Quartz Clock Conversion

[jbell959]

Here's another one of my crazy projects. I blame it on the pandemic!

Like the way most of the other projects originated, I was looking for a way to convert an old Kienzle (pre-74) clock to quartz. I've fixed a bunch of these early clocks and it's usually the thermal solder fuse or messed up gears. The problem is that even after servicing them they don't keep time like a quartz or modern clock. The usual shops charge $400-$500 for this conversion which seems a little pricey. The goal was to build a quartz movement, based on a VDO movement, that would fit inside the plastic cover on these old clocks and be able to use the early needles. Like most projects of this nature, it was easier said than done.

I'm still working on a movement that would be a direct replacement for the mechanical movement, but I put this one together that checks off most of the boxes. This one is based on VDO's latest clock design which uses a stepper motor and modern electronics. Since it doesn't use the typical gear driven movement, like in most of the quartz clocks, this one can not be adjusted from the manual adjuster on the front of the clock. That's the downside, but the upside is you end up with a very clean looking silver button clock with a flat glass lens.

I started with the latest VDO clock and designed 2 circuit boards that were used to assemble a clock module with the same dimensions as the original Kienzle clocks. It requires modification to the needles but the early needles are retained.

Thanks to the Pelican members I was able to pick up a few early clocks so my plan is to build a few of these and offer them to Pelican members. I put a "Carrera RS" script on this one but I can do almost anything on the faces.

Here are some pics of the clock......

Picture of the custom module next to the original Kienzle clock



Picture of it installed on the clock



Picture from the front



Picture with the plastic cover installed - Looks stock



....and the finished clock without the glass and bezel

[shadowjack1]

This looks so nice.

[30westrob]

How do you set the time, with no glass adjustment knob. Rob

[jbell959]

Originally Posted by 30westrob

How do you set the time, with no glass adjustment knob. Rob

2 options to set the time. There is a little orange button on the back that can be used to set the time but obviously the clock will need to be removed to set it. The other option is to put a button under the dash, like the odometer trip reset or sunroof switch.

[DonNewton]

Apropos of nothing, the Porsche dealer in Las Vegas was selling NEW clocks for $418.00. Bought one to replace the 37 year-old clock in my '83. Works like a champ!

[911 SLANT]

Looks great

[jgcoutts]

Hi, I’m wondering if you might contact a brother that is trying to do something similar for a VDO clock in his Volvo 1800ES.

If you wouldn’t mind his contact info is

jimperry@pandbmotorsports.com

920.594-1337

Thanks

Originally Posted by jbell959

Here's another one of my crazy projects. I blame it on the pandemic!

Like the way most of the other projects originated, I was looking for a way to convert an old Kienzle (pre-74) clock to quartz. I've fixed a bunch of these early clocks and it's usually the thermal solder fuse or messed up gears. The problem is that even after servicing them they don't keep time like a quartz or modern clock. The usual shops charge $400-$500 for this conversion which seems a little pricey. The goal was to build a quartz movement, based on a VDO movement, that would fit inside the plastic cover on these old clocks and be able to use the early needles. Like most projects of this nature, it was easier said than done.

I'm still working on a movement that would be a direct replacement for the mechanical movement, but I put this one together that checks off most of the boxes. This one is based on VDO's latest clock design which uses a stepper motor and modern electronics. Since it doesn't use the typical gear driven movement, like in most of the quartz clocks, this one can not be adjusted from the manual adjuster on the front of the clock. That's the downside, but the upside is you end up with a very clean looking silver button clock with a flat glass lens.

I started with the latest VDO clock and designed 2 circuit boards that were used to assemble a clock module with the same dimensions as the original Kienzle clocks. It requires modification to the needles but the early needles are retained.

Thanks to the Pelican members I was able to pick up a few early clocks so my plan is to build a few of these and offer them to Pelican members. I put a "Carrera RS" script on this one but I can do almost anything on the faces.

Here are some pics of the clock......

Picture of the custom module next to the original Kienzle clock



Picture of it installed on the clock



Picture from the front



Picture with the plastic cover installed - Looks stock



....and the finished clock without the glass and bezel

[jgcoutts]

I have an acquaintance with a Volvo 1800ES with VDO gauges that is very interested in your adaption. He is not on this forum, can he somehow get in touch with you?

[SCadaddle]

I bought my 82 SC with 150k on the odo 11 years ago quite simply because the clock was actually working. I knew it was a special car. The clock is still working now.

Found a broken head stud shortly after purchase, but they all do that. Hehe.

[grb008]

I lucked out and snagged 2 VDO movements that were originally used for european trains to show different time zones, NOS. Sometimes the movements come up as they were used in more than just cars.

Does this mod require changes to the movement, or direct replacement?

[jbell959]

Originally Posted by jgcoutts

I have an acquaintance with a Volvo 1800ES with VDO gauges that is very interested in your adaption. He is not on this forum, can he somehow get in touch with you?

I'm really sorry, but I've just been too busy lately to take on anything other than 65-89 Porsche gauges. This is supposed to be a hobby

Originally Posted by grb008

I lucked out and snagged 2 VDO movements that were originally used for european trains to show different time zones, NOS. Sometimes the movements come up as they were used in more than just cars.

Does this mod require changes to the movement, or direct replacement?

I'm not sure what you're asking? This conversion is something I designed and built to completely replace the Kienzle mechanical clock movement

[7783911]

John

is it or can it be battery driven?

[jbell959]

Originally Posted by 7783911

John

is it or can it be battery driven?

No, this design is based on a 12V VDO clock.

[PeteKz]

Well, technically, it IS battery driven--by the 12v battery in your car! As for building batteries into it, you could figure out a way to substitute 12 volts worth of small batteries (like a stack of 4 CR2032's), but why would you want to? It would be more trouble than it's worth.

[7783911]

Pete

I m always looking for ways to remove wiring and or source of parasitic draw, its not critical, just curious

[jbell959]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

Well, technically, it IS battery driven--by the 12v battery in your car! As for building batteries into it, you could figure out a way to substitute 12 volts worth of small batteries (like a stack of 4 CR2032's), but why would you want to? It would be more trouble than it's worth.

Technically that is correct.... to go even further, there is a 3V regulator circuit in the clock so technically that could be removed or bypassed and it could be run off a single CR2032 or a couple of AAA batteries. However, I'd put that in a bucket of project that I have on my desk that probably wont get done

[PeteKz]

You would still need the wiring to the instrument lights for night driving--unless you don't care what time it is at night!

[7783911]

True, but But that is a switched circuit