Interior Discussion about interior restoration, repairs, and modifications.

how do i install a center console clock?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 27, 2009 | 09:49 AM
  #1  
tarheel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Central NC (NC/VA line)
Car: Sold: 1986 Z28 Black/Silver
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 5 spd
how do i install a center console clock?

i searched with no luck.

i want to install the clock in a console and need to drill the hole out for it. Is there a write up on how to do this. I just don't want to mess up my mint console with a bad experience.

I understand the mounting tabs are there, but not sure what tool to use that will give me the factory look.

thx
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2009 | 10:07 AM
  #2  
JamesC's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

Originally Posted by tarheel
i want to install the clock in a console and need to drill the hole out for it. Is there a write up on how to do this. I just don't want to mess up my mint console with a bad experience.

I understand the mounting tabs are there, but not sure what tool to use that will give me the factory look.
No write-up that I know of. I agree with you about not wanting to ruin your console. If the tabs are there, you could probably use them as your template and use a hole saw--scares me to think about. You might consider the classifieds for the correct console top. RCAR7395 might be able to assist. I noticed the other day that he's selling a console clock.

JamesC

Last edited by JamesC; Feb 27, 2009 at 01:11 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2009 | 01:10 PM
  #3  
tarheel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Central NC (NC/VA line)
Car: Sold: 1986 Z28 Black/Silver
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 5 spd
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

i see your 85 came with the center console clock...very rare for that year. I owned an 85 Z28 (non-iroc) back in the 80's... and it too had the clock and a ton of other options, but not the performance kind. Fun car.

i'm now trying to recreate this vehicle...last i checked it was in Kansas this year (carfax).
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2009 | 01:14 PM
  #4  
JamesC's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

Originally Posted by tarheel
i see your 85 came with the center console clock...very rare for that year. I owned an 85 Z28 (non-iroc) back in the 80's... and it too had the clock and a ton of other options, but not the performance kind. Fun car.
The White Book says 809 of the clocks in 85. Apparently, the clock was installed in cars with AM radios (which weren't equipped with a clock) .

JamesC
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2009 | 01:40 PM
  #5  
tarheel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Central NC (NC/VA line)
Car: Sold: 1986 Z28 Black/Silver
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 5 spd
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

Originally Posted by JamesC
The White Book says 809 of the clocks in 85. Apparently, the clock was installed in cars with AM radios (which weren't equipped with a clock) .

JamesC
yeah, that's loco alright.

this z had the upper grade interior - auto - T-tops - rear cargo lid (w/lock) split rear seats (i believe) - carpeted rear cargo plastic - overhead console...most all interior options except the shade cover and auto dimming mirror.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2009 | 01:52 PM
  #6  
my82roc's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (101)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 30
From: Levittown Pa
Car: 89 Iroc Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi 9 bolt PBR
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

If I was you I would grab a spare console top from a junkyard car to cut the hole in.Thats what I did for mine just in case.I had my buddy cut the hole for the clock and its perfect.From what he told me,he had used a protractor to get the circular dimension for the clock and then he used a hole saw to cut it out.He didnt have a hole saw big enough and I dont remember what he used to finish the cutout(maybe a jigsaw) but whatever he did it looks as it should.Only other option is to find one that already had a clock but thats a real longshot.Out of the 10 or so clocks that I have pulled Ive only once taken the console top with it
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2009 | 02:29 PM
  #7  
tarheel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Central NC (NC/VA line)
Car: Sold: 1986 Z28 Black/Silver
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 5 spd
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

Originally Posted by my82roc
If I was you I would grab a spare console top from a junkyard car to cut the hole in.Thats what I did for mine just in case.I had my buddy cut the hole for the clock and its perfect.From what he told me,he had used a protractor to get the circular dimension for the clock and then he used a hole saw to cut it out.He didnt have a hole saw big enough and I dont remember what he used to finish the cutout(maybe a jigsaw) but whatever he did it looks as it should.Only other option is to find one that already had a clock but thats a real longshot.Out of the 10 or so clocks that I have pulled Ive only once taken the console top with it
i actually bought the clock from you. Really looking forward to adding it. I do have a spare to use.
I can see how to measure and mark it on the plastic, but not sure what type of saw to use. Even a dremmal tool is tough to get a perfect circle. Have to sleep on this one.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2009 | 09:07 PM
  #8  
my82roc's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (101)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 30
From: Levittown Pa
Car: 89 Iroc Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi 9 bolt PBR
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

