replacing door/lock assembly on 1989 excella

[rec]

Hey all! Our door/lock assembly just randomly broke on our '89 excella -- went to open the handle from the outside and it would no longer move the latch in and out (however the inside handle still does). I can't even begin to figure out what's busted, and I'm thinking at this point I prolly just need to replace the whole assembly to be on the safe side (everything's getting old on this rig!)

I found this one http://airstreamsupply.com/New-Airst...fy-door-106480 -- however, it says "must slightly modify door." Looks like the "modification is drilling out a second hole for the deadbolt (our original door/lock assembly has no deadbolt). Is there any other modification that needs done? Has anyone else done this repair on my model/year rig (and is it a relatively easy fix for the non-mechanically-inclined?)

Or is this maybe not the right assembly -- should I be looking for one that exactly matches what we already have? And where would you recommend going to find that? I was thinking maybe http://www.odmrv.com/ or https://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/? Thanks all!

[mayco]

You may want to post a picture of your lockset. If it's the Keeler brand lock then they are no longer available but Vintage Trailer Supply does carry a few parts. https://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/

It's worth taking the existing lock apart to see what's broken and to see if VTS has the part you need. The one you're looking at that requires modification will require some cutting and drilling of your door I believe. You can sometimes find the original Keeler lock on ebay but they sell for lots of money. $250+ IF YOU CAN FIND ONE. It's worth trying to repair your existing IMHO.

[rec]

All excellent suggestions. We did take it apart, but my handyman fiance doesn't actually know what he's looking for in terms of which part broke. He put the assembly back on the door minus the ability to latch (so we don't have a gaping hole, and don't get locked out of our home!) Here are pics inside (for some reason turned sideways), out (also randomly sideways), of the broken bits, and of the parts he removed to make it not latch. Thanks!

[perryg114]

Looks like the tabs have come off the latch plate but other than that the lock looks ok. Do you have a deadbolt as well? That plate can be fixed. A local MIG welder can do it of for a small fee, I can probably fix the latch plate. I made handles for a while when VTS stopped selling them but they have more in stock but your outside handle looks fine. The back of the handle has some little levers on the back side that push against the tabs on the latch plate. Your tabs look to be broken off.



That is what is called a Keeler Brass door lock.




Perry

[mayco]

I bought my new latch plate from VTS a while back. Had the same situation where the tabs had broken off. The new plate works great and is a direct replacement. I would give them a call and see if they have them in stock, not very expensive. Pretty quick and painless repair.

[tbashin]

Here's what you need.
https://www.vintagetrailersupply.com...-p/vts-463.htm

[wimpy]

When this occurred the initial time, I thought the key wasn't unlocking the door. After climbing thru the driver window, I discovered there was no issue with the key & locking mechanism. In order to open, it requires jerking on the handle. What is causing this & is it easily fixable?

I have a 79 Revcon (the MH built by Byam's stepson, John Hall) & it has a nice Kwikset residence door type keyed lock. Anyone done an installation of 1 of these on their Airstream?

[rec]

awesomesauce! i'm placing an order for a new latchbolt today! y'all freaking rock -- thanks!

[perryg114]

That is great that they have the latch plate. I may get one as a spare.



Perry

[rec]

Welp, it turns out this piece is WAAAAAY too big for my existing door mechanism -- so I'm going to have to contact vintage trailer about returning it and (if they don't have a smaller latchplate), just replace the entire door handle. Sigh.

[perryg114]

Show us what the difference is between yours and the VTS plate.



Perry

[rec]

[perryg114]

Yes that looks different. New tabs can be welded on there.



Perry