Clock for a 52-53 Mercury

[Merc Cruzer]

Who does repairs on early clocks for Mercurys? Or does anyone have an original clock for sale?

[51 MERC-CT]

Although these clocks can be repaired you may want to consider doing a quartz conversion. (http://www.clockwks.com/Quartzx.html)
Not sure how they power theirs but I converted my own and it is powered by a yearly changed AA battery.
All the visible attributes are stock looking.
The only difficulty is access to setting time and changing the battery.
Since I converted mine, 'Atomic' self setting movements have become available and I am considering re-doing mine.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

Although these clocks can be repaired you may want to consider doing a quartz conversion. (http://www.clockwks.com/Quartzx.html)
Not sure how they power theirs but I converted my own and it is powered by a yearly changed AA battery.
All the visible attributes are stock looking.

Thanks for the info on the Quarts conversion. We converted the clock in my wifes 70' Cougar year ago and it is very accurate, but that is 12 volt. Reading through the info:

Cost:

What will it cost?
Installing a quartz movement in your clock will usually be more expensive
than repairing the original movement. Prices can range from $139.95 to
$209.95 according to the make, model, and year of the car. Also, there was
often more than one clock supplier for a specific type of car, therefore you
should always contact us before sending your clock in for a conversion.
We can then discuss your options and give you a firm price quote for your
specific clock, in many cases before you even get it out of the car!

I was wondering about a quarts movement but in light of the fact it is 6 volt, I thought that might be a problem. I know I could always use a voltage reducer for the clock if I had to. E-bay has a NOS one for $75, that might just be the most cost effective way to go. I like to hear it ticking when I get in the car......old school I guess.

[paul2748]

Another company is Williamson's in Arkansas. Did two clock conversions for me. The earliest one was over ten years ago and it has never missed a beat. The other one is eight years ago, same thing.

They repair besides convert. They may have a six volt version.

[Merc Cruzer]

Quick update: filed the points and good as new.

[mfirth]

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MercCruzer, i have a 52 Ford and i went on line and found a battery operated clock that fit the opening with a wrap of electrical tape. Uses a small garage door opener type battery, is accurate and i take it out for winter storage. Works 4 me. mike

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Quick update: filed the points and good as new.

They have points? Have to admit I've never seen the inside of mine on the 52 and am afraid to open it up as I'll either break or lose some important part. At least it looks good and original even if it does not work. Still lights up.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by RalphG

They have points? Have to admit I've never seen the inside of mine on the 52 and am afraid to open it up as I'll either break or lose some important part. At least it looks good and original even if it does not work. Still lights up.

Yes indeed, they have points.

[Merc Cruzer]

52 MERC-CT,

Thanks for the picture.

I start by blowing out the gears with a can of compressed air. I used 400 grit sand paper folded over a point file and "carefully" sand the points flat. I then use a toothpick and sewing machine oil and lube the moving parts. Once complete you should have a nice clean spark each time the clock rewinds....on mine that is about every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. I let it run for 4 hours before reinstalling it back into the car.

RalphG,

They are well built clocks, so nothing should fall off once the back cover is removed. I usually do everything on a card table next to a well lit window. A piece of white paper towel is good to work on to keep track of the screws, bezels and gaskets. I used a car battery this time but I must admit I just ordered a 6 volt DC power supply to use for bench testing the radio, clock, an the other electric motors in the car.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Elimi...c+power+supply

If you haven't opened one up give it try, they are amazing to watch. With all of today's technology it is like watching the past come to life right in front of you.

[Drbrown]

All good stuff above. Had my '47 rebuilt by "Clockworks.com" Gears were jammed-up and wouldn't keep running. They converted it to 12 volts and reconditioned it. Has worked great ever since. Cost abt $200.

Sometimes there are working and even NOS clocks, including on the HAMB classified site. Bought an NOS speedo there, and a used full gauge cluster on Ebay.

Clocks .... I like to hear the ticking and those coils ratchet every few minutes. I added a toggle switch so I can turn the electric supply from Batt off when the car is going to sit for long periods.

[Zephyr Q]

I had the clock for my '47 Lincoln gone through last year by David Lindquist. It's the original 6volt electric winding/mechanical setup. David cleaned he mechanics, and "reflowed" my clock-face that had warped some over the years and had begun to interfere with the mechanism. No complaints about the workmanship or he price.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

52 MERC-CT,


RalphG,

They are well built clocks, so nothing should fall off once the back cover is removed. I usually do everything on a card table next to a well lit window[/url]

If you haven't opened one up give it try, they are amazing to watch. With all of today's technology it is like watching the past come to life right in front of you.

Thanks for all the info and pictures. It makes a little more sense now but I think for the time being I will be satisfied with the clock as is. At least it is right two times a day.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by RalphG

Thanks for all the info and pictures. It makes a little more sense now but I think for the time being I will be satisfied with the clock as is. At least it is right two times a day.

Did you remember to set it for Daylight saving time?

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

Did you remember to set it for Daylight saving time?

This is Saskatchewan. We don't bother with that DST business. Same time all year round.

