Clock in 280 SL, 1971

[KUMARB]

I need help with the clock on my 280 SL, 1971.

I took out the clock as it was not working. It looked like it had been repaired before. The plastic back cover has cracks and a holding nut was missing. There is a disk inside which is cocked periodically by an electro-magnet which in turn winds the clock spring and runs the clock. When I manually turned the disk to cock it, the clock would start ticking, thus assuring me the clock mechanism was fine. The most likely suspect was open solder fuse. However, in my zeal to do a thorough job on clock repair, I removed the rubber gasket which sealed the plastic cover to metal housing and also removed the three rubber bushings from the housing. They seemed frayed to me. Now, in order to replace the rubber bushings, I will have to take out the clock mechanism from the housing. I have tried pulling it out gently. NO luck. It seems a central spindle is holding the mechanism to the housing. I removed the bezel, and tried to remove the hands, hoping this would release the central spindle. The hands would not come off the spindle. I tried unsuccessfully to pry the hands off, and in the process, have damaged the hands. Before I do any further damage to my clock beyond a point of no return (I am hoping I have not gotten there yet), I have come here seeking your help. Here are my questions:

(1) How do I remove the clock mechanism from the metal housing?

(2) Can I replace my electro-mechanical clock mechanism with a quartz clock mechanism from a newer Mercedes Benz, like 107 Chasis? I would like to keep the outside appearance of my clock the same, that is, reuse the bezel, the face plate, the hands, etc.

(3) Do I have a good understanding of the problem? Or, I bit more than I can chew?

By the way, the Clock has the markings of "VDO" on the face plate, but seems to have been made by KIENZLE.

Sincerely,

[hauser]

Palo Alto has done quite a few of these.  You'll keep the stock look but the movement if from a Porsche quartz clock.  Not sure what they charge for this.

[philmas]

Palo Alto Speedometer is indeed the right place for this job.
I had my clock converted to quartz last year.
They charge around $100-150 (not sure) for this, which is a lot cheaper than a new MB clock (over €300), much more accurate and reliable.

[Jonny B]

I will chime in here also. I had my clock redone by Palo Alto a number of years back, and it indeed is dead spot on. THe VDO and Keinzle are correct. I believe the new clocks will have "quartz" on the face. I wanted to keep the more sharply pointed bezel, as the new ones have a more rounded bezel. Your car should be that way anyway.

There are several strings from folks that have gone into the inner workings and done a repair. Some like to hear the little mechanical click when the clock rewinds itself. Try the search function on that one.

[scoot]

quote:Originally posted by Jonny B

I will chime in here also. I had my clock redone by Palo Alto a number of years back, and it indeed is dead spot on. THe VDO and Keinzle are correct. I believe the new clocks will have "quartz" on the face. I wanted to keep the more sharply pointed bezel, as the new ones have a more rounded bezel. Your car should be that way anyway.

There are several strings from folks that have gone into the inner workings and done a repair. Some like to hear the little mechanical click when the clock rewinds itself. Try the search function on that one.

North Hollywood Speedometer is also good for rebuilding such things.  We just had our clock done and it came out great.  The tech said that if you repair the mechanical clock it would only last a few years and would only keep so-so time and he didn't think he could get the parts.  Instead he replaced the guts with the quartz clock guts but the exterior looks the same as before (doesn't say quartz).  The best of both worlds.  I think he charged $200.

[abe280SL]

I like the "click" sound of my clock.  You can look up who did the work on my clock for a fraction of the cost that the big companies charge.  This guy is someone who does it for a hobby...however he does not do conversions to quartz.
good luck
abe

[scoot]

quote:Originally posted by abe280SL

I like the "click" sound of my clock.  You can look up who did the work on my clock for a fraction of the cost that the big companies charge.  This guy is someone who does it for a hobby...however he does not do conversions to quartz.
good luck
abe

The tradeoff -- at least according to my shop the mechanical movement will require cleaning/rebuilding every 4 years or so where as the quartz movement will not.  Oh, and my quartz movement does do the "click" sound still...   Scott

[Richard Madison]

Had my clock repaired a few years ago by David Lindquist, 12427 East Penn Street, Whittier CA 90602. He did a great job and the charge was much less than Palo Alto or North Hollywood.

He does not do digital conversions.

Richard M, NYC

[rmmchl]

I just had my 250sl clock changed to quartz from palo alto speedometer-they are excellent , but the guy on the phone said it would be $175.00, then when I sent it there some other tech tried to say that was wrong, it would be $235.00-I told them no way, send it back-then the guy said he would do it, and made me feel like that I was trying to pu one over on them.--------------then, 2 weeks later I called and asked how much to clean the inside glass on my tach--------the same guy on the phone told me $25.00--then like clockwork, when they receive it, I get a call from the same tech saying they had a minimum $65.00 charge--------I got mad, and again he tried to make me feel like I was lying about the other guy telling me $25.00-he agreed to do it for that price and told me to go elsewhre in the future--It cost $5.00 to send them my clock, but they charged $15.00 to send it back-$5.00 was priority 2 day with us postal service---------------WATCH THE BAIT AND SWITCH WITH THESE GUYS_---I have to say their work is excellant

[KUMARB]

rmmchl, did you get your clock fixed?

I fixed the clock myself. A local speedometer repair shop quoted me $85.00 to overall and fix the clock, and $165.00 for conversion to quartz. I declined their offer, and took upon myself to fix it. I braced myself for the worst outcome.

I took the clock mechanism out of my clock, and had it cleaned and lubricated at a local clock repair shop for $40.00. The clock repair shop would not fix the electro-mechanical clock other than cleaning and lubricating. Also, I had a plan B, in case I was not able to fix the clock. I bought three quartz clocks from old Porsche's. One was in working condition, and the other two non-working. Plan B was to convert the clock to quartz movement by cannibalizing the Porsche quartz clocks.  Fortunately, I was able to fix all the clocks. Now, I have three Porsche quartz clocks leftovers in good working condition and do not know what to do with them. Perhaps, buy three Porsche's?

I spent more than $85.00 and many hours before I was able to fix the clocks. My consolation is that I acquired a new skill, perhaps!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.