Clock for a 52-53 Mercury

Merc Cruzer

Merc Cruzer

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

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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.
 
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51 MERC-CT said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Merc Cruzer said:
Quick update: filed the points and good as new.
Click to expand...
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.
 
RalphG said:
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.
Click to expand...
Yes indeed, they have points.
picture.php

picture.php
 
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-Elim...Regulated/dp/B01M3372KU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Merc Cruzer said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
RalphG said:
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.
Click to expand...
Did you remember to set it for Daylight saving time? :):D
 
paul2748 said:
Why - does it upset the cows?
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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. :)
 
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.
 
RalphG said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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fourfords said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
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