[paul2748]

Why - does it upset the cows?

Originally Posted by RalphG

This is Saskatchewan. We don't bother with that DST business. Same time all year round.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by paul2748

Why - does it upset the cows?

Every year, twice a year I read comments on the net of people complaining about the hassle of adjusting clocks and having to lose an hour of sleep. Meanwhile I sit here wondering how they manage to get 25 hours out of a day. The simple life here.

[fourfords]

Please avoid converting to quartz. Once these original clocks are gone, they're gone. Do not be afraid to take your clock to a clock/watch repair shop. There is something special hearing the click, click, click on an original clock.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by RalphG

They have points? Have to admit I've never seen the inside of mine on the 52 and am afraid to open it up as I'll either break or lose some important part. At least it looks good and original even if it does not work. Still lights up.

Teaser question for the day: How many set of point are in a 1953 Mercury?

Answer - 4...not counting relays for power windows, top or seats.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by fourfords

Please avoid converting to quartz. Once these original clocks are gone, they're gone. Do not be afraid to take your clock to a clock/watch repair shop. There is something special hearing the click, click, click on an original clock.

No worries there. I am a big fan of keeping it original, as much as possible. Mine will remain intact in the dash and at least look good.

[Merc Cruzer]

This sounds outlandish, but take the clock out and then take the back off and dip the whole clock in a parts cleaner for a couple of minutes, I use the stuff you can by by the gallon at Harbor Freight. Then blow it off thoroughly with a compressor. Do that two times. The clock should now be clean. You may have to manually start the balance assembly wheel (that is the wheel that rotates goes back and forth), to start it a few times, but I have to say mine now keeps better time that it ever has before.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Teaser question for the day: How many set of point are in a 1953 Mercury?

Answer - 4...not counting relays for power windows, top or seats.

Are you not counting the fuel, oil pressure and temp (two) sending units?

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Are you not counting the fuel, oil pressure and temp (two) sending units?

Initially I was thinking of: distributor, voltage regulator, radio vibrator and clock. So if you add fuel, oil pressure and 2 temp, you are up to 8. Power windows would be (switches = 7) windows = 4, power seat (2 way = 2, 4 way = 4) and power top = 2, you would be up to 25. That is allot of point maintenance.

[51 MERC-CT]

And what about if equipped with Over-drive?

[Merc Cruzer]

Bottom line the car is nothing but one giant set of points. So basically, we all should have bought stock in a points manufacture back in the 50's then sold the stock when everything went transistorized. I would guess that the only sets of points still manufactured today would be the distributor and the voltage regulator. Even the radio vibrator has gone electronic....I miss the hum when I turn on the radio.....necessary evil I guess.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Bottom line the car is nothing but one giant set of points. So basically, we all should have bought stock in a points manufacture back in the 50's then sold the stock when everything went transistorized. I would guess that the only sets of points still manufactured today would be the distributor and the voltage regulator. Even the radio vibrator has gone electronic....I miss the hum when I turn on the radio.....necessary evil I guess.

Don't all current vehicles still use relay switches?

[Merc Cruzer]

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Thought I would put a finishing touch on this post. Most of us have never seen just how the clocks work. The video starts out with the clock in the car and then goes to one with the cover off. You might have to turn up the volume to hear it electrically wind. As the owners manual says: You will note it is referred to as an electrically wound clock - NOT an electric clock. It is rewound approximately every minute and 38 seconds.


https://youtu.be/s3P-ndEv48U

[Merc Cruzer]

The video was getting to involved to view on Facebook so I put it up on youtube.

https://youtu.be/s3P-ndEv48U

[rjlester]

I have a guy that fixed my AM radio on my 54. He knows his stuff and mentioned that if you put a diode across the points, they will never "arc" and therefore will never get dirty and stop working. He figured these clocks without a diode will only last a year or so before the points get dirty and then stop again. Has anyone else heard this or is this only a chevy clock thing (he is more of a chev guy).

So far mine has been working almost a year.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by rjlester

I have a guy that fixed my AM radio on my 54. He knows his stuff and mentioned that if you put a diode across the points, they will never "arc" and therefore will never get dirty and stop working. He figured these clocks without a diode will only last a year or so before the points get dirty and then stop again. Has anyone else heard this or is this only a chevy clock thing (he is more of a chev guy).

So far mine has been working almost a year.

Not sure, but mine has been in the car, for over 10 years and is still working.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Not sure, but mine has been in the car, for over 10 years and is still working.

Recall that back in the mid 50's we used to take clocks to the local watch repair shop and he used to add a coating of platinum to eliminate most flash pitting to the points. Recall that the points in my aircraft engine were platinum.

[Sunnybob]

A strange thing happens to me. My clock, if disassembled and tested on the bench, works perfectly. I left it connected to the bench for more than a day and it didn't loose a second. If I fix it in the car, it runs for a while and then stops. I must say that the car is being restored and does not move and that I connect and disconnect the battery as needed. It doesn't seem to like being in the dash

[Kens 36]

If you disconnect the battery, the clock will stop within about three minutes. What are we missing here?

