C2 Quartz clock

[Mike Arteaga]

I have just received my dash and clock back after having them rebuilt and I'm thinking of wiring my clock directly to the battery so that it actually has the correct time when I go for a drive.

I have a battery disconnect and "battery minder" hooked up whenever the car is not being driven. Being a novice at electric work , does it matter how it is wired? Is there a positive and negative on the clock??

The new quartz clock draws .3 amps so I'm thinking of using 18 guage wire and a 1 amp line fuse. Does this make sense?? I hate going behind the dash so I'd like to get it right the first time!!??

Appreciate any help!! Thanks in advance!!

Mike Arteaga #3456

[Jim T.]

Re: C2 Quartz clock

Mike another way to reach the same effect is to use the wire with the inline fuse holder you are going to make up and by removing the fuse to your clock in the fuse block and putting the fuse in the inline fuse holder and attaching the wire to the side going to the clock.

[Jack H.]

The alternative view....

First, you'll have to 'mess' with the factory original wiring to do what you want to do and there will be some degree of 'bubba-ism' left on the car....

Second, a quartz movement clock isn't bothered by long periods disuse like a mechanical movement clock.

Third, it only takes seconds to reset the clock to correct time when you flip the battery cutoff switch and get ready to take a cruise.

Is the modification really worth the effort????

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

Re: C2 Quartz clock

Some battery cut-off switches have a in-line fuse attached to the switch which is NOT "cut-off" by the switch (Green Knob). The effect is that very low amp items, clock, courtesy lights, etc., will continue to function, but any big drain item, i.e. starter, headlights, or a dreaded "short circuit", will shoot the fuse and protect the electric system. This will not protect from a battery drain-down, but will protect from catastrophic electric problems. It is easy to modify a Green Knob switch to perform this function and using a 1 amp fuse protect from almost any electrical problem.
Works for me - until I forget and try to start the car without turning the knob!

[Mike Arteaga]

Re: C2 Quartz clock

Thanks Guys

[Mike Cobine]

Why the Cut Off?

The only thing running in a C2 is the clock, and you said you want that to run.

I hope you didn't spend the big bucks on a restored car just so you could hack up and customize the wiring.