Spring loaded, Vintage Black Door Latch Question

mello mike · 05-27-2009, 07:01 AM

I've searched the forums on how to assemble and dissemble these spring-loaded, black latches and all I could really find was how to take apart tbese things. My problem is I have two of these latches on the exterior with the bottom piece still intact (one on the rear bumper door and one on the main entry door) and I would like to repair these. I have 4 replacements so I'm good to go.

How do you put these blasted things together? There has to be a trick because my springs either end up flying vast distances or get bent.

mello mike · 05-27-2009, 09:37 PM

Okay, I've solved the mystery. My new latches don't fit together exactly. The base piece requires a little filing for the top piece to fit it properly. If anyone is interested let me know and I'll tell you the details.

Aage · 05-28-2009, 07:19 AM

If by the base piece you mean the metal cover, it fits perfectly together on my new one, but it only goes on one way.

If yours doesn't, try taking it off and rotating it 180 degrees.

mello mike · 05-28-2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

If by the base piece you mean the metal cover, it fits perfectly together on my new one, but it only goes on one way.

If yours doesn't, try taking it off and rotating it 180 degrees.

Aage, you're referring to the new style, metal cover door latch. I was talking about the black plastic, spring loaded latch found in 60s and 70s Airstreams.

Aage · 05-28-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mello mike

Aage, you're referring to the new style, metal cover door latch. I was talking about the black plastic, spring loaded latch found in 60s and 70s Airstreams.

Uh-huh, OK. The one Im talking about is black plastic with a spring and metal cover, and it appears to be OE for my '74. It's used both to fasten the outer door to the body while using the screen only, and a second one to fasten the screen door to the outer door to make them operate as one.

Don't think I've seen the one you're referring to.

mello mike · 05-31-2009, 07:25 AM

Here's a pic of two of these vintage latches I repaired.

Aage, I don't think the latch you're referring to is OEM. I could be wrong, though.

Jim & Susan · 05-31-2009, 07:36 AM

Mike, where did you find the OEM type latch parts? The only replacements I've found are the metal encased type the Aage is referring to.

JIm

**azflycaster** · 05-31-2009, 07:38 AM

This the latch on my 75. I have replaced it once after it froze last year and broke when the door was opened. You can replace the plastic piece and spring and / or the outer shell. The parts are available from several popular locations.

mello mike · 05-31-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

Mike, where did you find the OEM type latch parts? The only replacements I've found are the metal encased type the Aage is referring to.

JIm

Hi Jim,
I bought my latch replacement parts from Oasis RV in Tucson. I also salvaged two complete latches that were part of an old overhead storage tub. These parts are no longer made but you can still find them if you look hard enough.

Some 1970s Airstreamer owners may not know this, but these black, spring loaded latches are found on the inside of each cabinet door. These latches were used on both the inside and outside.

mello mike · 05-31-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

This the latch on my 75. I have replaced it once after it froze last year and broke when the door was opened. You can replace the plastic piece and spring and / or the outer shell. The parts are available from several popular locations.

Hi AZFlycaster, the previous owner bought one of these new door latches, too, but never mounted it. I've got it in hot reserve if I ever need it.

BTW, I noticed in an earlier post of yours that you bought a metal sliding latch to keep your screen door attached to your main door. How is that latching working out and how much was it?

cameront120 · 05-31-2009, 10:02 AM

I've managed to get mine back together without any filing. It's a bit fussy, but they do go together.

mello mike · 05-31-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameront120

I've managed to get mine back together without any filing. It's a bit fussy, but they do go together.

Yeah, when I said that I was referring to the new latches I bought. The old ones go back together with no problem.

**azflycaster** · 05-31-2009, 05:50 PM

I have 2 of those latches/ One to hold the screen door to the main and another to keep the lab from opening the screen door. VTS sells them for around $9.

Aage · 05-31-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

This the latch on my 75. I have replaced it once after it froze last year and broke when the door was opened. You can replace the plastic piece and spring and / or the outer shell. The parts are available from several popular locations.

That's the latch that's on the outside skin of our TT (to hold the metal door open) and is the same as the one I bought to fasten the screen door to the metal door.