1969 Instrument Cluster

[sc4248]

  Putting the finishing touches on my 69 and I'm at the restoring instrument cluster stage. I know that I need a new ammeter silkscreen. Is the tach guy the only person does that. Would you use the Scott Drake instrument and clock panels, or would you have the originals restored? If restored, by whom? Anybody use the quartz clock that's available? How about instrument lights?  Thanks

[SChatman]

It may just be me but I tried that quartz clock replacement mechanism and couldn't get it to work.

[shelbymann1970]

  Putting the finishing touches on my 69 and I'm at the restoring instrument cluster stage. I know that I need a new ammeter silkscreen. Is the tach guy the only person does that. Would you use the Scott Drake instrument and clock panels, or would you have the originals restored? If restored, by whom? Anybody use the quartz clock that's available? How about instrument lights?  Thanks

I'd have them restored but cannot recommend anyone right now as I haven't had any done since 2008. Ray Azcue did my 68 Shelby along with the woodgrain and did a fantastic job but  he retired soon after but I made him the templates to do the painting after vacuum metalizing(chroming) the 69 clusters. I heard over the years his brother Tony took over. Ray was in Texas. I have a friend who is getting his cluster done right now locally and When he gets it back I can get you reports on how it came out. There are a few in our area and this might be the one he is using. https://www.vacuumorna-metal.com/content/restoration. They show 1969 dash pieces in their slide show.

[calypso]

To repair the clock mechanism try clocksandgauges.com    They offer both quartz and electro-mechanical parts.  I recently replaced mine using the mechanical movement and it goes tick tick tick just like the original.  Detailed instructions are included.  It's an easy job.

[Bob Gaines]

The main problem with the original clock mechinisum happens because the battery drains of power and dies. When the voltage drops below what it needs to run the clock the two contact points will sometimes not close all of the way causing a arc which deposits a carbon buildup on the points which keeps a electrical contact from being made once the battery level has been restored . Fileing the contacts to get rid of that insulating obstruction is the most common fix needed. Don't let your battery die when connected to the car. It is terrible for battery life and also for the clock. 

[69 GT350 Vert]

I had vacuum ornametal restore my instrument and clock bezels as well as my console inert on my 69 shelby back in 2017.  The paint and finish work turned out very good.  However, he failed to fix the broken plastic tabs on my console insert.  I installed a quartz movement on my clock myself and it has worked perfectly for at least 3 years. 

https://www.instrument-specialties.com/ restored my console gauges and did a great job.  They have the exact artwork for the Faria gauges and use the correct greyish blue background color.  At least they did on mine. 

[SChatman]

Bob, can you tell me or have a picture to show where the points are in the clock mechanism? I'd like to try and fill them but I'm not seeing where to do it.
Thanks.

69 GT350 Vert, Thank you for the information on gauge repair place

[Bob Gaines]

Bob, can you tell me or have a picture to show where the points are in the clock mechanism? I'd like to try and fill them but I'm not seeing where to do it.
Thanks.

69 GT350 Vert, Thank you for the information on gauge repair place

Sorry I don't have a cluster apart or on the shelf seperate to take pictures of .

[5566]

@SChatman

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1610-how-to-fix-a-mustangs-stock-clock-mechanism/

[SChatman]

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed!

[shelbymann1970]

I had vacuum ornametal restore my instrument and clock bezels as well as my console inert on my 69 shelby back in 2017.  The paint and finish work turned out very good.  However, he failed to fix the broken plastic tabs on my console insert.  I installed a quartz movement on my clock myself and it has worked perfectly for at least 3 years. 

https://www.instrument-specialties.com/ restored my console gauges and did a great job.  They have the exact artwork for the Faria gauges and use the correct greyish blue background color.  At least they did on mine.

So you had a good job done by vacuum ornamental here in Mi? Thanks. Gary

[shelbymann1970]

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed!

over the decades I have had a few clocks that didn't work. Back in the 80s I learned to clean the clocks and use a light oil on the gears to lube. I'd do that and blow the clock out again. I have yet to have a clock not work after doing that AND cleaning the contact points. In both my 69 cars the clock works and they are original over 50 years old. I have seen some with the burnt contacts like Bob has said. I got a clock project I will get to in the future as my friend just gave me a 69-70 clock.

[5566]

I currently have the clock out of my 70 Mach 1.  I did a light spray with contact cleaner, used an emery board to lightly clean the points, and used clock oil to lube it very sparingly at the locations shown in the article.  Unfortunately, the mechanical part still doesn't work.  If I apply 12 volts the contacts will spread apart, but the clock doesn't run thereafter. If I apply pressure to the open points to close them, the mechanism runs.  I don't see anything that looks broken or disconnected.  At this point I'm considering converting to a quartz mechanism, but still frustrating.  I had expected the problem to be the points or the solenoid.

[shelbydoug]

I recently had an issue with my tach not reading over about 1,200rpm.

I had someone I trust look at it and it was fine electronically but what it showed was that the jewel movement had accumulated metallic magnetic dust.

It was cleaned and it works fine now.

I believe that the clock also uses a jewel movement. Something to consider.

[69 GT350 Vert]

I did Gary.  The parts still look the same almost 6 years later.  Really nice detail work.