Locked out 66 Safari

[CAPT100J]

After a long search my wife and I found a 1966 22' Safari in a field in Maine. This was an estate sale, the owner died and we can't find the keys. So we haven't been inside yet, just peeked thru the windows. It looks great and we paid little for it but it's locked up tight. I haven't called a lock smith yet and would love to kleep the locks original. Any advice? John in Rye, NH

[Inland RV Center, In]

Most of the time locksmiths will destroy an RV lock, because they are not familiar with them.

A new lock, considering you paid little for the trailer, does not cost that much. That original lock is still available.

The old lock can be carefully cut off, so that you can open the door.

After you get into the trailer, check all the exterior gaskets. If they are original, they will all be shot.

74 and older Airstream trailers have axle failure because of the wrong rubber formula used in the rubber rids.

The axle, more than likely, is shot.

You can easily check the axle out within 30 seconds, without taking anything apart.

The following article will teach you how.

Dura Torque Axle

Andy

[centennialman]

Congratulations on the purchase of your 66 Safari. I love mine! I purchased a new lock and installed it myself. Easy to do and works much better than the old one. Andy is right about the gaskets.....check them out and replace them so you don't get any leaking. He carries the material to do the job and his folks are great to work with.

The axle will probably need to be replaced and is well worth the cost. Let me know if you have any questions....I have done quite a bit of work to mine.

[willyd]

Congratulations on the FIND. You will have a great time sprucing up the Airstream.