Dash clock woes

[Rat-a-tat-Dat]

Hello all you Ratsunites,

 

I'm quite new to this site, but I have been sitting on the side lines, just observing, until now.

I've looked around the Forum(s) and came to a conclusion that my woe is not worthy of mentioning, abeit actually not an issue, but more of a request.

Has anyone ever had they're dash clock (I know, who the hell cares, right?) working? Ever since I came into possession of my '80 720 KC, the darn thing has never, ever been able to tell time. With the exception of it happening, twice daily. lol  The point is, it's probably broken (power does get to it) so where would I start to look for a rebuilt? (who does this anymore?) or replacement (new or used) for it?

 

Thanks to anyone who dares/cares to respond, lmao

 

 

[datzenmike]

Well in the 60s and 60s big three makers it was dust that usually caused them to fail. Not sure how the Nissan/Datsun ones work exactly. The Dodge ones would click a solenoid every 15-20 min that reset a mainspring. I think the Datsun ones are much different.

[Rat-a-tat-Dat]

I scoured the forums and happened upon, not a lot, but a few remarks regarding clocks. Perhaps I should have known not to leave out pertinent information like... it's a square "Quartz" analog clock with a second hand sweep. If there's something to learn, it's usually by experience. So, I'll take it out of the dash bezel and clean it first. 

Thanks for the reply Mike.

[Lockleaf]

You can post a want ad in the classifieds.

 

i don't know if those clocks are electronic or mechanical. Remove the clock from the dash and if electronic find an electronic repair facility, if mechanical find a watch/clock repair guy.

[Stitebunny]

Im in the same boat with my 510 clock.  Mine is not quartz however.  I have a clock repair/sales store near my work and just dropped it off on Friday.  They said they could take a look at it to see if they can do anything.  Should know the answer to that next week hopefully.

 

Found this while searching for answers. Not directly related to quartz operation but some good info and pictures.

 

http://www.oldcarsweekly.com/restoration/restoration-tips/putting_the_ticktock_back_in_your_old_car_clock

[datzenmike]

These are the ones I meant. Every 15 min there is a click as it resets. Datsuns have a movement as you can shake them and see the movement working but it quickly winds down. I thing there is an inductor and maybe some magnetic kick to keep it going. I'm looking at my 710 clock. There is a flywheel and a very small electromagnet

[hang_510]

If you can't find anyone to repair, look for a 12v clock motor and fix it yourself.

[MikeRL411]

Re post number 3, it's a quartz movement !!!!!!!!

[Charlie69]

Yours being in the 1980 720 should be the square one.  Later years 84-86 I beleive went to a round one.

 

Early

 

 

Late

 

[Rat-a-tat-Dat]

Thanks everyone for all your input .

I've yet to dismantle the dash and remove my clock.

But in regards to Charlie69, the 'early' photo is very similar to my '80's dash but more specifically the clock.

I have perused online sites and had come across a few quartz clocks - out of earlier vehicles from GM, to which are not indiscriminately dissimilar. However the task of notable compliance is allusive.  

 

My inquiry shall not waver. 

Perhaps I'll be in favor of Lady Luck and the face of time will start again.lol

[720inOlyWa]

This topic hit a nerve. I LOVE my Nissan clocks and would not own the truck without one. Being a man of simple tastes, one of my favorite things to do in life is to park somewhere alone and quiet and listen to that soft ticking of my clock. All three of my trucks MUST have a working clock. So I have acquired and owned a few of the round ones and, because they are quartz, they are extremely reliable and accurate. As a side note, I am old enough to remember the introduction of quartz technology to time keeping, now an obsolete way of doing things. But it was a big deal when ‘tuning fork accuracy‘ was introduced to the market. A quartz clock in your truck was ‘high tech‘.  More than an aesthetic delight, I actually refer to my dash clock often as I drive. 

 

The upside is that your clock probably could be revived. They were well sealed and simple machines. Very reliable. I had only one dead one among the three I bought. Turns out, somebody had spilled Dr. Pepper on the dash (don‘t ask me how I figured this out)  at some point and when it dried, it froze the hands of the clock. Still, the well sealed mechanism doggedly banged on, trying of all its worth to keep accurate time.

 

Removing and rebuilding your dash cluster is a highly satisfying, low cost exercise. Pull it and I bet you get an answer to your timepiece issues right away.

[Rat-a-tat-Dat]

Alas my inherent proclivity is finally at rest.

The predisposition of my insidious quartz clock presented an alluring concept

(Albeit one failed time piece does not constitute a failure but a phoenix from the ashes!)

and an undauntable mission for such a frail thing is now imminent.

I am now in pursuit of the allusive heart beat / electronic drive motor behind the face, hands and gears which is operating the pinion gear.

The inner mechanics of such a specialized unit predominantly originated from an outside source. Kanto Seiki of Japan supplied these clocks to Nissan. However, with newer technological advances they are now obsolete.

Thus, the quest to conquer any hidden obstacle and retrieve such a forbidden treasure shall be my new tasked journey.

 

Hail to all noble Ratsunites, unite and pledge solidarity to locate thy organ of life and to pillage through rightful abandoned donors, to scour heaven and earth and all known places to have housed thy pace maker of time.

A ransom of many thanks and admiration to those whom are skilled enough and brave enough to endure such an arduous expedition.

 

Cheers and good hunting!!

[Draker]

You cab just post a wanted ad and someone will have one. I've sold them before and tachs.

[Rat-a-tat-Dat]

I tip my hat to you good sir, any good clue can lead you in the right direction!

[Rat-a-tat-Dat]

Alas ye good fellowship. Thee noble deed hath come to an end. A man of good will and testament hath forged onward to proclaim victory and righteousness of overcoming my darkest fears. Hail to thy success! Here ye, here ye, thy heart beat tick once again!

[Charlie69]

Are you from The Renaissance Festival my good sir?

[Rat-a-tat-Dat]

Ney, my good man. I hath no relations to said festival. Prey tell a good yarn of such a gathering, I bend you my ear!

[datzenmike]

Where aboot in Alta are you?

[Charlie69]

Are you from The Renaissance Festival my good sir?

 

 

Ney, my good man. I hath no relations to said festival. Prey tell a good yarn of such a gathering, I bend you my ear!

This is what haapens East of Phoenix AZ every February.  I thought you might be part of the festival.  Good times.  I luv watching the jousting!

 

http://arizona.renfestinfo.com/

[Rat-a-tat-Dat]

Where aboot in Alta are you?

 

Afar as south as the sun do shine, past the north bound cows at the Stampede and a bowlegged walk to the river where the snakes will take you downstream to a place called Okotoks.

(A good days ride on horseback but a 30 min seat time by auto)

 

This is what haapens East of Phoenix AZ every February.  I thought you might be part of the festival.  Good times.  I luv watching the jousting!

 

http://arizona.renfestinfo.com/

 

 

I shall puruse thy site and enjoy all thee splendour. Very interesting concept, almost as intriguing as the Viking festivities or the Star Trek Galla in Vulcan up here.

[datzenmike]

Came through near there two years ago from where the crows nest up 22 to Black Diamond, east to 2 or 2a  north and over to Strathmore. Last year more easterly and up 23. Nice country along the foothills on 22.

[Rat-a-tat-Dat]

Aye, north or south bound on 22 is the most picturesque, takes you through Longview and the Cowboy Trail, which by the way can get you to Cochrane and beyond. How about you? where about on the island do you call home.