1940 Ford Clock Face Replacement

M

MrPhat40

Member
Dear Ford Barners,

I am in the middle of refreshing my 1940 Ford Deluxe coupe. The clock which is installed has been converted to 12v. (That is fine with me)
However, the face of the clock is a bit faded and scratched. I would like to replace it.
I see several early Ford parts suppliers offer a replacement face. Are the faces all the same or is one supplier better quality than the others?

My question is what are the steps to remove and replace the clock face?
What holds the stem knob in place?
Is this knob a press fit or is it screwed onto the shaft. If screwed on do you capture the shaft with needle nose pliers and twist the knob off counterclockwise or other?
If it is press fit do you just apply force to pry it off while twisting it?
Once this know the knob is removed it appears I can remove the bezel and then the hands (which I also believe are pressed in place to remove and replace the old face.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
I thank your comments and suggestions in advance.
Regards,
MrPhat40
 
The face of the clock in my '47 convertible was faded beyond use from exposure to the elements, as was the speedometer face. Surprisingly, both worked after some extensive cleanup and repair. I recommend Bob's Speedometer as a good place to have the units inspected, adjusted, and refaced. They will inspect the units and give you an estimate of cost to make them like new. You can reach them at 800/592-9673. They have been in business since 1929! Fo the cost of upgrading mine, I opted to a NOS replacement they had.
 
As I recall the little knob on my 40 clock unscrews in a CCW direction. I have never done it but, I think removing the hands can be tricky and you could easily damage them making your situation worse and more costly. Best bet is to send it to Bob as mentioned above. However, here's a parts site:
http://www.earlyfordstore.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=11+amp;sort&sort=1a&filter_id=315

You can buy a watch hand remover tool.

Here's some 40 clocks for sale, just in case.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/search/184955924/?q=1940+ford+clock&o=relevance&c[node]=47
 
Last edited:
MrPhat40 said:
Dear Ford Barners,

I am in the middle of refreshing my 1940 Ford Deluxe coupe. The clock which is installed has been converted to 12v. (That is fine with me)
However, the face of the clock is a bit faded and scratched. I would like to replace it.
I see several early Ford parts suppliers offer a replacement face. Are the faces all the same or is one supplier better quality than the others?

My question is what are the steps to remove and replace the clock face?
What holds the stem knob in place?
Is this knob a press fit or is it screwed onto the shaft. If screwed on do you capture the shaft with needle nose pliers and twist the knob off counterclockwise or other?
If it is press fit do you just apply force to pry it off while twisting it?
Once this know the knob is removed it appears I can remove the bezel and then the hands (which I also believe are pressed in place to remove and replace the old face.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
I thank your comments and suggestions in advance.
Regards,
MrPhat40
Click to expand...
I am nearly certain all of the metal face plates sold are manufactured in one place. You can't miss buying one from Carpenter. There were two clocks, New Haven and West Clock. You need to know which clock you have as the faces will not interchange.
Pull the knob out a bit and hold the shaft from turning with a needle nose plier. Then simply unscrew the knob (lefty - lucy). Then remove the four screws that hold the plastic bezel in place. The face plate is attached with two screws as I recall. Yep, that easy :)
 
The Westclox face is held on by three screws and the New Haven face is held on by two screws. Removing the hands can be a challenge. I would not attempt to remove them unless you are sure of what you are doing. You indicate your clock is electric. Who is the manufacturer or was it a conversion.
 
Gotta ask, what kinda 40 clock do you have that was converted to 12 volts? nearly all 40 clocks are manually wound but there was an option for an electric wound clock but they are scarce.
 
Dear Fordbarner's thank you for the tips.
I believe the clock is a conversion. a sticker on the unit says: For Service contact the Instrument Co. Roscoe, IL.
The back of the metal stamping of the clock says Ford. I could not find a reference to either New Haven or West Clock.
I think I will call Bob's I have spoken with them about another gauge in the past. They were very helpful.
Regards,
MrPhat40
 
For additional information the Westclox clock was made in LaSalle, Illinois and the New Haven clock was made in New Haven, Conn. Is the stamping that says "Ford" on the back of the clock works or on the back of the metal can that contains the clock works? Check the back of the metal can to see if you see any other markings. All the clocks had "Ford made in USA" stamped on the back of the can. They also had the manufacturer of the clock on the back of the can.
 
What condition are the hands in? You'll need to get them off to replace the dial (they are a press fit and can be tight).

They might look a little scruffy against a new dial. Last one I did, I gave the hands a lick with Humbrol Matt Ivory. Came up a treat!

You might want a new gasket for the glass, although silicone will do as you can't see it.
 
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