Pre-war (up to 1942) Rear compartment clocks

[Warren Rauch #4286]

  For years I have had the wrong clock in the 3975. I just bought two of them that are as found.This type  were used on Fleetwood bodies from 1938-40. Has anyone ever had to deal with these clocks?

 My question is what is the best way to test them. Do I just hook up the wires and hope. Do I take the shell off and oil. I could just shoot some  WD-40 in, maybe clear out some dirt.How about a bath in acetone?. The hands do move to reset .What harm will I create ?  Trying to repair ,I'd end up with lots of pieces,I can't fit back in.Short of an expert,should I do something?

 Maybe just mount in car. It can't drain the battery,if its not hooked up!

Warren

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Whoa.   Stay away from the WD40, or any other stuff that could end up gathering dust and muck into the works.

A clocksmith would be the first option in my opinion.

If you are tempted to lubricate anything, I was advised by a Clocksmith to use an oil like Sewing Machine oil, and dipping the tip of a toothpick onto the surface to gather as little amount of oil as possible, and transfer that to each jewel (Axis points) of each gear.

If you have access to a sonic cleaner, then you don't want to put anything like the face or hands into the machine, as that might remove any paint.

Bruce.