C3 clock removal

[Mike Lesher]

Any suggestions on what is the easiest method to remove the clock from my 1969? Currently I have the guage cluster loose but cannot get to the two bottom posts to remove the nuts. The goal is to convert the clock to quartz movement.
Thanks!

[David B.]

C3 clock removal

Mike,

I have had my guage cluster out twice in my 69. Once for clock and once for oil gauge. I haven't found any alternative but to remove the lower nuts thru the side panel areas. Be careful not to break the bezel. It is very fragile pot metal.

David

[Mike Lesher]

Re: C3 clock removal

Thanks David. It appears as if the nuts just need to be loosened, not removed. Is that correct?

[David B.]

C3 clock removal

Mike,
After removing the finish screws from the underside at the top and the sides of the bezel, it is necessary to remove both nuts from the bottom studs. The holes they pass through are not slotted to the front, so the nuts have to come off. Also, the wiper switch trim plate screws must be removed to gain access to the switch connector, which must be disconnected to tilt the bezel forward. After this, lift the cluster up and forward. The bezel will break at the narrow side parts if you try to bend it forward to access the gauges without full removal. This is a heck of a job, but its the only way to properly access gauges without breaking the bezel. (Although it would be frowned upon by many, you can put it back without the bottom nuts in place with no adverse effect. Getting the nuts on is even harder than getting them off.)
David

[Lyle24961]

Re: C3 clock removal

I use a 1/4" drive with a 6" extension and swivel joint up from the bottom and it works for me.

Lyle

[Raymond W.]

Re: C3 clock removal

Mike,

Do you plan to have your car judged? Based on my TIM & JG ('73-'74), quartz movements are easily detected, generally by their quiet sound (you can hear the contacts connect on a mechanical movement) and by the number of times the second hand steps (mechanicals step about 90 times a minute). Some quartz movements look like a continuous sweep, others step less, making larger jumps. I used Instrument Services, Inc. out of Illinois (800) 558-2674. Whether you go with a quartz or mechanical movement, I'd recommend them. They did a good job for me.

Good luck.

Ray

[Mike Lesher]

Re: C3 clock removal

Ray,
I do plan on having the car judged...never thought about the mechanical/quartz issue. My quartz conversion kit is from Instrument Services, perhaps I should just send the clock to them for repair and keep it mechanical.

Thanks to all for your quick and helpful responses.

Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 clock removal

Dave,
My 1970 has slotted holes for the bottom of the instrument cluster. I had the cluster out twice before I noticed that they were slotted. Could 1969 have been different?

[Gerard F.]

Re: C3 clock removal

Mike,

You might call them first and see if they'll exchange the quartz kit for a mechanical kit or a rebuild of the mechanical kit. I lost 25 points on operations for my C2 (67) quartz clock in judging. I'm now replacing the quartz movement with my original mechanical movement which I sent out to be refurbed.(not by ISS).

I think the first thing that wears out with the mechanical unit is the points and the electro-magnet which rewinds the unit (on mine, every 2 minutes and 10 seconds).

I guess if you got a little jolt and an erection every 2 minutes and 10 seconds, you'd probably be worn out after 30 or so years.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

Jerry Fuccillo

[David B.]

Re: C3 clock removal

Terry,
It has been years since I had mine out last, but I don't remember having slots that allow removal without removing the nuts. I checked the '69 AIM, ref. J278, and it shows no slots facing in a way to be able to slide the studs out without removing the nuts. There are slots shown for left to right alignment though. Hope this helps.
I also checked the '69 GM Service Operations Manual. Same info. It is interesting though that GM claims that the bezel is intentionally made to be easily breakable as a crash safety "feature" in the SO Manual, and warns against breaking it when doing removal. I always thought it was just a poor design. : )
David B.

[Mike Lesher]

Re: C3 clock removal

Jerry,

Where do I sign up for the jolt program? I'll plan ahead for being worn out in 30 years!

Mike

[Terry M.]

[Raymond W.]

Re: C3 clock removal

Mike,

If you are in pursuit of judging points, pick up the Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide from the NCRS store, it's the best $30 or so dollars you can spend on your Corvette. When it comes to judging, "nothing trumps an original".

Ray

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 clock removal

If you are careful you can replace the clock without removing the bezel. I went out early one morning at a meet to run through the operations before it was time for judging. My clock had quit and would not restart. I removed the clock, went into the swap meet, kinda "borrowed" a clock off a vendors table (paid him after operations) and replaced the clock. Less than 30 minutes time involved