1940 Desoto Clock - Support Forum

RE: 1940 Desoto Clock

Glenn Powell — Sat, 02 May 2026 17:45:19 +0000

@glenncolburn Thanks Glenn

RE: 1940 Desoto Clock

Glenn Powell — Sat, 02 May 2026 17:44:26 +0000

@davidfrank Thanks David

RE: 1940 Desoto Clock

GlennColburn — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:57:41 +0000

Hey, Glenn-

After getting nowhere at the local "full service" clock shops, I sent the clock from my '59 to Clock Works in Wisconsin (see David's post). They were able to replace a broken spring and get everything working for about $220. It would be best to send them pictures and any info you have on the clock first.

I was not able to find any info in either the service manual or the owner's manual about the clock.

It's good to have things working.

Good Luck!

Glenn Colburn

RE: 1940 Desoto Clock

MarkKubancik — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:22:34 +0000

Hi Glenn...saw you also posted this to the NDC Facebook page and it received several suggestions. Good move to post there as the page gets more traffic from members and non-members than the members only web page forum. Hope the suggestions offered on Facebook are helpful. Good luck!

RE: 1940 Desoto Clock

DavidFrank — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:29:47 +0000

If you need a place to go through it and rebuild it, I have had Clock Works in Eagle River, WI recommended to me, but have never used it myself so I can't personally speak to their work: http://www.clockwks.com/Clock_Worksx.html . Sometimes, it just needs to be cleaned and re-lubricated, so if you are feeling ambitious, you could try doing that before sending it off. I believe there are also ways to bench test them and you should be able to find some generic instructions for doing that with an old car dash clock online. If they are like the '50s clocks, they get energized and then unwind before going through that cycle again. The service manual also may have some basic troubleshooting techniques if it was a factory option. If it is dealer-installed, it's unlikely to appear in the service manual.

For club resources, here are a few that you may find helpful:

- @glenncolburn may have something in the club library that shows literature and documentation on this particular option. That isn't so much for repair, but more for what appears to be a rare option/accessory. You can also see what the club's library has for reference information available to you at www.desoto.org/library

- The club's 1940 tech advisor may have additional documentation, parts, and advice. That's Jay in Ohio and you should be able to find his contact information in the January-February issue of DeSoto Adventures or here on the website: www.desoto.org/advisors

- For parts, such as the glass or clock components, you can place a "Parts Wanted" ad in the magazine. That reaches all members and is free to you as a member. Instructions for doing so immediately precede the ads in every issue. You can also use the roster issue to contact other '40 members to solicit parts and information. If the glass is unmarked (I can't tell for sure in the photo if the markings are on or under the glass), you may be able to also have a new piece cut at a local glass shop. It's too bad you don't need one for a '49 S-13 as I have an NOS face and surround I'd sell.

I hope this helps!

1940 Desoto Clock

Glenn Powell — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:06:48 +0000

My 1940

1890

coupe has a clock that sadly has stopped working and I have been on the hunt for a replacement or get it rebuilt. My glass has a crack as well. I have only every seen one other picture of a glove box clock. Seems to me it may be quite rare. I have found one listed for sale and it is almost the same as mine but it has the hand/time adjustment knob in the front and mine is in the rear. Anybody have a glass front ?? Where to send or buy parts? My apologies if this is not the correct spot to ask this question.

Regards

Glenn