Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi all,

I hope this is the right place for my questions?

My '71 +2S 130 has a Smith clock fitted but I don't know if it works. There is a hole by the reading light that I think should have a cable to change the time / wind the clock? The cable is missing...

Questions:
1. Can I buy a replacement cable anywhere? What does the cable do?
2. Does anyone have a period clock for sale?
3. What replacement click would you recommend?

Thanks very much for your thoughts.
P

The Smiths clock is electrically powered, & yes, you should have a cable by the map light which is for adjusting the time. I have one which will run for about 5 minutes, then stop. I have tried to get it repaired, but so far, no one has been able to, I have been told it's just down to wear & tear, & the lack of any kind of bearings in the rotating parts, after a few minutes of running, things bind up.
Later cars are fitted with a Kinzle clock, with the time adjustment being a small button/knob in the centre of the face, they are available with red hands, to match the other gauges, but you don't see them often, ones with white hands come up on ebay quite regularly, found this in a VERY quick search, I'm sure there will be others.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Kienz ... SwMtxXrmiR

Have you tried asking Speedy Cables in Ystradgynlais whether they can repair your clock (I'd be surprised if they can't).

Tim, the fact your clock runs suggests the bits inside work but that perhaps it's just a bit gummed up or dry?? Have you tried lubricating it with proper watchmakers oil - 3 in 1 will be far too thick

Cheers Steve, But that's what I thought, a bit of a clean & lubrication would do the trick, but apparently, the problem is there is some wear in the spindles or holes they run in, I say "holes" as there are no bushes or bearings After a while, this leads to the teeth on the gearwheels trying to jump, & then binding, & there is not enough power to overcome this, so it stops. I have a working clock (Kinzle) in the car, so it's been one of those 'I'll get round to it one day' jobs, so no, I haven't tried Speedy, but funnily enough, I was going to give them a try for a repair on my oil pressure gauge, so will ask about the clock at the same time.

All the best, Tim

Hi

My 71 S130 has a adjusting knob on the right hand side of the clock bezel

Thanks very much for the helpful and speedy input everyone.
I'd like to keep the car as original as possible but with seemingly 2 brands and styles used it sounds like either one could be seen as original.
Thanks for your time!
Pete

Any competent clock repairer should be able to bush your clock, you just haven't found him yet.

The main problem is that they're a fiddly job that can take as much time and effort as a larger, and easier, one.
Also people think, "it's only a little clock, why does the repair cost so much"?

I fix clocks for a living and tend nowadays, ( being older and a little wiser), to advise people that their best bet is to look out for a good second hand one.

Ralph.
N.Z.
MNZHI