So yesterday as I was trying to get the cigarette lighter to snap into the dash properly (PO had GLUED it in), I heard a slight "Thunk" from inside the dashboard. I instinctively looked in that direction, and noticed that the second hand of the clock was moving (!!!!). I kept an eye on it, an sure enough, half a minute later, another "Thunk," indicating that the auto winder was working properly.

Now, since we all know that these clocks NEVER work, I was fascinated, and stopped what I was doing to remove the clock from the dash and stare at it, as though it were a ten thousand year old alien lightbulb still glowing after being dug up from the ground.

As you all know, one thing always leads to another, so it was only a few minutes later that I had the clock out of its case and was looking at its insides, which looked pretty darn good, I must say.

To make a long story short, this clock had had its **** break off at some time in the past, making it impossible to set (I had found the **** in the glove compartment when I got the car). I have got it apart to the point where the movement is separated from the face, and the gears that attach to the hand shafts are all off. I have cleaned it with acetone sprayed from a syringe, and it now seems to run reliably (I have not oiled it, as I have no light clock oil).

I have discovered that the final gear that rotates when you turn the **** to set the clock won't turn (it shares a shaft with the mainspring gear, and looks like it should have some sort of friction clutch that allows it to move independently of the escapement mechanism when you turn the **** to set the clock, but it won't move independently). This would explain why someone might try to set the clock, turn too hard, and twist the tiny gear off the back of the ****, making the **** fall out of the front (I kind of picture John Belushi saying to Dan Akroyd, "... and fix the lighter" in The Blues Brothers).

1. Does anybody know anything about these, and specifically about this problem?

2. Since I already know that nobody knows the answer to 1, does anybody have info about quartz movements that can be substituted for the original? I don't mean an $80 "kit" from some internet criminal - these movements are about $5 each, but I'm not familiar with all the available sources.
If not, I'll just go over to the craft store and see if I can find anything that fits in the case, in between the "scrapbooking" supplies and the dried flowers.

Thanks,

- Eric

 

Had the clock on my 68 delta switched over to quartz. Keeps perfect time now. Had it done by Bob's Speedometer service in Howell Michigan 1 810 632 0400

 

I love listening to the old Borg clock on my '69 442. Brings back a lot of memories of being a kid. I had mine repaired so it would work, but I didn't have it converted over as I liked the sound of the old clock system better. It doesn't keep the time as accurate, but what the hell, that's why I have an iPhone and a wristwatch.

 

You still wear a wristwatch ?



- Eric

 

Sure, I do. I'm not old enough to wear a watch on a chain tucked into a vest pocket.

 

Eric
It sounds really technical, so I'll just stick with layman terms. To set those clocks you usually had to 'pull' the set **** out toward you and twist the **** in the direction you wanted the minute hand to go. Kind of like resetting an old style trip odometer. I'm guessing the reason you can't get it set is because the outward motion of the main set **** may be binding on the set spring. Try it and see if it works. BTW, wouldn't some light machine oil like 3 in 1 work to lube the gears and springs? Just a thought.

 

The Borg

 

All Borg clocks are programmed to assimilate you.......for the good of the collective!

 

No, you see, the **** is broken off. Kaput.
I've set plenty of clocks. Really.

The problem is that the apparent reason why it broke off is because the gears that set the clock won't turn. They should be reasonably easy to turn, but they won't turn at all, even with more force than I should use.

- Eric

 

Sorry Eric,
I guess I misunderstood what you were describing. I bought a new clock mechanism for my tic toc tac from a guy in the US. I'll take a look for his domain file. If I can find it I'll send you his email link and maybe he can advise you. Have you by any chance found any other 88's or 98's you could get donor parts from? Not sure if the clocks are the same in the 70's but I can't see GM or Borg changing a simple mechanism. I can see them changing the outside styling but that's about it.

 

Yeah, there are a few I could grab, an hour or so away from here, but I'm sure they're all shot as well.

- Eric

 

For future generations who have read this far:

A helpful article that discusses repairing these clocks resides here, though it does not address the problem I'm having with my clock.

There is a smattering of other information here.

Most important detail gleaned:
If my adjustment **** had still been connected, the way to remove it would have been to UNSCREW THE **** FROM THE SHAFT. It REALLY looks like the **** and shaft are all one piece, but you CAN unscrew the **** if you grip the shaft firmly.
Now I know how to reassemble the clock, if I am able to fix it.

- Eric

 

Hahahahaha...man, love it. If my memory serves me, there are people in JWO who advertise fixing the old clocks and transferring them over to digital and all of that. Perhaps a call to one of them could prove to be fruitful. Good luck with the project.