diverrick

My Vette has been in the shop getting some detail work done. They were supposed to replace the factory clock with a modern movement. They just called to day and told me they are afraid to touch the clock outta fear they may break something. OK I understand that fear. I live in Cosby, tn. Is there any place reasonably near me to get the clock fixed? Hopefuly someone who knows C3's

Greg

Do it yourself. You can buy a quartz replacement movement on eBay for about $100. Simple directions, easy to install and it will work forever. You didn't say what year your car is, but removing the center gauge cluster is not that difficult. It's an easy afternoon project.

ignatz

The cluster is an exercise in dexterity to detach and reattach to the console. There are two studs in the cluster that are very hard to get to. It helps to buy some couplers in place of the nuts. This will give you a little more reach. Other than this, it is not a particularly difficult job.

diverrick

does the entire console need to be removed to get to that cluster. Or can it be removed alone.

GTR1999

You may want to look very closely at your car when you get it back to make sure they didn't already break something and cover it up. I hope not but also wouldn't be surprised.

Hopper12

Hi diverrick, a couple of thoughts....

• I agree with GTR1999 - depending on the year of your C3 it's really easy to break off the top part of the cluster housing. If it does break, you can still use it and line it up so it's pretty difficult to tell, but it's possible they started it, it broke, they buttoned it up and decided to punt.
• I also agree with Greg - the quartz kits work really well and are easy to follow the instructions. I've done it on our '68 because I got tired of the factory clock working for a while, then not, then I'd clean it, then it would work, then not. Now it keeps perfect time and has a low current draw. If you're a possible NCRS candidate, they'll dock you for a quartz movement (the second hand sweep on quartz is smooth vs. the factory 'tick/tick'), but I'd rather have a working clock. I bought another factory clock if I ever want to change it back.
• If you do this yourself (highly recommended if you have semi-decent mechanical capabilities), you do need to move the entire cluster out so you can get to the clock. I just did this to replace the oil pressure line to the oil pressure gauge. It was a lot easier the second time around because I already knew how to do it from fixing the clock. But it's not that hard and there are some semi-helpful youtube videos and some threads on this site. Don't forget to unhook your battery and just dig in. You don't need to mess with the drivers side cluster or the main dash cover. Also loosen the main console and move it back. The two nuts at the bottom of the cluster to console are a pain - but my guess is that yours have probably already been messed with on a +/-50 year old car.
• A helpful hint I learned from an old thread comes from @derekderek. As you remove screws, etc. have a cardboard cutout ready and insert the screws you take out into a drawing on the cardboard so it's easy to remember where they came from. I found this VERY helpful.
• Have fun - you'll feel a real sense of accomplishment when you do it yourself!

Best, Paul



Ok, I'm no artist. :-) Upper left shows the screws in the cluster. Lower left shows the screws in the emergency brake console so I could move it back a few inches. Upper right shows the kick cover screw. Middle right shows the door jam plate. Lower right shows the pass dash cover (ours is a '68 and doesn't have a map pocket).

KS69Coupe

• A helpful hint I learned from an old thread comes from @derekderek. As you remove screws, etc. have a cardboard cutout ready and insert the screws you take out into a drawing on the cardboard so it's easy to remember where they came from. I found this VERY helpful.

Cardboard cutout diagram - what a great idea! Kudos @derekderek

I took my clock out a '69 and had the clock rebuilt by Corvette Central and then reinstalled. It was not too bad of a job and I am not mechanically oriented. Depending on your model year, be VERY CAREFUL pushing and pulling on the center guage cluster. They are pot metal and there is no warning when they decide to break at the thin spot between the upper vents and the lower 5-guage cluster. Yep - I cracked mine. Dummy!

OldCarBum

I purchased a new quartz movement replacement clock for my 73 from Corvette Central.
It looks exactly like the original.
They have them for all C3 model years to replace the oem clocks.
Just be slow and careful removing the center gauge cluster.
Mine came out easily without anything breaking.
If it is already broken, or if you break it, it’s not the end of the world.
They are available from most vendors, NOS, used and new aftermarket.

ignatz

[QUOTE=OldCarBum;1606662357....
If it is already broken, or if you break it, it’s not the end of the world.
They are available from most vendors, NOS, used and new aftermarket.[/QUOTE]

The aftermarket replacements don't fit the same way. The castings are twisted somehow and aren't straight when installed. Don't break it.

Eliredandblack

Spend some time reading all the many many posts on the steps you should follow to remove the center cluster. Use Google to search the topic, and be sure to input your car’s year, as there were changes made as the newer C3’s were introduced.

diverrick

just so i am understanding, if the last shop that did the clock, left the two nuts loose on the bottom, can I simply remove the four screws and slide the entire cluster out?

bobby70

MAYBE if the 2 screws at the bottom are real loose then take the 4 screws out then I dont know if you have AC but if you do there are 4 more screws to take out they hold the center vents in,then maybe the radio might have to come out or you will have to take the radio ***** off plus the 2 bolts that hold the radio in.when you put it back together make sure you tighten the 2 screws at the bottom because they might be your ground.