Wiktor Wise
Vintage electric clocks can be repaired, but it is often a challenging process. The first step is to assess the clock for any damage, such as cracks or broken parts, which may indicate a more complex issue. Electric clocks may have electrical issues such as broken wires or burnt spools, or mechanical problems like worn bushing holes. Replacing the old cord is essential for safety, as old cords can become brittle and dangerous. With the right tools, such as jeweler's screwdrivers and precision oilers, many issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the mechanism. However, some motors may be beyond repair, and it is important to prioritize safety when dealing with vintage electrical items. Seeking professional restoration services is an option for those wanting to avoid the risks of DIY repairs.
Repairing a vintage electric clock
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First steps | Check for damage to the case, as a cracked or broken case may indicate that a gear train has popped loose inside the clock. |
| Electrical issues | Broken wires at the electromagnetic spool of the motor, burnt spools, and motor coil lead wires that are brittle. |
| Mechanical issues | Worn bushing holes for the rotor of the motor. |
| Solutions | Clean and oil the mechanism, replace old dried-up oil with new clean oil, and be careful with fiber gearwheels as they can be brittle. |
| Cord issues | Replace the old cord as they can become brittle with age and be dangerous. Fit a 315 or 500mA fuse in the active conductor and secure the cord with a cord clamp to avoid pull-outs. |
| Coil issues | Rewind the coils or replace them with custom windings. |
| Quartz movement | If the original movement is non-repairable, consider converting to a quartz movement. Hands for quartz movements are available for push-on or i-shaft mounting. |
| Tools | A good set of jeweler's screwdrivers, a regular set of small screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, and a precision oiler. |
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What You'll Learn
Inspect for damage to the case, which may indicate internal issues
When repairing a vintage electric clock, it is important to inspect for damage to the case, as this can indicate internal issues. Look for any cracks or breaks in the case, as this often means that a gear train has popped loose inside the clock. For example, an old General Electric clock from the '50s with a crack on the back of its case refused to run when plugged in. Upon removing the case, the gears were found to have popped out of place. After popping them back in, the clock ran smoothly for the next 3-4 years.
If the case is cracked, you can repair it with super glue, especially if it is an old plastic case. Simply glue the crack shut, then fill any small gaps with more super glue. If the crack is on the front of the clock, overfill the crack, sand it smooth, and paint the entire housing. If the case is made of wood, you may need to strip the case, glue it back together, and re-stain and varnish it.
For plastic clock housings with scratches, you can use automobile polish or automotive rubbing compound, working your way down to finer polishes. If the clock is missing its lens, you can mould one from clear hard plastic containers that food comes in. If the lens is curved, you can make a wood mould in the desired shape and use heat to mould a new one.
In addition to physical damage, inspect the clock's internal wiring and electrical components for any signs of deterioration or degradation. Replace any degraded wiring with modern THHN wire and ensure that all internal wiring is anchored to prevent flexing or movement. You should also consider upgrading to a 3-wire electric cord and tying the ground to the metal frame of the clock.
By carefully inspecting the case and addressing any issues, you can identify and resolve potential internal problems when repairing your vintage electric clock.
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Replace the old cord to avoid safety hazards
When repairing a vintage electric clock, it is important to replace the old cord to ensure safety and prevent hazards. Old cords can become brittle with age and pose a risk of electrical issues, such as broken wires or short circuits, which may lead to fire hazards. Here are some detailed steps and guidelines to replace the old cord:
Firstly, it is crucial to choose the appropriate replacement cord. Opt for a modern cord or THHN-rated wire for enhanced safety. Ensure that the new cord is compatible with the voltage requirements of the clock. Before making any connections, it is important to secure the new cord firmly to avoid any strain or movement inside the clock's case. Utilize heavy-wall shrink tubing or 3M #27 Glass Cloth tape to securely attach the cord to the coil, preventing any potential damage to the connection point.
When working with the electrical components, exercise extreme caution. If the motor coil lead wires are brittle, consider covering them with a sleeve or coating them with varnish paint to reinforce their structure. To avoid overstressing the insulation on the old motor, fit a 100 to 220-Ohm 5-Watt resistor in series with the fuse, especially if the clock's voltage has increased over time. Additionally, consider rewinding the motor with a different gauge of wire and running it on a lower voltage, such as 12 or 18 Volts AC.
After installing the new cord, ensure that the connection point is secure and stable. Use cord clamps to secure the cord and prevent it from being pulled out. This will reduce the risk of damaging the internal components and ensure the clock operates safely. Once the new cord is securely in place, test the clock to ensure it functions properly.
By following these steps, you can effectively replace the old cord of a vintage electric clock, reducing safety hazards and ensuring the clock's longevity. Remember to prioritize caution when working with electrical components, and always seek professional advice or assistance if needed.
