Adambravo Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 The clock on my ‘63 works fine—arguably a bit too fine, as it runs rather fast—but the illumination is rather dim compared to the other gauges. Is the bulb replaceable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 Not sure about the bulb, but if the clock is like others GM used at the time the way to correct fast or slow running was to keep manually setting (i.e., correcting) the time. Each time correction should nudge the mechanism toward the correct frequency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adambravo Posted July 11, 2022 Author Share Posted July 11, 2022 After three or four years of resetting the clock appears to be no more accurate—but the main concern is the bulb… 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 The bulb is in a socket ot the end of the 12V wire. The socket is a snap in fit. Should be easy to change (once you access it.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crowvet Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 I put an LED bulb in mine. Way brighter. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71GS Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 Highly recommend LED bulbs for replacement Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crowvet Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 I put an LED bulb in mine. Way brighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbinator Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 Superbrite has a website that asks you questions about your vehicle and finds the correct LED replacement for your incandescent bulb. I’ve used Superbrite a number of times. It sounds like you are interested in correct time. Gents on the forum have given instructions on how to fix the clock yourself. I opted to send my clock out for a quartz replacement movement. The $150. Cost was worth it to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Cannon Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 (edited) On 7/10/2022 at 9:06 PM, Adambravo said: The clock on my ‘63 works fine—arguably a bit too fine, as it runs rather fast—but the illumination is rather dim compared to the other gauges. Is the bulb replaceable? If you have had the clock out, you have seen where the light bulb holder plugs into the back of the clock can. I find it easier to take the dash pad out and access the clock bulb from above. Old incandescent bulbs develop a silvery grey metal film on the inside for the glass over time that reduces their light output. The mere act of replacing the bulb with a new one will brighten it up because there is no metal film inside the new bulb. It is also possible up up-size the bulb by 1 candlepower to get a bit more light in there. If you install an LED bulb, you will want to do it to all of your instruments, not just the clock, or the clock will stand out like a beacon compared to all of the other dim bulbs. This is easy to do with the dash pad off. I agree with the others, the folks at SuperBrightLEDs.com are great. https://www.superbrightleds.com/ Do I have your car in my '63 Riviera database? I don't remember. What's your FB number on your data plate? Edited July 12, 2022 by Jim Cannon (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adambravo Posted July 11, 2022 Author Share Posted July 11, 2022 Thanks! I don't think I want to go the LED route, although I didn't know I'd have to take out the dash pad. Is there a link indicating the best way for a newbie to do that? If you tell me what a FB number is, I'll check it out... ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 The FB number can be found on the Fisher Body Data plate which is riveted to the firewall above the power brake booster. It will tell you the date the car was built, the FB number, which is the sequential build number, the trim and paint codes, and the options that Fisher Body provided for before the body was attached to a chassis, the engine was installed, and the car was sent to final assembly for the rest of the options andvthevfront clip was installed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenugent Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 1 hour ago, Jim Cannon said: If you have had the clock out, you have seen where the light bulb holder plugs into the back of the clock can. I find it easier to take the dash pad out and access he clock bulb from above. Old incandescent bulbs develop a silvery grey metal film on the inside for the glass over time that reduces their light output. The mere act of replacing the bulb with a new one will brighten it up because there is no metal film inside the new bulb. It is also possible up up-size the bulb by 1 candlepower to get a bit more light in there. If you install an LED bulb, you will want to do it to all of your instruments, not just the clock, or the clock will stand out like a beacon compared to all of the other dim bulbs. This is easy to do with the dash pad off. I agree with the others, the folks at SuperBrightLEDs.com are great. https://www.superbrightleds.com/ Do I have your car in my '63 Riviera database? I don't remember. What's your FB number on your data plate? Jim any part numbers for led bulbs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telriv Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 Don't forget IF you install a brighter/higher power incandescent bulb with more candle power it will heat up significantly more & could start melting the plastics surrounding them. Just my nickels worth. Tom T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Cannon Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 7 hours ago, tenugent said: Jim any part numbers for led bulbs https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle/1963-buick-riviera-vehicle-led-lights?make=14&model=1380&year=1963 Instrument panel bulbs are 194s. I used Warm White and I like how they look. Look in the shop manual for all the stock bulb numbers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbinator Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 10 hours ago, tenugent said: Jim any part numbers for led bulbs Tim, Superbrite website walks you through the questions you answer and provide you with LED equivalent to your incandescent. I changed all my interior lights out but one incandescent with LED bulbs. A lot brighter for an a man to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted July 14, 2022 Share Posted July 14, 2022 If you are interested in converting your Riv's clock to a quartz movement, see CLOCKS4CARS | eBay Stores. They are also known as Instrument Services, INC. Automotive Clock and Automotive Gauge Repair and Restoration, Speedometer Repair, Tachometer Repair, Car Clock Quartz Conversion, Gauge Cluster Repair, Instrument Services (clocksandgauges.com) They sell replacement quartz movements for various classic vehicles. I have used their devices and I really like them! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kblawrence67 Posted July 16, 2022 Share Posted July 16, 2022 On 7/14/2022 at 3:44 PM, NC1968Riviera said: If you are interested in converting your Riv's clock to a quartz movement, see CLOCKS4CARS | eBay Stores. They are also known as Instrument Services, INC. Automotive Clock and Automotive Gauge Repair and Restoration, Speedometer Repair, Tachometer Repair, Car Clock Quartz Conversion, Gauge Cluster Repair, Instrument Services (clocksandgauges.com) They sell replacement quartz movements for various classic vehicles. I have used their devices and I really like them! I, too, have used their services. Very professional. I highly recommend them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XframeFX Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 (edited) Purchase BA9 Cool White LED bulb for your clock. As with any LED without a controller, you'll lose dimming capability. But, no matter, will perform awesome and won't "toast" the reflective coating inside the can. I re-painted the interior of the can to restore reflective properties. (Image). Remove the Borg clock from the front, then disconnect and take it to your bench. I use a Tide Laundry dispensing cup or, a fat elastic from broccoli bunches Edited July 22, 2022 by XframeFX (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now