Access to clock

[BillD]

I've read through the Haynes account of dashboard removal and am hoping that there is an easier way to get to the clock. I've gotten a replacement for my non-functioning time piece and would like to change it out. This will be in a '73 240z.

Thanks in advance.

[DakotaZ]

I replaced my clock in my '72 by going through the glove box. Of course when I tried to take the glove box out it didn't survive to well. So if you go this route and want to save the glove box, be careful.

[BillD]

This is the sort of option I was hoping for. How did you go through the glove box and did you learn anything from the experience that you'd like to share?

[Dtsnlvrs]

Step one: order new cardboard glove box.

Step two: destroy old glovebox while trying to remove it to gain access to the clock.

Step three:remove clock

step four: re-install/replace clock

Step five: install new glovebox that you had the forsight to pre order before replacing clock.

[Bambikiller240]

I don't know for certain, but I have heard that the cardboard gloveboxes for 70-73 240Z's are no longer available, so you might want to be sure you can get a replacement before you go destroying what you have.

[mdbrandy]

Originally posted by BambiKiller240

I don't know for certain, but I have heard that the cardboard gloveboxes for 70-73 240Z's are no longer available, so you might want to be sure you can get a replacement before you go destroying what you have.

MSA lists them but they are NLA. Even Chloe at Midwest Z has been unable to come up with one for me. I'd suggest being careful!

[AxtellZ]

Which leaves option B, removing the heater control panel and going in from below.. Easiest to loosen the heater control cables at their ends rather than at the panel. Good luck!

[sapruns]

I removed the glove box when I changed my clock. You will need to remove the air vent hose first and the the glove box will come out a little easier. If you take your time it will come out in one piece. It can be done!

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by sapruns

I removed the glove box when I changed my clock. You will need to remove the air vent hose first and the the glove box will come out a little easier. If you take your time it will come out in one piece. It can be done!

Pulling the air vent hose sure helps, but my glovebox got mangled on the other side by the bracket for the glovebox light switch. I think successful removal (in one piece) depends on how brittle the cardboard on your individual glovebox has gotten.

[LanceM]

Glovebox is the way to go. I also found that the plastic insert (glovebox) from a 81 280ZX can be made to work as a very nice but not stock replacement.

[BillD]

I finally had time to check this out. To review, I think there are three routes to the clock.

1. Chilton's recommends removing the instrument panel finishing panel, loosening the hex-head screws on the back of the clock, pull the clock out, unfasten the electrical connections, and install the new unit by reversing the steps. The finishing panel came off easily, but I could see no way to access the clock so I put it back on.

2. Pull the central dash panel and access it from the bottom. I took off the four screws on the panel and it became loose but wouldn't remove. I didn't want to force it, so I just put everything back together.

3. Remove the glove box and vent hoses and access it through there. I have the old cardboard box and it looks like it is in almost perfect shape. I'm more than a little frightened of this option.

I think that I am close in any (or all) of these methods, but am not seeing a crucial step. :stupid: Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[mdbrandy]

Originally posted by BillD

I finally had time to check this out. To review, I think there are three routes to the clock.

1. Chilton's recommends removing the instrument panel finishing panel, loosening the hex-head screws on the back of the clock, pull the clock out, unfasten the electrical connections, and install the new unit by reversing the steps. The finishing panel came off easily, but I could see no way to access the clock so I put it back on.

2. Pull the central dash panel and access it from the bottom. I took off the four screws on the panel and it became loose but wouldn't remove. I didn't want to force it, so I just put everything back together.

3. Remove the glove box and vent hoses and access it through there. I have the old cardboard box and it looks like it is in almost perfect shape. I'm more than a little frightened of this option.

1) I'm not sure what instrument finishing panel you're talking about, so I can't help there.

2) The center heater control panel is held in by those four screws, but also by the radio knobs, and the heater contol cables. There are four cables that run from the mechanism attached to the heater control panel (the three levers that slide sideways), and attach to two levers on the right side of the heater box, and two levers on the left side of the heater box. You have to remove the cable attachment to all four of these before the center panel will come out. Make sure you label which wires go where. Routing of the choke cable through them when you put it back together can be important too.

3) yup.