[Sunnybob]

Yes, usually when I connect the battery it starts again... The problem seems not to be electric as when I removed the clock it started again after I shaked it. Giving 6v on the bench it worked perfectly...

[Sunnybob]

I mean... Sometimes when I connect the battery it doesn't work, but it's not a power problem, because when I take it out of the dash and shake it, it starts working again for a while (a few minutes). It doesn't happen on the bench where it never stops.

[tubman]

Do you understand how these clocks work? They are essentially regular old spring driven clocks with an electrical winding mechanism. They are not designed to run continuously with the power disconnected. I think the one in my '51 winds every 15-20 minutes. When you shake it, you put some momentum back in the escapement and it will run for a short time.

It sounds like your clock is operating correctly.

[Sunnybob]

I apologize for not explaining myself well. I'm italian and my English is bad. I'll try to explain the situation again:
Car mounted clock. I connect the battery. The clock starts. I hear the sound of the charging and then the ticking of the mechanical part working. Every so often I hear the charging click and it goes... If I disconnect the battery it runs until it has residual charge. And it works even if I disconnect and reconnect the battery. It goes as long as he has the charge and then stops. Sometimes however, when I reconnect the battery I don't hear the sound of charging and I realize that it is stopped. The problem is after a certain amount of time (indefinable because it varies) it no longer works. If I remove it from the car I notice that it still has a residual charge because if I swing it it starts again for a certain amount of time (variable depending on the remaining charge).

Clock on the bench. It runs smoothly for hours and hours. It ran for 24 hours without any problems.

[tubman]

OK. It sounds like there s something awry with the clock itself. It sounds like if it is solidly mounted (outside the car) it will run continuously, but any small movement (closing the car door, leaning on the fender, or even bumping the car, changes the internal alinement enough to affect it's running. Or maybe something is bent on the mount in the car that pulls the clock out of alinement when tightened. At this point, I would mount the clock in the car without tightening it at a time when you can go without touching the car for 24 hours and see if it changes anything.

[Merc Cruzer]

It probably just needs to be cleaned.

[rjlester]

You can actually put a diode across the points which eliminates the spark. Then you will never have to clean the points again, and they stay clean forever. The guy that fixed my 6 volt radio told me that trick. Once my clock stops working, I'll take it apart, clean the points and solder in a diode. I don't remember which way you polarize it, but I"m sure an internet search will tell.

[tubman]

Never heard of this, but it sounds good. Do you have a part number for the proper diode?

[rjlester]

Found a discussion on the diode clock fix. Here is what the guy said for which diode to use: Use a 1N4007 general purpose diode.

Go here and look at post number 15 for more details: https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/t...points.191611/

[petehoovie]

Post Number 15
How to stop arcing on contact points

Jan 25, 2023

• #15

Use a 1N4007 general purpose diode.

Note the diode has a band on one end. This is the cathode, the other end is the anode. A diode will conduct when the Anode is more positive than the Cathode by about 0.5 volts. And will pass a maximum of 1Amp.

The idea is to connect the diode across the inductive load (the coils of the relay) with the cathode connected to the positive supply of the relay's coil and the anode connected to the negative side. The diode will NOT CONDUCT normally, but when the coil of the relay is disconnected, then energy stored in the relay's coil will release in the opposite direction to which it was energized. This is called a CEMF voltage spike. CEMF stands for Counter Electro Motive Force. Electro Motive Force is just another name for voltage and Counter means opposite polarity.

This CEMF is proportional to how much current was flowing in the coil and is inversely proportional to how fast the current is removed. CEMF can be quite high and disruptive as you can imagine .

The purpose of the diode is to limit the CEMF spike to less than 1volt, thus avoiding the problem of a high voltage negative voltage spike damaging the activating component (transistor or relay or ??) with a negative voltage overload, and/or arcing)

[Sunnybob]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

It probably just needs to be cleaned.

This will be next step. Tomorrow I will take the clock to the repair shop...



Thank you everybody for help

[Joe B.]

Originally Posted by rjlester

Found a discussion on the diode clock fix. Here is what the guy said for which diode to use: Use a 1N4007 general purpose diode.

Go here and look at post number 15 for more details: https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/t...points.191611/

Thanks for this. I've been running a Borg clock from a '50 on a power supply for a few weeks now after servicing, and there is a tiny spark when the points make their momentary contact, causing some points discoloration. Maybe I'll give this a try.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Sunnybob

This will be next step. Tomorrow I will take the clock to the repair shop...



Thank you everybody for help

If I am not mistaken you live just South of Switzerland correct?

[Sunnybob]

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Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

If I am not mistaken you live just South of Switzerland correct?

Yes, famous land of clock and watch makers


I gave the clock to a friend who has a clock repair shop. He told me the loading spring, on which the electrical contact acts, has been repaired in the past. They made it "harder" and according to him it has difficulty working at 6 volts. Anyway I got another one on ebay (there are many and they are cheap). Let's see what comes...Stay tuned.