Clock with jewels, anyone interested? ($50 or DIY)

[db_autotek]

So we all know the Q45 has a cool clock in it, but little aftermarket options. Junction Produce is selling some for over $500 and they definately don't look OEM. Screw that, I hijacked their idea and got some fake diamonds for mine. The mod took many hours but didn't really cost much. Here's some pictures and how I did it. I would like to gauge everyones interest in these modded clocks. It looks like a million bucks, but if there's any interest I would be happy to do all the work and sell them for $50 (includes shipping) which is way less than Junction's rediculous price, and will maintain that OEM look. (read more below. It's a little long winded but necessary)

This picture didn't come out good (sorry, phone camera)



This is a little bit better:



And a bit better: these things REALLY bling in the daylight!!



Here's one out of the car: (if anyone's interested, this is how you would receive them)

And for a better view of the bling, here's a couple with the bezel off:





So if you've got some skill, a steady hand, plenty of time, and enough confidence then here's how to do it yourself and what you'll need:Obviously you need to source some fake diamonds or your jewels of choice. What I did is went to the fake-bling capital of the mall: a store called Claire's, and purchased some girls' bracelets for about $10. These had the size of jewels that I wanted to use, and were a perfect price since I don't really care if anyone knows that they aren't real diamonds. Next you're going to need some appropriate glue. (keep in mind: never ever use super glue on your car since it's very corossive and emits corosive fumes which will make anything and everything cloudy) The glue I prefer for these types of applications is available in the crafts section of most large stores. Its' a gel type, is acid free, permanent, dries clear, and has a fine applicator. It's by Elmers, and is called Elmers Craft Bond Acid Free Glue Pen. See a picture of it here:http://www.elmers.com/product/...=E429Most importantly, you will need a good pair of tweezers, small needle nose pliers, or something of the sort to gently mount the jewels. Perfectly, you would have a set of jewlers tools to do this. Finally, you will also need a very small phillips ("cross tipped") screwdriver, you can get small sets of these for just a few bucks. Last but not least, you need a good quality set of fingernail clippers.

So now that you have your jewels of choice and the glue, time to take out your clock. If anyone has ever done this you know it can be a pain. Obviously you have to dissasemble your dash. Here's a very brief outline: first pop out the window switch bezel, unclip the wires. Pop out the coin tray thing (just pull hard) Unscrew the ashtray and take it out, then start unscrewing the radio surround center piece. On the left of the steering wheel, pop out the switch panel with the mirror controls. Now start unscrewing the main cluster surround, take it out, now you can unscrew the clock from the back of it.

Now you have your clock and everything you need. With your small screwdriver, (jewlers screwdriver or eyeglasses repair screwdriver), unscrew the four little screws securing the gold bezel to the clock. Set the clock onto a nice flat surface, table/workbench. Stare at it for a second while you gather yourself for the delicate process ahead. For the jewels, I was able to pry them out of the bracelet easilly with my fingernail. I started by just getting one out, because first I just did the 12 o'clock position (which also looks really good by itself). Now, soon you will notice that the larger minute hand of the clock will bump into the jewels, so you have to trim the tip a little. Using the fingernail clippers, carefully snip a tiny bit off the tip of the minute hand. I only clipped off about a millimeter or two, and now it will not hit the jewels. Glue time. Start with the 12 o'clock position since it's the easiest and if you loose motivation, then you can just leave the one jewel like in Movado watches. With the fine tip of the glue pen, put a small drop of glue right on the edge of where the clock face meets the raised bevel. Now carefully place the jewel using your tweezers/needlenose. It won't automatically sit perfect after you set the jewel down, so you will need to make delicate adjustments to the jewel untill it looks right. Keep a close eye on it, and the ones to follow, because the jewels will likely shift a little untill the glue gets tacky, so you will have to continue making tiny adjustments to them untill they set. Continue this process around the clock face at each of the hour marks, taking your time and being carefull. This part of the process will probly take a couple hours at least. The glue will typically set within 30 minutes at each jewel, but after you get them all set, wait an hour for them to dry permanently.

You probly had to move the hands around a little while working, so set the time before putting the bezel back on. You're done! Put the clock back in and bolt up your dash back together, and show off your new piece of art to your friends.

Questions/concerns/compliments? Let me know if anyone's interested in buying one, I just gotta get a couple extra clocks and do the work. $50 or international $55.

[superuber]

Well you are right about the pic! Or I need my bifocals! (old guy).Get us a better pic.I like it but I don't think I would do it for mine. My Q is more tuner than bling. Nice job though.

[Ozzie]

Where as mine is more bling than tuner.....

I like it too..... something to think about (my clock doesn't work)

[maxnix]

Definitiely more original and tasteful Bliiiiiiinnnnnng than the VULGARI clock.

[TBrack]

nice but how about a write up for the push button start

[db_autotek]

Oh don't worry!!! The push button start write up is on the way!!!! I'm really excited about it. Right now it's just a test-fit, I still have alot of wiring to figure out. I gotta get all the relays, connectors, ect.

Thanks for the compliments everyone. I like it much better than the Bulgari clock (escalade) and who is really gonna pay 500$ from Junction Produce. I'll try and get some better pics soon.

[Haitian_King]

I want a clock. My current clock works sometimes. It never says the right time. 50 is a whole lot nice than 500 from JP. That's cool.

My interior in my 92 Q is black and light gray/grahpite? So i'd like a black and silver clock you know? i like the gold but it wouldn't go with my current setup.

[db_autotek]

If I get a little more interest going for the clocks then I'll buy a couple of the old style and a couple of the newer style.

HaitianKing does your clock look like this? Let me know and I'll get one and hook it up for you.

[Haitian_King]

Kinda, but my clock hands are lighter and the face is white i believe.