I am trying to restore the glove box clock from a 1939 Buick Special. I got everything moving, the clock works if I manually move it. The electromagnet works when I connect a 6 volt battery to it, but it doesn't seem to be strong enough to pull the mechanism to wind the clock. It seems like the spring is too strong, if I take the spring off, it works, but then there is no spring to make the clock run. Did the clock originally run on 6 volts? Did it use a capacitor or something to boost the amperage? Anyone have any experience with these clocks? Thanks
Are the points fully opening when you apply the power? By the way: "buicksam": Please put your name in your signature, we are all here on a friendly first name base :TU: And don't forget to introduce yourself (and your Buick) in the Wet behind the ears?? section of the board :Smarty:
No, the points aren't opening. The points are closed initially, I apply power, it energizes the magnet. The magnet should pull the "rotor" thing and that's what winds the clock, it's also what opens the points, but since that isn't turning, the points stay closed.
Click here for an article about the GM clocks :Comp: Read this article, even though it's from a 1971 Buick the basic mechanism is the same on your 1939 Buick. Check if the points are not melted together :TU:
X2 Usual problem w/electro-mechanical clocks is solidified lubricant or points, and as to your question about power supply...straight 6V, nothing fancy...
You could convert it or have it converted to Quartz movement. https://www.clocksandgauges.com/ I've not done a conversion on mine yet. But, that's what I plan to do.
