Clock Removal

[Jeff Donaldson]

Hello Everyone,

I tried to remove my clock today and couldn't seem to get it to rotate more than a 16th to an 8th of an inch. I followed the instuctions in the manual (counterclockwise approximately 60*). Maybe I don't have enough strength for that sort of thing anymore. I'm wondering how much torgue it takes to get it to rotate out. I looked at some pictures and have an idea of how the clock is attached to the bezel, I also noticed that the bezel is attached to the cluster frame by only 2 screws. I really don't want to brake anything.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Jeff 

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Hi Jeff,

     I have a 1964 Series 62 and have removed my clock myriad times.  I use a rubber type band (the kind you use to open tight jars) and wrap it around the outer part of the clock (the outermost part - about 1/4" deep).  You can use the rubberized gloves also to get a good grip.  Turn the clock counterclockwise about one quarter of a turn and it pulls out.  Make sure to disconnect the battery before you start and keep it disconnected until it is installed so you don't blow a fuse - it grounds to the bezel.  You have a light and a hot wire behind the clock that are disconnected.  To install, put clock in and turn clockwise.  Hope this helps.

Dennis DiBari Cottekill, NY

[Jason Edge]

Dennis is correct on all accounts, especially about disconnecting battery. I will add that with the dash pad off I have never met a clock I couldn't get a grip and turn our by hand. With dash pad on you really don't have much room to get a firm grip (at least for me) with dash pad above. I have been able to get a few off by hand with dash pad still on but you really need to eat your Wheaties that morning!

[Jeff Donaldson]

Hi Dennis,

Thank you for your tip. I bought the jar opener and the clock popped out easily. Now I have another question. Does the spade connector with a pinkish colored insulator on the back of the casing screw out or should it just pull off. After I removed the three screws that fasten the case to the bezel I thought it would just slide off easily but it seems the spade connector stops it from moving. I don't want to force or break anything. I looked on line and can't seem to find anything that looks the same. I fixed the clock on a 67 Eldorado that I owned a few years ago but this 64 clock is quite different. Any advise would be great.

Thanks

Jeff

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Hi Jeff,

     When I pulled my clock last year, I removed the clock and disconnected the hot wire off and removed the light by twisting it out.  I had the clock repaired by Clock Works and they sent it back fixed.  I did not repair it myself.  After the fact, I found out that we also have a chapter member, Pat Westphal, who repairs clocks.  Pat is in Michigan.  He was a GM Engineer and does great work.  Sorry I can't advise you on disassembly of the clock; I do mostly mechanic work.  I would look Pat up under the Member section of our Chapter and see if you can reach him.  I don't have his number.  If you get him, tell him I send regards.  Let me know how you do with this if you can.

Dennis DiBari, Cottekill, NY

[Jason Edge]

Spray some WD40 around the insulator and it should gently pry out. At worse if it breaks, you can match it up with one of those rubber insulators you can get in the fastener section of Home Depot or Lowes. You might also have it in a warm room or even near heat source to soften it up a bit.