marks

I know that this topic has been covered many times sorry for asking again but this forum seems to have the answers for most everything. I have a 69 coupe and want to change my non working original clock to quartz. I'm probably just going to jbuy a replacement. Could someone give me the step by step process on removing it from the center cluster and what to expect or direct me to a good publication about the procedure etc?. Also once the cluster is out I thought about repainting it( has some wear around the seatbelt button). What do you guys recommend? Thanks in advance for any input.

7vette2

Marks,
If you would like, I can e-mail you the procedure for clock removal and relpacement. I have it on file in my computer. Let me know.
Ben :smash:

7vette2

Rick,
You have new mail. Let me know if there is a problem with the attachment.
Ben

marks

Ben,

I would appriciate that. I was playing around with the cluster and seemed to begin to figure things out until i ran into those two bolts and nuts that are connected under the radio. How in god's earth do you get to those?. Thanks for the reply.

Mark

7vette2

Mark,
You have mail. Let me know if there is a problem with the file. Good luck!
Ben :flag

jeffnles1

Ben,
If you get a chance, could you email the file to me as well? I'm about to undertake the great clock caper myself.

Thank you,
Jeff

jeffnles1@msn.com

Dave68

You must use a 3/8 or 5/16 (if my memory serves me well) - inch open-end wrench. It is a royal pain-in-the-butt and after doing it many times over the years, I left them out. Even though I expected some rattles, none surfaced after many months of driving. You might want to leave them out.

Word of caution: Disconnect your negative battery cable first. Also, have a rag handy to rest the threaded studs against after you pull the cluster panel away from the dash.

Good luck!

jbroughton

This is one of those great "while you're at it" projects. Once you have the cluster out is a good time to replace all the light bulbs. You might also decide to replace to clear lens for the gauges - it's all one piece, easy to replace while you've got it apart, and I think it was less than $10. You'd be amazed at how scratched up these things get after 30 years!

Take your time, walk away for a little while if you start losing your patience....it's tedious stuff, but it'll look great when you're done.

Ganey

Have fixed many clocks w/o removal w/ a shot of WD-40 from the back. Can be done from the front through the adj. hole w/ a small plastic tube.

theandies

The best way I have found is to remove the passenger side lower dash panel...the one with the map picket in it. It is east and gives you a lot more room to work. With that panel off you can actually see the R/H center console lower nut. I did my clock about 2 months ago with the quartz kit and I like the results. I also like the suggestion to change your light bulbs. I bought a kit from Corvette Central that has all the lights for the car execpt for the 4 headlights. I changed all the lights in my center console and boy what a differance it makes. I don't know if lights get dim over time but my guages sure are bright now.
John


[Modified by theandies, 9:52 AM 12/9/2001]