The built-in analog clock in my Lincoln MKZ finally wore itself out. I checked the internet for a replacement clock, and the good news was I could get one for about $50. The bad news was that to replace the clock I would have to remove the gear shift trim, the entire center console, the AC/Heating controls, the radio, and the center vents. Each of these items had to be removed just to get to two screws that hold the panel on that I had to remove.

I like having an analog clock, but I didn't like the idea of spending almost a day replacing it. So, I had another idea.

Step 1: The $12 Answer.

I knew I could simply buy a stick-on digital clock, but I didn't like that idea. What I found was a small analog clock on the internet that was made to press into a hole. This clock has a battery operated quartz movement. I suppose I could have simply stuck it over the original clock, but it would have looked pretty much like I stuck it on top of another clock.

Step 2: Making the Mounting Plate

I made a small mounting plate using a piece of scrap hardwood. I trimmed it to size and drilled a hole sized for the clock movement. Since the original clock had two buttons sticking out below it (for setting the time), I drilled some shallow relief holes on the back. Before going further, I painted it to match the dash of the car.

I applied 3M mounting tape to the back so I could mount it without having to drill holes in the dash.

Step 3: Press the Clock Into the Mounting Plate.

Since I drilled the hole in the mounting plate sized per the clock's instructions, the clock simply presses into the hole. This allows for easy removal of the clock every couple of years to change the battery.

Step 4: Mount the Clock Assembly on the Dash

The final step was to remove the protective film from the 3M mounting tape and press the new clock assembly on the dash over the old clock.

I have had this clock in the car now for over a year, and am very pleased with it. In fact, notice the next step.

Step 5: I Also Added One of These to My Truck!

I liked having this clock so much that I added one to my truck!

This is a good solution for anyone wanting to replace their defective automobile clock without having to remove a lot of things to get to it. Plus, if you shop around on the internet you can find these little clock fit-ups for about $12.