Replacing the dash clock?

[mptreb]

I have 2 fiat clocks, neither of which works.

I bought a volvo clock for a couple of bucks -- it worked for a while; apparently Volvo folks have to replace their clocks semi-regularly, too.

So I'm looking for a replacement clock that will fit in place of the original -- ideally, I'd like to put one of the Fiat gauge faces on it.

Any suggestions?
Matt

[rlux4]

I have three. (Suggestions, that is.)
1. Clocks can be repaired. Could be expensive though, I don't know. Radiopilot rebuilt his with good results.
2. Post for a replacement in "Parts Wanted"
3. They come up regularly on Ebay as people part out a car.
Ron

[mbouse]

clocks i have owned for my 1978 & 1980 Spiders:
1. the originals
2.

that's right... only the original factory clocks. i did, however, change the crystals. maybe i am just lucky, but i don't think so. these clocks DO work well.

i suggest that you find an original clock, if it needs a new crystal replace it and use what matches perfectly with your other gauges. if you cannot wait for one to appear at Evil Bay, then contact one of our suppliers:
http://www.fiatparts.com
http://www.midwest124.com
both have used gauges handy, for resonable prices.

then, if that doesn't work out for you... my second suggestion is a stock oil pressure gauge. they aren't the most accurate thing, but are fun to watch, and are the same size as the stock clock.

[rlux4]

Oops. I didn't think of the vendors for used parts.
Make that four suggestions.
Ron

[roanokeSpider]

Once i get my car going strong i plan on using an IAP clock http://www.international-auto.com/class ... uments.cfm
Though i wouldn't use it unless i had the stainless rings around all of my guages

[spider2081]

I went to the local craft store. Found a 2" quartz clock that has an internal AAA battery paid all of $8. Took the Fiat clock apart and put it's dial in the L-cheapo sprayed the gold dress ring flat black. Oh I glued in a mimi lamp so I could see it at night. It ran flawless for 4 years and then just before Freak Out I had to replace the battery. No one commented that it was not the original clock, even though it has sort of Victorian hands

[pope]

Most Fiat clocks do work for a long time. Its the lens that gets old and yellow.

[mbouse]

unlike the rest of the gauges, the clock bezel is plastic, which causes the yellowing over time.

a 2" el-cheapo flashlight bezel works just as good as a hobby shop clock... and costs less.

[spider2081]

I agree the original clocks are very reliable. Mine not only had the discolored crystal but the gear to set it had cracked and was slipping on the shaft. I could not set the time.
Putting in the L-cheapo was sort of a whim thing but has worked pretty well.

[perthling]

I went to the local craft store. Found a 2" quartz clock that has an internal AAA battery paid all of $8. Took the Fiat clock apart and put it's dial in the L-cheapo sprayed the gold dress ring flat black. Oh I glued in a mimi lamp so I could see it at night. It ran flawless for 4 years and then just before Freak Out I had to replace the battery. No one commented that it was not the original clock, even though it has sort of Victorian hands

That's what I was looking for here Down Under. Found a shop which had to get one in, said it should arrive in September... 2007. I'm still waiting for their call to let me know it's arrived.

I've parted out a number of Coupes and none of their clocks have worked. the clock in my '74 Spider will work if you give it a kick-start by adjusting the hands - once you disconnect and reconnect the battery it just stays stationary. And the clock in my one-owner '74 CC has just gone on the blink. Still, 35 years out of a clock isn't too bad IMHO.

[jfrawley]

The original clock in my '82 keeps perfect time....not the right time, but perfect none the less. The gear to set it correctly has left the building, so I pull the fuse, wait until the time catches up with the clock, reinstall the fuse, and I'm good to go. PIA, but effective!

[mbouse]

cool.

[Razooli]

I went to the local craft store. Found a 2" quartz clock that has an internal AAA battery paid all of $8. Took the Fiat clock apart and put it's dial in the L-cheapo sprayed the gold dress ring flat black. Oh I glued in a mimi lamp so I could see it at night. It ran flawless for 4 years and then just before Freak Out I had to replace the battery. No one commented that it was not the original clock, even though it has sort of Victorian hands

@spider2081 Just did this and finally have a working clock that I can set and that keeps accurate time... what a great idea! What kind of "mini lamp" did you use for light?

[HAWKER]

Bag that clock and put a round picture of your family there.... These clocks are a classic conflict for the love of making it right!! A subtitue guage, either oil pressure, or temp that matched the others, ie fuel, water temp, but that requires some enginering if it is to be functional..... Just by the feedback on this clock issue; the writing is on the wall, IT ANI'T WORTH IT!

[ga.spyder]

Wear a watch!!!