I think Airstream has been using the same latch for many years, although maybe not as far back as 1986. The one I have just replaced is plastic part that has a propensity to break in the middle. I got one from Airstream for about $18—it comes with all the parts and, interestingly, there's a sheet of paper inside that says it's not for Airstreams. The part that holds the latch in place has four rivets—they have to be drilled out. I replaced two with short machine screws and double nutted them and two with rivets.
I understand Inland RV sells the latch alone for around $7. I found that out after I ordered the entire assembly from Airstream. A local RV store sells the assembly for around $22.
No photos, sorry.
Gene
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