Trying to figure out how to remove the clock on my 71 XKE? Someplace. on YOUTUBE, I think, I've seen a video indicating you need to open the straps on the side of the clock but on my S3 there are 3 straps that hold the clock into the dash panel but those straps seem to be permanently attached to the clock on the top and permanently attached to a large washer around the clock and there is no way to open those straps to remove the clock. See photo of my clock . Any idea how I can get the clock out to replace it?

Straps attached to top of clock and large washer on back of instrument dash

 

Having a S2, and going out on a limb with suggestion for S3, I'm going to say those brackets holding the clock in have to be removeable somehow. Looking at the gauges on either side, those are most typical... a U shaped metal bracket with thumbscrews on the back of the gauge/instrument and the 'legs' holding it against the back of the cluster door. Do the nuts on the back of the clock come loose? It looks like perhaps the clock 'legs' fit down in the little upright tabs in the metal ring around the clock. If those nuts can be removed as well as the U bracket, then the clock should push out towards the interior of the car. You would have to disconnect the light bulb and the power.

 

The nuts on the back of the clock have nothing to do with holding the clock in, they are associated with the electrical connectors. I've tried releasing the straps with a screwdriver in those little upright tabs with no luck. What I finally decided to do after taking a look at the replacement clock was to Dremel off the 3 straps that are holding in the clock. Those straps are riveted to the top of the clock. The reason I decided to cut thought them was that the new clock had an entirely different mounting method. Instead of the straps the new clock had the same mounting system as the other gages - a U shaped metal bracket used on the other gages with 2 long bolt on the top of the clock to bolt it down. This of course is then ideal and I didn't have to worry about how I was going to save the old mounting and attach the new clock. I of course tested the new clock to see it the wiring was actually good before I preceded.
Clock is now installed and working even with a new light. The new clock has a wire with a switch attached to it that will increment the clock 1 minute each time you press it or advance the clock as much as you want if you hold it down - as well as the typical knob in the middle of the clock face to change the time. I just ran the new wire to the top of the instrument panel and let it stick out of the top panel a little. Its not really needed so I might just tuck it back behind the panel later if I decide I don't like it there.

 

Those straps are retainer tangs. The clock just pushes out from the back, no disassembly required.

 

That is very interesting, the clock on my series 3 (early 71 model) attaches just like the other instruments.