RTE Clock Faq
From RTE
Why should I replace my original clock mechanism with your clock kit?
The original clock mechanism in your clock works using points and a coil. Eventually the mechanical mechanism will quit working, for the following reasons:
- Points burn out
- Mechanical mechanism gets dirty and the clock sticks
- Coil burns up when battery voltage gets too low
In addition, even when the clock mechanism was new, it was never very accurate.
The new clock mechanism is controlled by a quarts crystal, and will be extremely accurate. The new clock mechanism should provide years of trouble free time keeping in your car. It is a real pleasure to be able to get in your car and see that the clock has the correct time and the clock needles are moving. The Quarts clock kit draws about 1/300 the amount of current as the original electro-mechanical clock movement. There is no periodic maintainance or cleaning necessary on the quarts clock kit.
What tools are required to install the clock kit?
Tools Required: Pliers, screw drivers, wire cutter, and nut driver set or socket set. For the Ebody Rallye clock only, you will need either a drill or a dremel tool to remove the rivets holding the clock face on. The Ebody Rallye clock kit comes with new rivets. For the tic-toc-tach clock repair kit only, you will need a small soldering iron and some solder.
How long does it take to install the clock kit?
Generally it will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. I find that it is a good project to take with you when you are traveling and you know you will be bored or will have extra time to work on a project. I enjoy working on clock installs over the Christamas holidays when I am visiting relatives.
Do I need to adjust the clock kit after I install it?
The clock is controlled by a quarts crystal like your electronic wristwatch, so there is no adjustment other than setting the time.
If the clock kit does not work, what can I try to troubleshoot?
In very rare cases, I have seen two possible problems:
- If the clutch mechanism in the clock is too tight, it will make the clock hard to set. The fix for this is to check the clutch during assembly (documented in the instructions). If you get the clock together and notice this problem, you can fix it by putting some WD40 or light machine oil on the clutch to make it easier to slip.
- If the clock seems to be running slow, it could mean that the clock hands are dragging on each other or on the clock face. Make sure that the clock hands are not touching as they sweep around.
- I have heard reports from one customer that a bad ground can cause the clock to be intermittent. Make sure that the back housing of the clock where the clock kit is grounded is clean. I usually bead blast the inside of the case, but you can clean it with sandpaper as well.
What kind of guarantee does the clock kit have?
One Year
What is included in the clock kit?
The new quarts clock movement is included, along with some plastic gears that you will need when you install the kit. In addition there are two sets of directions. We have a new highly detailed picture manual on CD that shows step by step how to install the clock in your specific model. You can also download these picture manuals from our website at:
- Tic-Toc-Tach clock install picture manual
- Ebody clock install picture manual
- Coming soon: 68-70 B-Body Standard Dash clock install
Will the clock kit run down my battery?
No. The self-leakage current in an automotive battery is far larger than the current required to keep the quarts clock operating.
My clock kit is running slow, how do I fix it?
- If the clock seems to be running slow, it could mean that the clock hands are dragging on each other or on the clock face. Make sure that the clock hands are not touching as they sweep around.
I can't adjust my clock, how do I fix it?
- If the clutch mechanism in the clock is too tight, it will make the clock hard to set. The fix for this is to check the clutch during assembly (documented in the instructions). If you get the clock together and notice this problem, you can fix it by putting some WD40 or light machine oil on the clutch to make it easier to slip.
- Check the gears that transfer rotation from the clock set shaft to the quarts clock movement to make sure they are not damaged or missing.
- Make sure that the brass gear on the clock set shaft is not slipping or broken
I am adding a clock to my car, how do I wire the clock in?
Just connect the clock to a un-switched 12V wire under the dash. You can usually find one of these on the fuse box.
Are there any tips when installing the clock kit?
- Don't wipe the clock face, it could smear the printing.
- Check the clutch to make sure it slips OK before assembling (see instructions for more detail)
- If you clock set shaft is broken or the threads on the end are missing, get a new one from Real Time Engineering
- We recommend that you change the tachometer board at the same time you are doing the clock kit to avoid having to take apart the dash again when the old original Mopar tachometer board quits.
- We recommend that you change to our new solid state limiter when the dash is out to avoid the possibility of the old mechanical limiter frying your fuel/oil/temperature gauges.
What parts are re-used when I install the clock kit?
The Minute and Hour gear are re-used when you install the new quarts clock kit.
Is there a discount if I order more than 1 clock kit at a time?
If you order 5, we can sell you the kits at $70 If you order 10 or more, we can sell you the kits at $65
What do you charge to install the clock kit if I send you the clock?
RTE will install the clock kit for $35 plus $15 to cover handling, insurance, and shipping back to you (assuming you are located in the Continental United States).
What do you charge to install the clock set shaft if I send you the clock?
RTE will install a clock set shaft for $25. We recommend that you allow us to install the quarts movement at that same time, as opening the clocks up multiple times can cause the small tabs on the clock faces to break off.
What do you charge to ship the clock kit out of the USA?
Usually we can ship overseas for $20 US.
How do you get the clock adjust knob off the clock set shaft?
There is a very small nut inside the clock adjust knob. The nut has a slot in it. Use a very small screwdriver to unscrew the nut, then the knob will come off the set shaft. RTE has seen a lot of broken set stems because people break knob off the shaft without removing the nut first. If your clock has this problem, we have replacement clock set shafts available. If your set nut is missing, Real Time Engineering also sells these set nuts.
How do you replace the clock adjust set shaft?
The clock adjuster set shaft on all clocks is held in by the gear on the end of the shaft. In order to remove the set shaft, use a gear puller: RTE_Clock_Gear_Puller/Press_Set. Just pull the gear off the end of the shaft, making sure to not lose the gear or the spring under the gear. Then use the press to put the gear back on the new set shaft. We sell set shafts here: RTE_72-74_E_Body_Clock_Set_Shaft or RTE_Tic-Toc-Tach_Clock_Set_Shaft.
Here is a picture of the press being used to press the gear back on:
