wire coming from the bulb that connects to the funny plug. Do I remove the plug and attach wires to the red and black ones.

Which terminal on the fuse box do I connect to?

I'm a complete numptie with anything electrical so any help much appreciated.

[Bungle]

if your a complete numptie should you be fiddling with something as dangerous as electricity ?

i know nothing about nuclear power so stay well away from it, rather than having a go at it in the garage

[AVV IT]

if your a complete numptie should you be fiddling with something as dangerous as electricity ?

i know nothing about nuclear power so stay well away from it, rather than having a go at it in the garage

So what, are you suggesting that we should all be taking our cars to auto electricians now and not attempting even the simplest DIY wiring tasks??

.....And in answer to the question, you need to connect the clock to a permanent live circuit (usually brown on a classic mini), assuming you don't want the clock to stop every time you turn the ignition off! If it's a Smiths clock, then it will generally have a separate illumination bulb and wiring as well, which will need to be connected to either the side light circuit, or dash illumination lamp circuit.

You probably ought to take some advice from a competent person, about issues like using an inline fuse and the correctly rated wiring though.

Edited by AVV IT, 07 February 2013 - 10:45 PM.

[Bungle]

no i'm suggesting if you have a reasonable understanding and can follow wiring diagrams etc have a go

if in this case you have no idea, it might be better to leave well alone

electricity is dangerous even at 12v and wouldn't take much to leave your car a inferno

[Mrpeanut]

Bungle, I'm not concerned that I'll kill myself, others or the car! I've changed the fusebox, changed spades and done basics but never wired something up from scratch. I can't imagine it's difficult and what I'm seeking is guidance, not comparisons between wiring up a clock and nuclear power!

Anyone got the answer please?

[Mrpeanut]

Avv it, thanks. That gives me a nod in the right direction.