1967 clock issues after repair

[Robert C.]

After the clock was restored, here's what's happening. .

Looks and works fine once it gets going, problem is getting it going.

The points on this clock close every 2 minutes, the points pop apart and the clock keeps ticking.

However, when power is disconnected, the clock winds down to the point where the points are closed.

When power is re-connected, the points spring open, but the second hand just sits there.

I tried tapping it, moving the minutes with the stem, etc. With the clock removed and on the bench, if I rotate it by hand (effectively winding is up), the next 2 minute cycle - the points trip ok and we're fine.

Once it's in the car, that isn't tooooo practical.

Any ideas? Still a problem with the clock? The company that restored it said no parts were replaced.

Time-wise, when it's running it's perfect as a 1960's clock could be.

Disconnect power and it won't re-start.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 clock issues after repair

After the clock was restored, here's what's happening. .

Looks and works fine once it gets going, problem is getting it going.

The points on this clock close every 2 minutes, the points pop apart and the clock keeps ticking.

However, when power is disconnected, the clock winds down to the point where the points are closed.

When power is re-connected, the points spring open, but the second hand just sits there.

I tried tapping it, moving the minutes with the stem, etc. With the clock removed and on the bench, if I rotate it by hand (effectively winding is up), the next 2 minute cycle - the points trip ok and we're fine.

Once it's in the car, that isn't tooooo practical.

Any ideas? Still a problem with the clock? The company that restored it said no parts were replaced.

Time-wise, when it's running it's perfect as a 1960's clock could be.

Disconnect power and it won't re-start.

Robert-----


What you're describing are the sort of "transient" problems I've had with restored original "tic-toc" clock movements. If you want a reliable, more-or-less trouble-free clock, have it converted to quartz. Period.

Yes, I know that some of you will say you had your original clock restored and it's worked fine for years. That MIGHT be the result for someone considering going this route. However, just as often or more often, the result is going to be some version of your experience, if not immediately after restoration, then soon afterward.

These original automotive clock movements were problematic when they were NEW. Personally, I never had one that kept very good time and, back in the day, the VAST majority of the RELATIVELY NEW cars I rode in had inoperative clocks. That's not to mention the fact that virtually all of the older cars I rode in at the time had inoperative clocks. Forget the "tic-tocs"; go quartz.

[Brian M.]

Re: 1967 clock issues after repair

I remember someone saying that their was a tictoc quartz model available now??? Anybody know? BTW my restored clock has worked flawlessly for the past 10 years, I use a battery cutoff.

[Robert C.]

Re: 1967 clock issues after repair

That would be cool, a tick-tock quartz.

I was torn between the quartz and the original movement. I read good and bad things about restorations too.

Since the clock was in pristine shape, I really felt it would be ok to restore.

Now.......I'm wondering.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1967 clock issues after repair

Here's what happened to your clock when it was restored and reassembled. When the restorer mounted the coil on the movement he put the tang on the wrong side. There is a small tang that runs into the movement made to give the movement a little kick start. Put it on the wrong side and no kick start.
Simple matter to fix the problem and your clock should run another hour, day, month, year or 10 years. Who knows?
Send it back to the clock restorer and he'll fix it for free. Hope it wasn't me in the first place that restored your clock!!!!!!!!! Honest mistake anyone could make. Even the old timers! (I love it when I make a joke)

JR

[Robert C.]

Re: 1967 clock issues after repair

Joe,

Thanks a ton........I'm sending it along to him now.

Bob

[Michael F.]

Re: 1967 clock issues after repair

Robert-----


What you're describing are the sort of "transient" problems I've had with restored original "tic-toc" clock movements. If you want a reliable, more-or-less trouble-free clock, have it converted to quartz. Period.

Yes, I know that some of you will say you had your original clock restored and it's worked fine for years. That MIGHT be the result for someone considering going this route. However, just as often or more often, the result is going to be some version of your experience, if not immediately after restoration, then soon afterward.

These original automotive clock movements were problematic when they were NEW. Personally, I never had one that kept very good time and, back in the day, the VAST majority of the RELATIVELY NEW cars I rode in had inoperative clocks. That's not to mention the fact that virtually all of the older cars I rode in at the time had inoperative clocks. Forget the "tic-tocs"; go quartz.

Ditto! Unless absolute originality means more to you than a working device?

Go with quartz. Keeps better time than most if not all fine watches.

[Robert C.]

Re: 1967 clock issues after repair

Thanks for everyones replies.

I spoke with the company that restored it and relayed the info Joe posted, so we'll see what's up.

The guy that restored it was aware of that particular problem, but said he installed everything correctly. I guess we'll see what he finds and decide from there.

Personally, with a clock in near perfect original condition, I'd like to restore
it and see how well it can work.

If it continues to be a problem, then the quartz may be the only solution.

[Robert C.]

Re: 1967 clock issues after repair

Joe,

Clock is back and working as designed. You can hear a definite noise when power is re-connected - no doubt the spring you mentioned.

Before I never heard anything when the power was connected.

Thanks for your help.