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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Clock Modification.
        
(Message started by: Spannerdemon on Sep 7^th, 2006, 7:21pm)

Title: Clock Modification.
Post by Spannerdemon on Sep 7^th, 2006, 7:21pm

Probably like many other people I saw no reason to have to remove the fascia to replace a simple clock bulb. Apart from the hassle of removing the fascia, if, like me, you've got man sized fingers, there's no way you can get the bulb out with the clock in place because the bulb is in a very small recess, so you have to take the whole unit out anyway to get to it.

I've now modified it so that I can replace the bulb in about 3 minutes flat.

Firstly, you need to remove the complete clock unit, which, of course means fascia panel off. Once you've got the clock out, you can put the fascia back. Hopefully never to see daylight again!! ;)

Now drill carefully right through the three screw holes that are in the back of the clock. Use an identical size drill to make the holes as small as possible. If you want to (as I have done) you can then turn it over, and drill through from the front of the clock with a slightly larger drill, (a Dremel type tool with a small burr is brilliant for this, so that the screw tops will recess inside the surround. Take your time, and use as small a drill and burr as possible.

You need to ONLY make slight countersink holes on the front.....DO NOT use the bigger drill or burr and go right through.

That's the clock done, and ready to fit

You now have an open recess in the dashboard where the clock sits, with three holes. Place a small rawplug into each hole. The ones with a small shoulder on the front are best for this. If you haven't got any, then melt the heads on a bit of hot metal to make shoulders, so that the plugs won't go right through.

Finally, attach the power lead, and simply screw the clock into place with three long thin black screws. They need to be 1.25" to 1.50" long screws to reach the original mounting holes.

Photos show how easy it now is to remove the clock and it doesn't spoil the dash at all.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g25/xtr42gpnd/ClockSpace.jpg and
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g25/xtr42gpnd/ClockModification.jpg

Time to do, about 2 Hours, but make sure you have the new bulb before you start.

SD :)

Title: Re: Clock Modification.
Post by Simmo on Sep 7^th, 2006, 8:12pm

S/D. Nice solution. :)

Title: Re: Clock Modification.
Post by TiberiuS on Sep 7^th, 2006, 9:50pm

Nice one, just seems a bit OTT for a little bulb, arrrgghhh! that bulb! AAARRRGGHHH!!! lol ;)

Most of the switches in my Scorp are running LEDs now, never had my clock open (the bulb will die tomorrow now I've said that, you watch ;)) but I'm thinking mabye a little cluster of 3mm Green LEDs to make them less directional ???

Regards, Bruce :)

Title: Re: Clock Modification.
Post by mr._floppy on Sep 7^th, 2006, 10:25pm

Nifty, but black screws would look better . :-*

( Mr. Floppy ducks as a selection of heavy objects are thrown , accompanied with ripe language, from the direction of Spannerdemon ) ::)

Title: Re: Clock Modification.
Post by Spannerdemon on Sep 8^th, 2006, 7:28pm

They've been replaced with black ones now. I just didn't have any at the time. Got lots of heavy objects though!!

I've updated the photo.

They need to be 1.25" to 1.50" long screws to reach the original mounting holes.

Very pleased with it. Might change the bulb every day just for fun. :D

Bruce.....you have tempted fate!! I am now having mean (as in EVIL) thoughts about your clock!! ;D

Title: Re: Clock Modification.
Post by TiberiuS on Sep 8^th, 2006, 9:35pm

}{ Keep it up ;)

Just going outside to MURDER that bulb ;D

Title: Re: Clock Modification.
Post by Spannerdemon on Sep 9^th, 2006, 7:20pm

Careful.

That will mean you've got a "Dead Bulb" }{ }{ }{

Title: Re: Clock Modification.
Post by Baw_Flinger on Sep 11^th, 2006, 8:38am

Most LED's do not give out enough light to make the clock look good. I added a 3 extra LED's at various points and angles to get the correct brightness across the face and hands. Bit of a pain!

Title: Re: Clock Modification.
Post by Octavian_P on Sep 11^th, 2006, 9:29am

Try one of theese, just check the power rating, angle of dispersion, and light emission rating, it beats the sockets out of the little punny always-burning bulbs ;D

http://www.luxeonstar.com/

Title: Re: Clock Modification.
Post by wickedteen on Sep 11^th, 2006, 10:03am

any chance of some one making a load of these for use guys who dont know how on earth to make things, ::), i could do with a few if its got a good price, cheers guys