Dash Clock in '57 Golden Hawk

[cdevan]

The clock in the dash of the '57 GH does not work. I was told that if the clock is connected that it will continue to drain the battery. Is this true?

[1954khardtop]

Curt,
The clock is spring driven, with an automatic winding mechanism that uses power from the battery. It only uses power for a few seconds once in a while. On a regularly driven vehicle this is not an issue, but on a car that sits idle for long periods it can be.

[bezhawk]

The clock only uses power for a fraction of a second, when the points close. If it has stopped working, the either the points stuck closed, or open when it stopped. If it stuck closed, then the coil burnt out, or the fuse blew, so it can't draw power. If it stopped while the points were open, it still isn't drawing any power.

[SN-60]

To: cdevan,----- If Your Hawk's clock isn't working, it will not effect the battery. If clock is working, it rewinds every few minutes, which would draw down the battery's state of charge in a vehicle sitting idle for long periods.---
Best to disconnect battery when car is not being driven on regular basis.

[cdevan]

Thanks for the information. It's great to have this resource and subject matter expertise on line when you need it.