Let's Chat Clocks

[72 Challenger]

My 1972 Rally dash has a clock that does not work. Apparently this is SUPER common.

What is the prime cause of them not working? Is it possible to fix yourself? I personally disconnect my battery quite often so I don't really care if it keeps time, just would like to see it work.

Or is my only option a full on rebuild?

[Dakota]

You might find this article useful for background:

http://www.oldcarsweekly.com/restoration/restoration-tips/putting_the_ticktock_back_in_your_old_car_clock

[Cuda Cody]

The way the rallye clock works is it has a small contact point that "shorts" out to create a spark and thus winds the clock.  Just like winding a wrist watch, but instead of you doing it manually the spark creates a little explosion that makes the gears jump and wind themselves.  The idea was brilliant, except as the sparks continues to short out for a few years the contact points get dirty and the spark eventually stops working.  Taking the clock out and sanding the contact points will almost always get the clock to work again, but as brilliant as the design was you are still stuck with a the flaw that the contact points will get dirty and stop working eventually.  The long term fix is to replace the guts with a Quartz Conversion Clock Repair Kit (#R-3035)  [ebay]253003988692[/ebay]  They are pretty easy to install and it will solve your issue.  The only really noticeable difference is the new quartz clocks move smoothly with the second hand compared to the originals that had the "Tic Tock" second hand.

[Shane Kelley]

You are more than likely stuck with a full rebuild. With that said. I had Red Line gauges do my clock and tach. Tach works great but the clock doesn't.  Second hand always moves but the time never changes. I'm sure they would make it good and it's probably something simple. But I'm not about to take the dash back apart to get the clock out.

[Cuda Cody]

The come with instructions, but if you get stuck I can help you.  It's not as hard as it looks.  You have to replace a couple gears and there's a few rivets but nothing major that will make it hard.  Take your time and you will be happy to have a clock that works.   

[72 Challenger]

The come with instructions, but if you get stuck I can help you.  It's not as hard as it looks.  You have to replace a couple gears and there's a few rivets but nothing major that will make it hard.  Take your time and you will be happy to have a clock that works.

who sells the parts for the rebuild? I assume the entire dash has to come out?

[Cuda Cody]

The Quartz clock is here:

[ebay]253003988692[/ebay]

[Jay Bee]

I've bought that same kit and have done 3 rallye clocks so far. Just one recommendation if you go this route - test the motor as soon as you get it. I had to send one back for a replacement because the motor was faulty. They did replace it after I took a video of what is was doing.

[Roadman]

OK, this is something I can probably do. Let me know if I can help, free.   

[72 Challenger]

Does the entire dash need to come out? This may be a deciding factor as this winter I'm already planning to pull the engine for a repaint. It may have to wait.

[Cuda Cody]

The dash does not need to come out.  The gauge cluster can be removed while the dash is in the car.  Take out the side panel first then the main cluster is pretty easy to remove.  Be careful as it's easy to scratch the face plate when removing and install.  The light bar comes out first. 

[Yellow71Cuda]

The Quartz clock is here:

[ebay]253003988692[/ebay]

I just purchased the kit.     I was going to try to keep it stock, and resuscitate my original clock, but after reading this it seems the Quartz Conversion is the way to go.   

[72 Challenger]

Let us know how it goes!

[anlauto]

Remove the radio, reach up and remove three screws and the clock comes right out....5 minute job.

[72 Challenger]

My radio is currently out brb going to take a pic.