How do you install a clock in a 67?

[12lives]

It looked easy when I first thought about putting a clock in the 67 Special wagon.. now it looks pretty tight! :eek2: Do I have to pull the dash or what? :Do No:

- Bill

[Gary Bohannon]

I thought about doing that one time. After removing the first two or three dash top screws which exposed deterierated plastic holders, I decided it would be best to wait and let the restoration project manager do it while the windshield was out for easy access and he was ordering a thousand new clips for every thing else on the car anyway.
It is hard just to replace bulbs in the clock, speedometer, etc.

[12lives]

Answer - it's easy---:laugh:

1) Pull the dash pad. The plastic screw clips on the underside of the pad will be destroyed because they are old and cracked. Don't panic. I doubt they are available (I did not try to find them) but I did make do: insert a glob of silicon in each location about 1/2 inch wide by 1/4" deep. You want it to stand off the metal about a 1/4". Do this first so it will be dry when you put it back. The screws will bite into the silicon when you put it back.
2) On auto cars:Pry off the cover on the right of the steering column. Pop out the gear indicator. You will bend it and it will pop off by itself if you don't.
3) there are a number of screws and speed nuts behind the dash. Remove the 6 screws across the top and hunt for the ones behind it. There are 4 nuts and 3 screws. The screws have a 1/4 hex head. The hardest one is above the steering column. Loosen the column (2 nuts and 1 bolt underneath) and push it down about 1/2 inch. That will give you enough room to remove it, do not plan to put it back! With all the nuts and screws out, it is still held in by:
4) Remove the 2 screws holding the harness clips to the back of the speedometer. The harnesses is holding the dash in. And:
5) take off the speedometer cable from the back of the speedo.

Now you can pull the dash out 3 or 4" - enough to get the clock in or out from the top. You also have about 8" to R&R the speaker if you want to.
This took me about a day to accomplish - take your time and it's not too bad. BTW this is a quartz conversion.

Installation is the reverse. Note that on the steering column you need to tighten the two nuts, insert the wedge but do not force, and tighten the bolt. See the manual if you have any questions.

Now - do you want a clock or is your watch good enough??? :Brow:

- Bill

[Gary Bohannon]

I mounted my antique 1963 BUICK tack in front of the clock and cig lighter on my 1967.

I still need to install a speaker and glove box.
Glad to see how you did the job though; for future reference.
GOOD WORK!

Thanks, GB

[My3buicks]

I have replaced a couple of these in the distant past, you CAN replace the clock via going in from the underside. Can't remember if I had to move a defroster hose, but it was a rather quick and easy job. Don't make it harder or more than it is. Be careful, be patiet, be agile, if you have big hands, let your wife or girlfriend give it a shot, it's that easy.

[nekkidhillbilly]

should have pulled it out and put a tach in

[Brian]

I have pulled and replaced one in my '66 from the bottom before. My car has AC and it will just barely come out and clear the defroster ducts under the dash. A car without AC has alot more room and is easier to get out. On an AC car, you have to remove the center plennum and take the hose loose to the drivers side vent (that is all easy to get to and do). Worst part is the top screw--have to use a 1/4" box end wrench and turn the screw 1/8 of a turn, then move the wrench back and do it again.

[67GSFun]

Answer - it's easy---:laugh:

1) Pull the dash pad. The plastic screw clips on the underside of the pad will be destroyed because they are old and cracked. Don't panic. I doubt they are available (I did not try to find them) but I did make do: insert a glob of silicon in each location about 1/2 inch wide by 1/4" deep. You want it to stand off the metal about a 1/4". Do this first so it will be dry when you put it back. The screws will bite into the silicon when you put it back.
2) On auto cars:Pry off the cover on the right of the steering column. Pop out the gear indicator. You will bend it and it will pop off by itself if you don't.
3) there are a number of screws and speed nuts behind the dash. Remove the 6 screws across the top and hunt for the ones behind it. There are 4 nuts and 3 screws. The screws have a 1/4 hex head. The hardest one is above the steering column. Loosen the column (2 nuts and 1 bolt underneath) and push it down about 1/2 inch. That will give you enough room to remove it, do not plan to put it back! With all the nuts and screws out, it is still held in by:
4) Remove the 2 screws holding the harness clips to the back of the speedometer. The harnesses is holding the dash in. And:
5) take off the speedometer cable from the back of the speedo.

Now you can pull the dash out 3 or 4" - enough to get the clock in or out from the top. You also have about 8" to R&R the speaker if you want to.
This took me about a day to accomplish - take your time and it's not too bad. BTW this is a quartz conversion.

Installation is the reverse. Note that on the steering column you need to tighten the two nuts, insert the wedge but do not force, and tighten the bolt. See the manual if you have any questions.

Now - do you want a clock or is your watch good enough??? :Brow:

- Bill


I just came across your post and had to respond to the plastic screw clips on the underside of the dash pad. They are available at Restoration Specialties ad Supply, Inc Item #3871j on page 122
http://www.restorationspecialties.com/2009%20Catalog%20ebook/2009%20Catalog%20ebook.pdf

[12lives]

Cool - thanks for the update. I actually have a hard copy of that catalog and did not think to look! :Dou: Anyway, the silicon is holding up so far.

- Bill