C-3 (1970) Clock Question

[Clark E.]

Recently had the clock rebuilt and question whether disconnecting it while the car is stored for the winter will prolong it's operational life. I removed the fuse and noted the clock continued to run. Does it have to "run down" after being disconnected before stopping? Thanks...Clark

[Leif A.]

Re: C-3 (1970) Clock Question

Clark,
Install a battery cutoff switch on your battery and there will be no drain. It's a good safety feature, as well.

[Floyd B.]

Re: C-3 (1970) Clock Question

The clock is actually spring driven. There is an electrically powered solenoid that rewinds the clock when the spring winds down - approximately 90 seconds. If you sit in the car with the engine off and battery connected, that click you hear every 60 - 90 seconds is the rewind mechanism. When the springs winds down, the points make contact powering the the rewind solenoid and the cycle starts again. In time, the points will "burn" and wear out. This is the most common cause of clock failure. Often, just filing the points with an emery board will get the clock running again.

To answer your question - yes, disconnecting power to the clock will prevent wear on the points and extend the life of the clock. The clock will run until the spring unwinds (10 to 90 seconds) after disconnecting the power.

[Clark E.]

Re: C-3 (1970) Clock Question

Thanks Floyd and Leif. I've owned this air/roadster for over 48 years, did a frame-off about 8 years ago and picked up a Top Flight Award last April at the Mason Dixon Chapter judging. Over the years the clock has been rebuilt at least 5 times (maybe more). Hopefully with your guidance, the clock rebuilds will be less frequent. The last time just involved filing the points as you indicated. Best...Clark