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How to Restore an Old Hastings Piston Ring Clock

Old Hastings Piston Ring Clocks are round wall clocks that have big lettering and numerals, behind a glass front. These clocks were also known as "advertising clocks," because some of them had the Hastings Piston name printed on their faces in large black letters. The clocks were made of painted metal. Vintage clocks can be be restored to make them work again or for aesthetic reasons.

Things You'll Need

Small pliers
Clock oil
Metal paint for clocks
Small painter's paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the clock for damage. Turn the clock over carefully, and open up the back of it with small pliers, if necessary. Check the inner workings of the clock, to see if it is functioning. On older clocks, examine the spring to see if the spring is working correctly. Replace the spring on the clock if it is worn or rusty.
- 2
  Add clock oil to the pivot sections of the clock, to keep the clock running smoothly. Add clock oil to any gear wheels within the clock, or wherever there are pivot holes. Oil a Hastings Piston Ring Clock once every three years. Close the back of the clock after the spring is examined and parts are oiled.
- 3
  Clean the clock face by using glass spray that is gentle enough for old glass. Spray a small amount of glass cleaner onto a clean, soft cloth and wipe away surface dirt and grime from the glass clock face. If there is no glass front protecting the clock, dampen a cloth and carefully wipe the surface of the clock, making sure not to remove white surface paint or the black numeral paint.
- 4
  Touch up the surface of the clock. Once the clock is cleaned use the metal paint to touch up any scratches in the metal and places where the numerals have faded. Use paint that matches the original color of the clock, and don't over-paint the spot. Paint with a small painter's paintbrush made for detailing. Try to apply a light coat to each part of the clock you are touching up. Let dry, and repeat with a second coat if necessary.
- 5
  Adjust the hands of the clock to make sure they work. Oil the clock hands at the base, if stuck together. Remove the nut that holds the minute hand in place, and take the minute hand away.
- 6
  Place a small dab of oil in the hub. Replace the minute hand and tighten the nut. Make sure not to over tighten the nut. Turn it counterclockwise. Gently pull the hands away from the clock face if they are touching the face dial. Set the time on the clock by moving the minute hand counterclockwise to the third hour.
- 7
  Wind the larger hour hand around one time, and set it on the 12. Do not over-wind. Hang the clock back up when finished. If there is an electric cord, plug it into a wall socket after adjustments and restoration is completed.

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