Ford/ Heuer Split Lap 77

[gjlelec]

My latest find is this butt ugly but quite rare Ford Split Lap 77 made by Heuer .This particular one was originally the property of ex World Rally Champion Roger Clark MBE (deceased) and was put into auction by his family. As you can see, both lcd panels have leaked and the still in situ batteries have done their worse, though the green peril seems to be localised around the battery terminals On the plus side,physically its not in bad shape and it came with its box, a full length bracelet, battery removal key and Ford booklet.The only thing thats missing as far as i'm aware is the Ford outer box.
I removed the top cover to investigate the damage . The modules on these Lap 77s are thankfully far more robust than the chronosplits. I eventually removed the module completely and consulted with Neil at Rawsar (Rawsar specialise in replacement lcd/lcd Heuer Chronosplit repairs and replacement modules, including replacement lcd panels) It appears the lcd display is similar to those used in the Chronosplit so with a bit of Lady Luck, Neil is going to attempt a repair. Watch this space



front cover removed





back of the module-green peril attack !!

[azimuth_pl]

Nice complete set! Hopefully you can fix it.
That green/blue residue is only located on the battery clamp so you can simply dip the bottom part of the module in some vinegar for a minute or so....it will disappear and not leave much damage as opposed to mechanical scratching the residue away. Clean with demineralized water and alcohol.

[gjlelec]

Thanks Piotr

[Kasper]

i've seen quiet a few here in Belgium as we have had a Ford factory for years. I do like them.

[gjlelec]

I actually took Piotrs advice and partially dipped the module into vinegar, being careful not to get vinegar on the chip (which is unusual for me coz i normally like vinegar on my chips ) anyway, the green peril was actually fizzing before it disappeared .Very satisfying

[azimuth_pl]

Good for ya! :)
The chip and circuitry is sealed so you would not do much damage even if you would have exposed wirebonds as the acid is very mild.
Pure chemistry alkaline residue + acid = salt which can be easily dissolved with water and you have a clean module.
As long as the green residues are not located directly on loose wirebonds then acid should not do any harm.
What it might do on loose wirebonds is to loosen the already vulnerable bonds and break them after each dip in the whole set of solutions used in this process.

[gjlelec]

UPDATE- received this pic from Neil at Rawsar today, watch is working with Rawsar replacement displays . As you can see minus the Ford logo though.In my non techie brain i thought a display was a display and it was told what to display by the chip but obviously not lol. I'll wear it and use it and keep an eye out for a working original display if one appears. Its great that the crappity lcd lcd chronosplit modules are finally replaceable.I'd love a gold one

[azimuth_pl]

Cool stuff! :)
The shape of the digits depends on the transparent electrodes applied to the bottom side of the glass.
Apply a small sticker for the time being ;)

[gjlelec]

Had an upgrade

[azimuth_pl]

Great! You have now doubled its value

[gjlelec]

And halved its reliability. Anyway if Ford can stick Aston Martin stickers on Ford bits, so can i

[Kasper]

great watch...the Ford sticker only brings the price down for us Belgians. Ford recently closed a big factory here with over 6000 people working after 50 years

But still a great watch

[charger105]

Awesome to see this up and running again.
Its a real stroke of luck that these LCD panels are interchangeable.
Rgds.

[gjlelec]

Heuer has landed safely.I have had a few phone convos with Neil at Rawsar, a real enthusiast and honest guy.I hope the replacement lcd lcd Chronosplit market takes off for Him. I'm gonna keep my eyes open for a non working Chronosplit or even more desirable imo, a dual display Heuer Kentucky (same module as Chronosplit)






Kentucky, courtesy Diginut

[fronzelneekburm]

Not my favorite watch, but even i have to admit it is highly collectable and valuable. I think the original LCD had some FORD advertisement in it? Guess you can argue about if that missing Ford Logo in the display adds to the value, but a new clean display looks quite nice on tehse imho. I always liked these Heuer Chronosplit with LED and LCD displays, but unfortunately they are unreasonably expensive.

[gjlelec]

Yes ,you are correct Fronz ,the original display had the Ford oval logo displayed. Without it, i would agree, defo devalued but still better than no display at all lol. And as i dont intend to sell but to wear this watch, for now, i'm happy enough. I read in the booklet the Ford logo disappears when the stopwatch is utilised anyway.
The led/lcd Chronosplits seem to be more highly valued than the twin lcd versions, though personally i prefer the lcd/lcd.It looks more balanced. On the whole it appears the complete range of 70s Heuer digitals are over complex and poorly engineered.I have a few but must admit ,most of mine have gone through the hands of Dr Peter Wenzig at some time for repair.He was actually my first port of call with this Ford but on this occassion couldnt help
Top display should look thus



a couple of my digital Heuers