VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1941 clock repair

I am working on my 1941 Master Deluxe and began to dismantle the dash clock (I suppose it was an option for the MD). The paint in the back has begun to flake off and is blown all around the inside of the clock. I plan to repaint the white internal paint and also install the gold sticker that Chevs of the 40s sells to cover the old faded center.

I can't figure out how to remove the knob and I don't want to break a nice original knob. Is it press fit or screwed in? Any tips on taking the knob off?

Also, the clock winds but doesn't run. Is there a common issue on these that I should look at first?

Hi,

I believe the knob is press fitted. Mine is very cracked so I think I will soon need to replace it. I see that Chevs of the 40's has them so will be ordering one.

Good luck, Mike

My '48 clock knob is threaded. Pull out on the knob, grab the shaft just behind the knob with needle nose pliers and turn the knob counterclockwise. Go easy and see if it will break free.

Good luck.

I think that using the word "break" was a bad choice of words.

On my 41 the knob does not screw on, it is pressed or glued on. I believe the end of the shaft is knurled. I tried heating the replacement knob in hot water to press it on but that didn't work for me I ended up drilling the hole in the knob a little larger and gluing it on. If I remember correctly the little buggers are kind of pricey so you don't want to ruin too many.

I have restored about five 41 Chev clocks. All have had screwed on knobs. The replacement knobs I have ordered from Chevs of the 40's have been screw on type as well. I have followed the procedure described above by "ruscar".

Steve

Just cleaned up the clock for my 47 and had to use a winding stem out of a parts clock and it was a screw on knob also.

Clocks were made bt three different companies and are not all the same.

MM,

The clock mechanism is very simple. Just clean the gears with something light.
Then you dip it in 90w-140 transmission/differential oil. That's Gene's preferred for most oiling points.

No, use sowinging machine or a household weight oil. You may have a broken spring. If you can buy a new one, let me know. I may rob an spare for you.

Best,
Charlie

Thank You all. I will try and take this thing apart in the next few days and see how it goes.

A quick follow-up for anyone else checking out the thread: Mine was threaded on and came off rather easily.

On another note, I used the stickers sold by Chevs of the 40's to replicate the gold color on the inside circle of the clock and speedo and was thrilled with how it all came out. If you have been wondering if the transparent sticker would work well, don't hesitate, it looks great. You will need to use a razor to cut out around the openings once installed.