Yeah I remember you bought the clock from me.Sorry I cant give you any more help but it wasnt me who cut the hole for it.Im not much of a craftsman so I let someone who is do it for me
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2009 | 11:27 PM
  #9  
Chevy8588's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 972
Likes: 2
From: La Grange Park, IL
Car: 1987 Iroc Z28/ 1982 Z28
Engine: 355 TPI IP/ 305 CFI
Transmission: T-56/ 300C
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Open/ 3.73 Posi
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

they make a drill bit for when u cut out the holes for door ***** on wooden doors, get one of those, perfect circle every time
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 07:02 AM
  #10  
tarheel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Central NC (NC/VA line)
Car: Sold: 1986 Z28 Black/Silver
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 5 spd
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

Originally Posted by Chevy8588
they make a drill bit for when u cut out the holes for door ***** on wooden doors, get one of those, perfect circle every time
great idea....does anyone know the exact measurement of the clock? It's not at my house to measure.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 08:05 AM
  #11  
JamesC's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

Originally Posted by tarheel
great idea....does anyone know the exact measurement of the clock? It's not at my house to measure.
That's what I was talking about when I mentioned a hole saw. The one I have is adjustable so that you can cut whatever size you wish. That said, it cuts a very rough hole. Perhaps there are other types used for finishing that would produce a finer cut.

JamesC

Last edited by JamesC; Mar 1, 2009 at 08:15 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 08:31 AM
  #12  
tonys91rs's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 854
Likes: 10
From: Rincon, Ga.
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TPI conversion.
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi 4th gen rear
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

hold up before you cut anything. i had a parts car here a while ago and stripped it out. i might have a solution for you. ill post back in about an hour
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 09:50 AM
  #13  
tonys91rs's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 854
Likes: 10
From: Rincon, Ga.
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TPI conversion.
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi 4th gen rear
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

Name:  058.jpg
Views: 131
Size:  16.7 KB

Name:  clock.jpg
Views: 133
Size:  16.4 KB

this is the center piece that holds the clock. instead of trying to cut a hole, just cut out your section and mount this in. get another console, so you dont cut yours up. i have one if your interested. also, do you have the harness?
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 11:21 AM
  #14  
tarheel's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Central NC (NC/VA line)
Car: Sold: 1986 Z28 Black/Silver
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 5 spd
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

just thinking out loud here....but i'd rather cut the hole for the clock vs cutting the console section out.

there has to be some type of finishing bit in the correct width..unless the clock is an odd size.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 11:37 AM
  #15  
grock's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: nj
Car: 1988 irock G92 black/gold
Engine: 5.7
Axle/Gears: 327
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

use a drill bit i little smaller than the clock, then use a file to get the whole to perfect size. drill from the bottom up or you may scratch the hell out of the top plastic. try cutting the whole on something else first.AND WERE CAN I FIND A CLOCK FOR SALE MINE IS BROKE.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2009 | 11:47 AM
  #16  
JamesC's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: how do i install a center console clock?

Originally Posted by grock
AND WERE CAN I FIND A CLOCK FOR SALE MINE IS BROKE.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...ole-clock.html

A few years ago, I believed mine was broken as well, and I was prepared to send it in (don't recall where), but before I did, I removed the clock, blew it out with canned air, and shot it with WD-40. Still works fine. I polished the lens as well, and along with new switches, the consoles looks pretty good.

JamesC

Last edited by JamesC; Mar 1, 2009 at 11:51 AM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1992 Trans Am
History / Originality
27
May 10, 2023 07:19 PM
colton_carlson
Firebirds for Sale
7
Mar 8, 2019 12:21 PM
formula_novice
Transmissions and Drivetrain
7
Aug 18, 2015 08:48 PM
Firebird sweden
Organized Drag Racing and Autocross
3
Aug 16, 2015 05:02 PM
TheJoeY88
Interior
5
Aug 13, 2015 06:51 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:17 AM.