1967 corvette clock question...

[Chuck M.]

Hi

I went out to look at the car today and noticed that the second hand was not moving. The clock is still working properly and keeping good time, it looks like the second hand came away from the center of the clock. The hand is not laying inside the clock, it is just sitting in the 6 o'clock position. Has this ever happened to anyone and what is the best way to approach this situation. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Chuck

[Jack H.]

Re: 1967 corvette clock question...

If the hour and minute hands move + keep time, but the second hand doesn't move, it means the second hand is loose and slipping relative to its drive shaft. In order for the clock to be functional, all three of the time functions (hour, minute, second) HAVE to be working since one feeds the other via interconnecting drive gears inside.

There are a couple of ways this (pointer loose on shaft) can happen. One is the fit of the pointer to the shaft isn't as tight as should be and stray shock/vibration caused the pointer to dislodge from its interference fit to the shaft.

The other is the clock was rebuilt and the pointer needle was bent in the process. It ticked merrily along for a while then 'hit' one of the other pointers vs. passing over it. The interference contact was sufficient push the pointer off its drive shaft...

[Joe C.]

Re: 1967 corvette clock question...

Chuck:

You must remove the clock from the dash, open the case, and push the second hand back onto the shaft (it is an interference fit).
This might be a good time for an overhaul, since you have to disassemble much of it to fix the problem. Make sure that the solenoid points are clean, movement clean, etc.
Is the lens scratched? Is the face faded? Are the hands faded? Is the bezel scratched? Now is the time.