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-   -   1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299805)

glennpm 06-13-2021 07:24 AM

1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Hi,

I'm debating what to do with my broken 1940 Ford clock. The main spring broke yesterday but otherwise the clock is in very good condition. so these are the solutions I'm thinking about:

- Replace main spring but how and with what? Searching yesterday I found mention that the old portable Westclox springs. I couldn't find any other source nor how to replace it.


- Buy a 40 Ford clock suitable for parts and must have a good main spring. These clocks are pricey.

- Replace the 40 Ford clock with a 40 Mercury electric clock. For this I need the dimensions I've noted. I realize that the Merc is flat but I believe I can get it installed.


https://i69.servimg.com/u/f69/19/88/31/04/40_mer10.jpg

flatford8 06-13-2021 07:30 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Classic Auto Electric has done a great job on my ‘50 clock and converted my radio to FM. I have nothing but good results using them.........Mark

glennpm 06-13-2021 08:11 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Hi Flatford,


I'll write to them about a conversion.


Thanks

deuce_roadster 06-13-2021 08:43 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

My late brother was a clock and watch repairman. He had the tools to make springs. I would think any good clock and watch guy could make a new mainspring for your clock. It isn't tiny like a woman's wrist watch. He learned this trade from a 2 year Community College course, perhaps there is one near you who could help. You might search for a school.

D. Jones 06-13-2021 08:52 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

If you have a real old time watch/clock repair person in your area check with them, they may be able to find a spring that will fit and replace it for you. I see took too long thinking and
posting.

Terry,OH 06-13-2021 11:32 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

If your into clocks you can get main springs. Some of the ends have to be modified to work in the 40 Ford different clocks. It may be best to have the clock looked at by a pro. They have the equipment to get the hands off properly and replace the face.


I wonder if the dimensions you asked for above are the same as 40 Ford. With a change of hands and face you could have a electric 40 Ford clock

flatford8 06-13-2021 05:15 PM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

[email protected]. Contact Joe. He’ll know how to help you....Mark

paul2748 06-13-2021 07:21 PM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Williamson's in Arkansas repairs clocks. They can convert it to quartz movement if you prefer. Did two conversions for me, great work.

Automotive Stud 06-14-2021 11:50 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

I've used the clock works for my '40 wind up and my '47 electric. Both were about $100 each and I had them back working in less than two weeks.

glennpm 06-14-2021 12:00 PM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry,OH (Post 2026093)
If your into clocks you can get main springs. Some of the ends have to be modified to work in the 40 Ford different clocks. It may be best to have the clock looked at by a pro. They have the equipment to get the hands off properly and replace the face.

I wonder if the dimensions you asked for above are the same as 40 Ford. With a change of hands and face you could have a electric 40 Ford clock


Yes Terry those are my thoughts too and the reason I asked for dimensions.



I bet DD has a Merc clock in his collection :-))

glennpm 06-14-2021 12:05 PM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Automotive Stud (Post 2026389)
I've used the clock works for my '40 wind up and my '47 electric. Both were about $100 each and I had them back working in less than two weeks.


I have a couple of Classified queries out but if those fail, I will give these guys a try. Living in Maine, they're not that far away and I'm encouraged by the price you paid.


https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair-service.html


Thanks

Automotive Stud 06-14-2021 02:14 PM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennpm (Post 2026396)
I have a couple of Classified queries out but if those fail, I will give these guys a try. Living in Maine, they're not that far away and I'm encouraged by the price you paid.


https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair-service.html


Thanks

Different outfit, this is who I used http://www.clockwks.com/The_Clock_Worx.html

glennpm 06-14-2021 03:54 PM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Thanks, they have this message up now though:


NOTICE: DUE TO A LARGE BACKLOG AND LIMITED HOURS THIS
SUMMER, WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING ANY NEW ORDERS AT THIS TIME!



REGULAR BUSINESS WILL RESUME IN SEPTEMBER.

glennpm 06-14-2021 06:05 PM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

2 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry,OH (Post 2026093)
If your into clocks you can get main springs. Some of the ends have to be modified to work in the 40 Ford different clocks. It may be best to have the clock looked at by a pro. They have the equipment to get the hands off properly and replace the face.

I wonder if the dimensions you asked for above are the same as 40 Ford. With a change of hands and face you could have a electric 40 Ford clock


Hi Terry,

I found two references to the mainspring to use. Some said that the Baby Ben would work but others, the Travel clock. From what I could measure without removing my mainspring, the Baby Ben is too high at 5/16". I bought a Travel Alarm from ebay today and a tool to pull the hands.

glennpm 06-14-2021 06:06 PM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul2748 (Post 2026219)
Williamson's in Arkansas repairs clocks. They can convert it to quartz movement if you prefer. Did two conversions for me, great work.


I checked with them today and with shipping both ways it would cost $400 for a conversion! Way to rich for me.

Terry,OH 06-15-2021 06:05 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Let us know how the Travalarm spring works out for the Westclox. Is CML40.3 the number of the spring you ordered?

glennpm 06-15-2021 06:55 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Hi Terry,


I bought a working Travalarm and will remove its main spring.

glennpm 06-15-2021 07:24 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatford8 (Post 2026193)
[email protected]. Contact Joe. He’ll know how to help you....Mark


Thanks Mainer!
I sent an email to Joe a few minutes ago. Thanks for the link.


Glenn

51504bat 06-17-2021 10:10 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennpm (Post 2026498)
I checked with them today and with shipping both ways it would cost $400 for a conversion! Way to rich for me.


I just got off the phone with Ron from Williamson's. He CALLED me in response to an email I sent about a clock conversion and other gauge questions for my '54 Ford Ranch Wagon. The quote was $250.00 for the 12 volt conversion with a lifetime warranty. (another quote from another vendor was $370.00) He also took considerable time to advise me on options for using the stock gauges for fuel and temp on 12 volts. Never tried to sell anything. Just offered good advice and several options to consider. All in all I was very impressed with his knowledge and professionalism. Unfortunately you don't see this type of customer service from vendors today. JMO

dmar836 06-17-2021 10:15 AM

Re: 1940 Clock Help - Merc & Ford
 

I like 'em all windey. If I need spot-on time, I have a cell phone.


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