My old electromechanical clock is clean and keeps perfect time. Its problem is that it has a broken spring, the one with two tangs that keeps the ratchet lever tensioned against the gear/wheel. To fix it requires drilling out the pivot that holds the lever and spring and replacing the spring. This is the one pivot that was peened over by the maker. Houston Spedometer cannot fix. Palo Alto Speedometer requires doing a complete rehab at $149 and won't fix the spring alone. Has anyone had experience (good or bad) with United Speedometer in Riverside, CA. Any other suggestions as to competent repairers for this specific fix? Many thanks.

Douglas, this may sound elementary,
but, have you tried calling around to
clock repair shops? You might find someone
willing to take up an unusual challenge.
Good Luck.

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1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280

I called Houston Speedo, Palo Alto Speedo, and United Speedo. United said they could do the repair bu8t are pricey. It is currently with my local clock guy for estimate, but he may think he has me over a barrel pricewise; I'll know soon. I have a lead to Jacobs Watch and Clock in Oakland (510/655-8468). Have you any knowledge of/experience with this outfit? I ask because I note you are in San Francisco, and I expect to be there in a few weeks. Thanks.

Douglas, I looked up your lead in the phone
book from Oakland. They are there
in a one line listing but I am
unfamiliar with them.
Try calling Speedometer service and Instrument co 415-431-2000
Fax 415 431-7870
San Francisco. I've used them way past and
two years ago to change a speedo cable.
As the economy is hot now , they can be
kind of expensive and grabber --if you let them. Call them and get on there good side.
Get a ball park figure.
Try Silver Star recycling in Sacramento, CA.
1-800-783-4911
Informative. Might have leads.
Best to ya, Keep update on your progress!

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1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280

Thanks for the clock followup. I decided to try to fix it myself before investing $$$. If I destroyed the spring, I would have been no worse off. My local clock guy gave me good advice. I unwound the sring almost one full loop, cut it, and bent a new tang. Great three-handed job with a monacle stuck in my eye. The tang fit into the notch as desired and the ratchet has good tension. Now the clock keeps perfect time. It seems rather noisy when the points engage--a buzzing sound--but I don't know what is normal. Thanks for your help.

THAT'S THE SPIRIT !
Good one.

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1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280