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$9.99
Clean and oil the mechanism, removing old, dried-up oil
To clean and oil the mechanism of a vintage electric clock, you will need to disassemble the clock movement. This can be a delicate process, and it is important to be careful not to damage any of the components. Before beginning, ensure you have a good set of jeweller's screwdrivers, a regular set of small screwdrivers, and a good pair of needle-nose pliers.
Firstly, blow low-pressure air onto the mechanism to remove any dust and dirt buildup. This is an important step, as weight-driven clocks can be sensitive to dirt. Next, use an aerosol carb/brake cleaner or a clock cleaning solution to remove any old oil and grime. You can also use a weak solution of ammonia and water—soak the movement in this solution for around 30 minutes, then rinse it well in hot water and blow-dry with a hairdryer.
Once the mechanism is clean and dry, it's time to oil the components. Use a precision oiler to apply a thin layer of oil to each shaft, being careful not to use too much, as this can cause the oil to run out of the well and dry out the bearing. You can also use a straight pin dipped in oil or a needle inserted into a piece of wood dowel to reach all the small areas that need lubrication. Clock oil is ideal, but you can also use gun oil, sewing machine oil, or even kerosene. Just be sure to avoid using grease or regular oil, as these can evaporate too quickly and require more frequent attention.
Finally, reassemble the clock movement, being careful to put everything back in its proper place. With the mechanism clean and oiled, your vintage electric clock should be running smoothly once again.
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Rewind coils and fabricate replacement wheels
Ken's Clock Clinic offers coil rewinding services for vintage electric clocks. They can design and produce custom winding bobbins for each movement, using onsite CNC-controlled coil winding capabilities. This service is particularly useful for unusual electric clocks such as the Windsor, New Haven, and Sessions chime clocks.
In addition to rewinding coils, they can also fabricate replacement fiber wheels and completely restore Telechron rotors. This involves rebuilding the rotor, ensuring it meets original specifications, and never taking shortcuts.
Ken's Clock Clinic has extensive experience restoring vintage cuckoo clocks, which differ significantly from modern cuckoo clocks. They can replicate original ratchet wheels and other movement parts, bringing vintage cuckoo clocks back to life.
Furthermore, they can restore small German die-cast motors found in recent Broadcast Studio clocks. This includes disassembling the motor, fabricating replacement commutators, and bifurcated brush assemblies. They also offer genuine silk-covered rewinds for Style A/B/C motor coils, replicating the originals.
With their expertise and commitment to period-accurate restorations, Ken's Clock Clinic ensures that cherished vintage electric clocks can be fully restored and enjoyed for years to come.
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Repair or replace the lens and polish the housing
To repair or replace the lens of a vintage electric clock, you must first assess the damage. If the lens is cracked or chipped, you will need to source a replacement. You can find glass replacements for clocks online, measuring the diameter flat across the back of the glass to ensure the correct size. If the lens is missing, you can attempt to mould one yourself using clear hard plastic from food containers. For a flat lens, simply cut the plastic to size. For a curved lens, you can create a wood mould and use heat to shape the plastic.
If the lens is simply scuffed, you can try to polish it. For a plastic lens, you can use automotive rubbing compound, then work your way down to finer polishes. For a glass lens, use a glass cleaner, spraying it onto a lint-free microfiber cloth and then gently wiping the glass.
To polish the housing of a vintage electric clock, you must first determine the material. For wooden clock housings, use a high-quality furniture polish and apply it with a lint-free cloth, rubbing with the grain of the wood. Metal clock housings can be polished with a fine metal polish, or even repainted. Plastic clock housings can be polished, or you can start with an automotive rubbing compound to address any scratches, then work your way down to finer polishes. You can also repaint plastic clock housings.
If the housing is damaged, you may need to repair it before polishing. Super glue can be used to fill cracks in plastic clock housings. If the crack is on the front of the housing, overfill the crack with glue, sand it smooth, then paint the entire housing. If the crack is on the back or bottom, simply glue the crack. For wooden clock housings, you may need to strip and refinish the wood if it is split or damaged.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common issues with vintage electric clocks include worn bushing holes for the rotor of the motor, broken wires at the electromagnetic spool of the motor, and burnt spools.
There is a concern that old electric clocks may pose a fire hazard if the old motor gets a short circuit.
To address safety concerns, it is recommended to replace the old cord, fit a fuse in the active conductor, and secure the cord with a cord clamp to prevent it from being pulled out.
It is recommended to always replace the old cord in electric clocks as they can become brittle with age and pose a safety hazard. Additionally, it is suggested to clean the mechanism, remove old dried-up oil, and lubricate with new clean oil.
If the motor coil lead wires are brittle, it is important to handle them with care. You can consider putting a sleeve over them or coating them with varnish paint. In some cases, rewinding the motor with a different gauge of wire and running it on a lower voltage may be an option.
