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Looking for a little advice from our talent here. I have dissassembled the dash clock on my 1807. It keeps excellent time, but looks a little faded by the sun. Ordered some plastic numbers from Max Merritt for both the clock and the speedometer before tearing the clock down. (Lesson there.) When I took it apart last night, one of the rings has a silver painted (?) backing which dropped about 1/3 of the paint in flakes immediately. Holding it up to light, you can see that this would affect the appearance of the indirect lighting.

Anyone know what paint is used on this backing?

Martin K. O'Toole

Although I can not help you on the correct paint color, I would like to offer a couple suggestions based on my experience rebuilding these Borg clocks.

I suggest that while you have it apart, you add a bit of clock oil to each of the shaft ends. There is a tiny oil reservoir well at each end. You can get this oil from a clock, sewing, or hobby shop, or use the age old 3 in 1 household oil. It is typically an oil that has a 'stringy' thick characteristic.

Also, I would suggest cleaning the electrical points with a small steel file. Given the fact that the clock is essentially a mechanical clock that is rewound every 2 4 minutes by a electromagnet, the points will build up arc damage over time. Gently dragging a steel file over the points, even just a small amount will keep them clean and the allow better current flow through the points. As the points become damaged, they carry less current each time they close. THis results in the clock being rewound to a less degree, which then causes the clock to require rewinding sooner, thus calling on the points to operate more often in an already weakened state. This causes a very fast decline of the function. So, keeping the contacts clean is a very simple way to keep it running. My experience is that these things are very reliable.

I hope this helps,
Pat

Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds sound. :)

MKOT

Martin
I wouldn't listen to him if I were you.
Just kidding. Pat helped me get my clock working also. He e-mailed and told me you were seeking help, but I was in Philadelphia last week. Unfortunately, my car is in storage right now and I don't even remember there being any paint on the clock face. Can you post a photo? or e-mail to me?
StelvioGT@yahoo.com

Edited: Wait. Now I remember the ring. Yes, the paint on mine was very fragile as well. I don't think I had to do anything, though, or it was very minor problem. I'd still have to see the ring so I can remember why it wouldn't be a simple repaint option.

I'll make the photos tomorrow and post them.

MKOT