Duh. The blue thingy was wrapped around a third nut. I'm not sure what its function was, but I ripped it off, unscrewed that nut and the case came right off.

The clock mechanism is immaculate! It's fascinating thinking how such a delicate instrument was made out of such precise parts during a time many of us think as technologically primitive.

I found where the fuse was supposed to be, although I found no trace of an old one...not even old solder on the connectors. I bridged the gap and put 12 volts on the clock. It immediately clicked which I assume is a spring tensioning function. It runs but very weakly. Turning the clock at an angle stops it. I had to move one of the gears to get it running again.

Radio Shack is supposed to have a thermal fuse that should work with this clock, but I'm concerned that the weak spring or whatever may keep it from running continuously. Maybe there's someone that repairs these old clocks, although I hate to spend a small fortune on it.

Thanks everyone for the advice!
--
Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 317,000 miles
Original engine, transmission, drive train, starter
Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

1972 142 S