Hi,
I am converting the clocks of my ‘63 Atlas back from incorrect magnetic Smiths (incl. 4:1 Tacho) to the original Chronometric set-up with a 150mph speedo in a second-hand Lucas MCH61 headlamp shell and a separate 8,000 rev Tacho on a bracket (fixer-uppers from ebay). I cleaned and oiled the movements, made new paper gaskets and re-sprayed the cans fitted with flanged bezel. I also adjusted the balance shaft weights of the speedo from 120mph to a new 150mph dial, all of which seems to work as it should when tested with a drill on the bench. The speedo movement was transplanted into a refurbished nacelle-type can and I am wondering about three things:
1 what is the purpose of the slot on the side of the can with the two brass rivets? Something has rusted away here on mine, but not sure what, so any photos or suggestions would be very welcome!
2 the nacelle can seems about 1/8” deeper than the standard holder and the movement and dial sit further back from the glass (see photo). Is this meant to be like that or is there a different movement frame for this?
3 how does the trip reset work with the speedo in the shell? I got an aftermarket Bowden-type reset extension, not sure if this is correct? Does it bend down and fit through one of the three holes at the bottom?
Any suggestions and photos much appreciated!
Thanks, Holger
My limited knowledge…
Says,
1 - the slot is to light the bezel from inside the nacelle (separate bulb or backlit off the headlamp reflector).
2 - the bezel is set deeper to allow the light slot to work.
3 - the reset is on an extended Bowden with a knurled plastic knob, that appears out of the grommet on the underside of the shell, offside one.
Jon
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I agree with Jon!
Certainly on 1 &3. I've several old chronos in bits in the lockup, I'll have a look but think 2 is correct also. Bizarely enough, my last employment was with part of the Smiths Group, but the clocks side of the business was sold years ago. Although I do remember them being HQ'd in Hendon way back...
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Smiths Instruments
Based in Swansea, Check out on the web. Should be able to help…
Jon
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My prewar 16H has a panel…
My prewar 16H has a panel tank and the dial is set about 1/4" below the glass. The slot on the side (which has blue tinted transparent covering) admits light from a bulb placed alongside the instrument.
My 1963 Dommie has its dial closer to the glass. The dial diameter is a bit smaller than the case so light shines in from the edges from a bulb placed inside the casing.
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All makes sense now!
Thanks everyone, that all makes perfect sense! It looks like what I have here an older type of can and indeed found a trace of plastic under the rivets - Norton was certainly well ahead of their time with blue instrument lights! It would make sense that this type was tank-fitted, as when looking down, the full dial is visible then while if nacelle-fitted the bottom would be obscured by the extra gap. The Chronometrics are beautifully designed and built clocks and surprisingly easy to service.
Holger
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This is the underside of my…
This is the underside of my panel tank. The speedo window is visible (not coloured) and the ammeter at lower right has blue. Whether originals or not, I don't know. Wiring seems to be partly original 1937. Apologies for LED. I suspect that conventional bulbs are better here because they provide a little drying heat.
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Yes but....
Does the LED have enough light coming out of its end to illuminate the speedo?
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Is the slot there to allow the speedo lamp to shine on to the ammeter?. The gap might(?) be a wrong case and movement. I don't remember such when I had chronos.