When restoring or maintaining a classic Corvette, it’s often the small details that make the biggest difference. Among those details, the dash clock holds a special place. It’s more than just a functional component—it’s part of the original design, a piece of automotive history ticking away just above the steering wheel. At CS of MD West, our Corvette clock repair services are dedicated to restoring that history, offering dependable results for owners who want to preserve or upgrade this essential feature.
Corvette clocks, especially those found in mid-century and early muscle-era models, are increasingly prone to failure as internal components age, wear, and sometimes seize entirely. Unlike modern quartz units, these early clocks were often mechanical, relying on a series of springs, gears, and contact points that degrade over time.
Through our Corvette clock repair service, we restore these timepieces with the attention and precision they deserve—offering a number of options depending on the model and the needs of the owner.
Mechanical Corvette Clock Restoration
For owners looking to retain the original mechanical operation of their Corvette clock, we offer complete mechanical restorations. This process includes a full disassembly, thorough cleaning, and repair or replacement of worn gears and bushings. Worn pivots are re-machined or replaced, and hardened lubrication is removed and replaced with modern, clock-safe lubricants.
Each clock we restore mechanically is tested for consistent operation over a period of several days before it’s returned. Our process is not just a patchwork fix—it’s a true rebuild, aimed at returning the unit to factory-like performance.
Quartz Movement Conversion
While some Corvette owners prefer mechanical accuracy, others are more interested in long-term reliability and ease of use. For them, we offer quartz movement conversions. These conversions replace the mechanical internals of your Corvette’s clock with a modern quartz timekeeping system. The face, hands, and appearance remain unchanged—so visually, the clock still fits seamlessly into your dashboard.
Quartz conversion has a number of benefits. It eliminates the need to wind the clock or worry about contact points corroding over time. It also dramatically improves accuracy, with the clock keeping near-perfect time compared to the variability of vintage mechanical units. For owners who drive their Corvettes frequently or want a hassle-free experience, quartz is an attractive solution.
Our conversions are done with great care to ensure the clock’s original aesthetic is preserved. From the mounting layout to the placement of the hands, we make sure it still looks like the same unit your Corvette left the factory with—just with updated performance behind the face.
Clock Face Refinishing and Cosmetic Repairs
Years of sunlight, temperature changes, and general use can take their toll on the appearance of your Corvette clock. Faded numbers, chipped paint, worn hands, and scratched lenses are all common. As part of our clock repair service, we offer cosmetic restoration tailored to your model and year.
We restore or replace faded hands, reprint clock faces where appropriate, and polish or replace clock lenses to bring back their original clarity. For Corvette models that featured unique markings—such as green or white print, luminous indicators, or distinctive bezels—we carefully match the original appearance during refinishing. The goal is not just functionality but visual correctness as well.
Depending on the condition of the incoming clock, this cosmetic work may be minor or substantial. We evaluate each piece individually and communicate with owners to determine the right level of restoration.
Common Clock Problems We Solve
Each clock we receive presents its own set of issues. Some are dead on arrival, others are erratic or slow, and some have cosmetic concerns more than mechanical ones. Among the problems we regularly resolve:
- Broken balance wheels or escapement gears
- Faulty contact points or power connections
- Dead motors or worn-out bushings
- Inoperative wind-up mechanisms
- Sticking or frozen hands
- Discolored or damaged lenses
- Faded numerals and markers
- Loose or broken mounting tabs
Our repairs go beyond simply making the clock tick again. We test each one to ensure it maintains accuracy, runs reliably, and looks the part when reinstalled. In many cases, our work makes the clock more dependable than it ever was—even when new.
Gauges Beyond Clocks
While clocks are a specialty, we don’t stop there. Our restoration services also extend to a wide range of Corvette gauges. Whether you need a tachometer restored for a high-revving small block, a working temperature or oil pressure gauge to keep your engine protected, or a speedometer that reflects your car’s original character, we offer solutions that match the standard of our clock repairs.
Every Corvette gauge is treated with the same care: disassembly, inspection, repair or restoration, cosmetic refinishing if needed, and testing. Many original gauges are salvageable with the right treatment, and our experience allows us to restore them with a high level of detail.
Corvette Clock Repair That Gets the Job Done Right
At CS of MD West, we approach every Corvette clock repair as a unique opportunity to preserve the personality and functionality of the vehicle.
We keep an inventory of appropriate repair parts, including hard-to-find mechanisms, contact springs, and face components. Our familiarity with the clock types used in different production years allows us to approach each repair with confidence and the right tools for the job.
Explore our Corvette clock restoration page to learn more about our process and see examples of past work. We’re here to help your Corvette look, feel, and perform its best—starting with the details that matter.