[SCM246]

The clock in the Dino is a mechanical unit and typically fails in the gear set, the set knob, or the drive bearing. Usually the typical method to resolving this failure is to buy a new one then remove and replace the old one.
That is until you see the price of a new one is $1540.56 and the prices just keep going up every year:
http://reoriginals.com/clockfordino2...ock-n0254.aspx
http://reoriginals.com/interior_50.aspx

Well ride along and see what I do for about $100. Also note that several others have learned the same and I'm not talking about amateur hacks like myself; Claus Meese of Palo Alto Speedometer is my biggest competitive buyer on eBay and he charges $600-$700 for this conversion.

But I'm getting ahead of myself, let's look at what you have. An original Dino E series Veglia Borletti clock that doesn't keep time, or perhaps it has a dead movement, or maybe the hands just don't rotate when you twist the set knob.
It has given up the ghost, but its cosmetically correct and you lament its loss.

My solution: Buy a reliable and affordable Veglia Quartz (Quarzo) movement and swap the original face, hands and bezel onto the Quartz movement.
The downside?
The movement motion is not smooth but "ticks" away each second. Concours judges rarely pick up on this and it looks convincingly correct.

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

I am shocked ! I cannot get over seeing that price for a new clock. Wow !
When I bought my Dino, I had the wire disconnected deliberatly to cut out unnecessary power drain. Whether it is a Dino or any other F cars, I could care less about the clocks.
Nevertheless, thanx for the infos and tips. Greatly appreciated. w/ smiles Jimmy

[Granucci]

I agree on having a clock, almost wish they didn't include them but put in, say, a tranny fluid level gauge.

Not a bad solution and almost like the Bugatti thought: Take it out and use it elsewhere.

thanks for posting.

[JazzyO]

I just had the one thing that didn't match the interior of my GTC replaced - the clock. My specialist had one but it wasn't running too well. So he had it reconditioned. He was quite embarassed about the cost. €375 for the clock plus the reconditioning. I said "fine!". Now I have an all original clock that's running great.


Onno

[Gcalo]

This adds a new meaning to getting one's clock cleaned.

Very timely comments.

SCM246, I have to hand it to you.

[SCM246]

Thank you Greg Calo... I think



First remove the old clock. Access the the instrument panel by removing the four thumbscrews and gently tilting the panel so you can get to the clock. It is attached by a "U" bracket that comes off with two broad thumbnuts. There are three electrical connections; 12V power, ground and backlight.

[SCM246]

Remove the clock and put it on the bench, I'll use the original face, hands bezel, and chrome trim ring. Buy a Fiat 124 Veglia Quarzo Quartz clock on Ebay and make sure it works and has a functioning set knob. I've been able to get them for about $50 BUT an ebayer named PASPEEDO has been out bidding me lately. I'm guessing PASPEEDO is Claus Meese's Palo Alto Speedometer company; a highly reputable re-builder of these units.

So here is what I have from Left to Right;
- an original working 308GT4 clock that was in the car when I bought it,
- the correct mechanical replacement that has failed
- a Fiat 124 Quartz clock that I'll use to cannibalize
- a 308 GTS oil pressure gauge that has correct bezel and chrome trim ring should I damage these in my effort

[Gcalo]

This posting was not a second too late.

Well done!!

[SCM246]

So only the center two clocks are our subjects here. I'll use the face, hands, bezel and chrome trim ring from the original (on left) and place them on the can case and movement of the Quartz unit(on right). I may have to fashion a new lens but that is easy.

Using a 2" hole saw, cut all the way through and discard the center so you have a jig block to work on the clock without damaging the bezel.

Using a pick gently pry back the chrome trim ring barely enough to remove it. This is a critical step in the job and the less you pry then the lower the chance of damaging the chrome face.

Remove the set knob, trim ring, bezel and the face which is held on by two screws.

[SCM246]

Do the same from the donor Quartz clock

Gently remove the set knob, trim ring, bezel, lens, hands and the two screws that hold on the face.

[SCM246]

Laying out the components of the two clocks, the Quartz is on the top and the inop original mechanical is on the bottom.

Removing the parts I won't use leaves the quartz movement and can, hands and set knob on the top row
with the face, spacer, bezel and trim ring on the lower row.

NOTE: the face and hands on the Quartz clock were in better condition than the originals and unnoticably close in size and style so I chose to use the better ones. This is not always the case.

[SCM246]

Place the original face on the Quartz clock's mount and gently slide the hands on.

NOTE: At this point you need to double check that the clock's hands are correctly aligned on the face. Rotate the set knob until the hands are at the 12:00 position. If they are not aligned exactly, then set the hour hand at 12 and push the minute hand until it is pointly at exactly the same.

I also like to rotate the set knob through a full cycle until attaining the 12 o'clock position again to double check the hand's positions are correct and exactly parallel on to of each other.

[SCM246]

Usually the lenses are yellowed and faded, so I make a new one from readily found materials that are easy to cut.

Jewel CD cases are a low cost solution but are slightly thinner than original. Mask the plastic on both sides with clear tape to protect it while cutting and shaping. Trace the old outline onto the new plastic. Drill a hole for the set knob shaft and be careful not to shatter the plastic as you shape it.

[SCM246]

Remove the protective tape, clean the lens with some plastic cleaner and mount it in the bezel then place it on the can. Gently reattach the chrome trim ring to secure the face to the can. Push the set knob on and wipe clean!

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Voila !!! Incredible. Thanx for the knowledge. w/ smiles Jimmy