5 replies to this topic

[oscat]

Hi guys, I have one of these time clocks that is pictured in my Mini.

 

It has never worked correctly in the time I have owned the car, it seems to only work every now and then.

Is this a common problem? Is it even possible to get one of these open without damaging it?

I have been looking at a few on ebay but they seem to fetch stupid prices!

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Tamworthbay]

Good and bad news. The bad news is that its a common fault and as far as I know there is at simple way to fix it. The good news is that you can transplant the bits from a different clock into it. I have done three now using Volvo 240 clocks. They are dirt cheap on eBay, usually about 99p with no bids. Opening up the old clock is the hard part but it can be done with care. Then it's just a matter of transferring the face and hands across carefully. You can either solder the connections into the existing ones on the back of the clock but I just run wires with the correct connectors out of a hole in the back.

[oscat]

Good and bad news. The bad news is that its a common fault and as far as I know there is at simple way to fix it. The good news is that you can transplant the bits from a different clock into it. I have done three now using Volvo 240 clocks. They are dirt cheap on eBay, usually about 99p with no bids. Opening up the old clock is the hard part but it can be done with care. Then it's just a matter of transferring the face and hands across carefully. You can either solder the connections into the existing ones on the back of the clock but I just run wires with the correct connectors out of a hole in the back.

Nice one, I'll keep an eye on ebay then for 240 clocks. I've never taken a gauge apart before though so I'll probably do more damage than good!

 

Thanks!

[Captain Mainwaring]

Take it to a friendly clockmaker.

[dklawson]

The Volvo clock will be from VDO.  Keep that in mind as you search for a donor as you can also look for Porsche and VW clocks. 

 

The easiest fix during the transplant MAY be to move the face, hands, and bezel from the old clock to the donor.  Until you have all the parts at hand you won't know which parts will be easiest to move so keep an open mind.  Note that the VDO clocks typically have a crimped on bezel while Smiths are often twist on.  The crimp on bezels are easily removed by inserting a small screwdriver between the case and back of the bezel and gently levering the material "up" in small steps as you work around the case.  Keep levering until you can pull the bezel off.  The picture links in the web link below may prove useful to you.  (Note:  On the web site they are calling the bezel a retaining ring).

http://www.pelicanpa...auge_repair.htm

also see the link below on a similar topic.

http://www.pelicanpa...gauge_face2.htm

[Tumbleweed-Connection]

Not sure if this is a bit late or not, but this is a common problem with these clocks. Don't want to repeat myself over a common theme, as I've written this a few times already and don't want to hack anyone off, but I do know a chap who can sort the clock out without having to transplant bits from other clocks. It's a common problem, caused by poorly soldered connections. I know a chap who can sort these out for a very reasonable price, who should hopefully be willing to take on the odd one or two. I had the same carried out with the clock in my car and it now works perfectly.

You can PM me for details if it's something you might want to pursue. All in the interests of maintaining originality - do not throw it away!