clock question

[cardogman1]

I'm about ready to take the non functioning clock out of the dasboard. I am considering folding down the cardboard in the glove box to do it. Anyother easier suggestions. I purchased another clock,bought it on ebay and i'm waiting for it. The seller seems to be a bit unreliable. Anyway can I test the new clock by hooking it up to the car batterry on positive or is that a positively stupid question. I did see where some of you folks hooked it up to one of those big batteries. What do you think.

cardogman1 Burt

[DatsunZGuy]

Hi Burt,

In my past experience trying to replace the clock without harming the cardboard glove box is a risky proposition. I’ve tried it myself and ended up with pieces in my hand. If I were in your shoes, I would invest $20.00 and purchase a new glove box from the likes of Victoria British. Keep it aside just in case you tear the old box up trying to remove it. You have a very nice car; I wouldn’t skimp on reasonably price stuff like that. If you don’t need the new box, you could always sell it on ebay. In fact, I am astounded how much people bid for stuff that you can mail order for a lot cheaper from MSA or VB.

I must be lucky since the clock on my 1972 is still functioning (albeit running a little fast). If it kicks the bucket, I think I would opt for one of these quartz conversions.

CLICK HERE

I am saddened to read about all the problems you are having with your car. You have invested a lot of money in it so far.

[cardogman1]

I appreciate your help as usual datsunzguy. I'm not concerned about the clock because thats what usually happens, and anyway it's about the hobby. I am reevaluating all of this. You know it's kind of fun talking to all the folks out there about this stuff. I knew that there would be trouble with this car. It's 32 years old and if it had been driven more I probably would have had less problems. So I am on a mission and I will send pics when I can convince my wife to help me figure out how to do it.

speak to you soon

Burt

[EScanlon]

There are 3 ways of removing the clock:

1) Remove the Glove Box Cardboard and access the back of the clock.

2) Remove the Heater Control Panel and access the back of the clock.

3) Squeeze your hand in between the ducts going to the defrost ducts and the eyeball vents, worm it in between the wiring and strictly by feel, remove the 8mm Hex Screw holding the clock in place, then disconnect the wiring and carefully snake the whole thing out. Installation is the reversal of removal! :devious:

As far as testing off the battery, do yourself a favor and hook up an inline fuse before using that as your test / calibrating power source. If you should "jolt" or shock the mechanism you might burn it out. (Remember that's what a surge protector does.)

2¢

[DakotaZ]

I would agree about the glove box. 30+ year old cardboard just doesn't hold up very well when you start to try to get it out. I think mine ended up in a dozen pieces. I took a 280 clock and put it in a 240 face plate. I had to also take the mounting bracket off the old clock and put it on the new on. The clock face was interchangeable so it looks original. Still don't have a glove box though.

[Daniel]

The glove box entry is the less pain.You will trash the liner as you must fold it to get it out.My clock is used as an oil change meter.Say the oil is changed and odometer reads 82,150 then I set the clock to 2:15.Then you know when it time to change it again.Excellent time to replace all the gauge lightbulbs while your there. Daniel