Removing the digital clock from a Mk2

[Zimmerframe]

Hi all,

I have just bought an analogue clock and cubby hole from a BMW, (a BMW E36 clock) to replace the horrible digital clock that is standard in my UK Mk2. It is a standard DIN size and is wired for clock live & ground and light live. I want to add the analogue clock as it would be more in style of the theme of my car.




I have removed my radio and also the center consol but I cant see how to get the old clock out without damaging it, do I need to dismantle some more of the dash to release the old clock?
Here's a couple of pictures:





I can hopefully cope the wiring requirments but how do you remove the old clock?

I've posted on a couple of forums but have had no or limited replies. Hopefully some of you chaps may be more helpful

[Mazda Mender]

If you look at either side of the cubby/clock panel,there is plastic trim which should pop off to reveal some holes which with a couple of small phillips screw drivers should press in the springs which hold it in place like the headunit? but i could be wrong?
Or if it is fixed in like the Import cubby hole without the clock,it just clicks into place, it is just a case of getting your hands behind it and give it some.
M-m

[Doogledog]

I've got a mk2 on my living room floor with one in and I've had the clock in and out - its held in with clips on the side of the unit.

Put your hand in the gap left by the radio and there's a clip on the left and right that will need pushing in. It should then pop out. Personally I'd remove the surround so you definitely can't damage it (though there's no reason you should)

[Mazda Mender]

So are the panels on either end of that clock/cubby false Chris?
Forgot you had a dash sat around.
M-m

[Colin S]

Well thats saved me asking a similar question.... I have a triple 52mm Gauge panel to fit in place of the clock and I was wondering how it came out.

This is, as you will probably have already guessed, for a "proper" oil pressure and temperature gauge and either a replaceent clock or Oil temp gauge.

The problem I am having at the moment is finding a matching set. The clock is the most difficult as there seem to be few options. Stack do what I want but at £75.00 for a simple analogue clock? (don't ask about the VDO one )

If all else fails I will just fit an Oil temp and rely on the clock in the radio.

And yes MM I did spot the post on the dark side with the 32mm temp sensor housing -duly placed on watch list

[Mazda Mender]

Just fitted a really nice one to the white V.S, so much so i have ordered another for the Black Mk 2 V.S,( i'll post up a pic).
I have used the MGF clocks for owners, the early ones had a cream face and the later a silver face, easy to wire in and depending on the colour of the interior lights you just fit a coloured bulb condom boot, but like you say it depends on what look you want and personal taste, the ones in the Mk 1 came frome the USA and were daft money, but they were the set for the roadster , nothing else in my eyes would of worked?if you know what i mean.
M-m

[Zimmerframe]

Cheers Wayne and Co. Proper answers . Thanks all. Hopefully, once I have finished, I'll post up a picture.

Thanks again

[Doogledog]

So are the panels on either end of that clock/cubby false Chris?
Forgot you had a dash sat around.
M-m

yep they're false, to make it look like the heater panel and standard radio I guess.

You forgot I had a dash sitting around... How is that possible?? I go on about little else these days lol!

[Mazda Mender]

You know may head is full of all kinds of crap,
M-m

[Mazda Mender]

Proper answers .

It's what we are all here for and this site,
M-m

[Zimmerframe]

I'm still struggling

I can kind of feel the two spring clips that hold the clock in as shown in your photo but I cant squeeze them in enough to release them. I even tried an offset screwdriver but cant get it onto the clips.

I removed the two phillips screws that hold the bottom of the surround to remove that but it seems stuck in the middle at the heater control section. Does that have to come out too?

As you probably know, the wood effect trim is an MX5 parts kit and is just stuck on. I should'nt have to remove that.

[Doogledog]

You shouldn't need to remove the surround though it may be a good idea to prevent damage. If you do remove it you should see a slot either side of the clock / cubby that you may be able to get a screwdriver into from the front to release the clips.

Removing the surround is a case of undoing the screws (which you've done) and then it's a case of just pulling it off. Ive found it easiest to do the screws then pull it up a bit and then a sharp yank on the surround either side of where your radio was. I'm afraid removing surround and cubby does come down to a little bit of brute force sometimes

[Zimmerframe]

OK, I'll have another go, thanks again.

[Doogledog]

Don't know if these help...

[Zimmerframe]

Success

I used some (southern softy) brute force on the surround and it came away easily. I was scared of breaking it but once the middle clips were released, the rest followed.



I then used my offset flat screwdriver to release the clips holding in the old clock. First one side, then the other.



I also removed the thin metal strip that was below the clock, held in by two phillips screws. Then I disconnected the clock plug and voila, out it came



Now the fun bit, wiring in the new clock. I had an offer of help from one of the OC members in my area. I like car mechanicals but dont like touching electrics

I also think the new, (old) clock has a red bulb, so I will be hopefully changing that out too.

Thanks again Wayne, (and junior M-m?) for all your help. Hopefully, I'll have a picture of my new clock in a few days