Door not locking

[Mattjmusic]

We recently bought a 67 overlander all original (as of yesterday)we have all the plumbing replaceded and everything works but we are worried about the door not locking or completely closing with out ramming it with all your weight any suggestions on what I can do to get it working better , we are just concerned it might come flying open while on the highway

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Mattjmusic

We recently bought a 67 overlander all original (as of yesterday)we have all the plumbing replaceded and everything works but we are worried about the door not locking or completely closing with out ramming it with all your weight any suggestions on what I can do to get it working better , we are just concerned it might come flying open while on the highway

Try lubing it with plain ordinary "silicone spray" and see what happens.

Andy

[dwightdi]

If you need to force it to get the door to shut, the door has been bent or out of adjustment. There is a video, produced by Airstream service manager, on You Tube that shows how to properly adjust it. I find that a light white grease, like Lubraplate, does the best for the lock cross bolt. Silicone is good for spraying into the key slot for the small pins in it.

[Belegedhel]

I am unclear as to whether the problem is a sticky latching mechanism, or a door that doesn't fit into the frame properly. If you activate the latch (as if you were trying to open the door) and push the door closed, does it easily close completely, or is the ramming you describe the force that is required to get the striker lined up with the striker pocket?

If the door/hinges have been bent, and you are having to overcome a problem with the resultant mis-alignment, you may have to reshape your door to get it to work properly. Also check to ensure that you don't have a bent screen door that is getting in the way of your door closing completely.

[noreen&sal]

If the trailer is not leveled correctly, ie uneven bal jacks, it can cause a problem with the door. Sal

[Mattjmusic]

Originally Posted by Belegedhel

I am unclear as to whether the problem is a sticky latching mechanism, or a door that doesn't fit into the frame properly. If you activate the latch (as if you were trying to open the door) and push the door closed, does it easily close completely, or is the ramming you describe the force that is required to get the striker lined up with the striker pocket?

If the door/hinges have been bent, and you are having to overcome a problem with the resultant mis-alignment, you may have to reshape your door to get it to work properly. Also check to ensure that you don't have a bent screen door that is getting in the way of your door closing completely.

I have been playing with it and the outer door handle doesn't move the bolt at all and the lock is just completely not working no matter how I turn it

[Melody Ranch]

Those locks are famous for that. The lock pulls out easily, so take it out, clean it, lube it and try again. While its out look it over for wear and damage. North Dallas RV has spare parts if you need them. Another thing....this year and type of door are famous for flying open. I suggest you make, and use, one of the door brace/safety locks .....described and photos here in the Forums.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Mattjmusic

I have been playing with it and the outer door handle doesn't move the bolt at all and the lock is just completely not working no matter how I turn it

In time, many parts, simply just wear out.

Very few last forever.

The bigger problem is that lock is no longer made and you would have to upgrade to a current type replacement.

45 years indeed, is a long long time for many things.

Andy

[alumascoupe]

Just curios how you open the door after you slam it, if the outer handle doesn't work ? Leave a window open !!
If you choose to remove your lock, do it over a large box or some surface other than grass, gravel, or shag carpet ! There are small springs and what not that can easily be lost should the lock be loose or damaged and you don't want to loose parts for this lock !

[Carrara68]

I just encountered this sort of issure with my 67. I took the whole lock off and took it apart and couldn't get it to work any better than before I removed it in the first place.

I took the whole lock to an old school locksmith and in 15 minutes (he said) although I left it with him and said "good luck". He repaired it to its original glory. I didn't even ask what or how he did it, didn't care.

Always go to an expert in the field if possible, he charged me $10. I tipped him $20.

It is a special lock in that you should be able to turn the lock both directions from the exterior to open the door, but only clockwise on the interior to open. Counterclockwise locks the door from the inside and makes entry from exterior impossible unless you have a key.

As an aside, this in the same locksmith who was able to make a key for it with dissassembling the lock at all, amazing.

[247stream]

thanks for the info carrara68. I just love it when I can find old knowledgeable artisans...there are too many skills and way too much information falling off the face of the earth as these old craftsman leave us.

[Quince]

HEY Carrara68, I could use the name of that locksmith, have a 68 that's lock is pretty sticky, and I'm here in Eugene...

Originally Posted by Carrara68

I just encountered this sort of issure with my 67. I took the whole lock off and took it apart and couldn't get it to work any better than before I removed it in the first place.

I took the whole lock to an old school locksmith and in 15 minutes (he said) although I left it with him and said "good luck". He repaired it to its original glory. I didn't even ask what or how he did it, didn't care.

Always go to an expert in the field if possible, he charged me $10. I tipped him $20.

It is a special lock in that you should be able to turn the lock both directions from the exterior to open the door, but only clockwise on the interior to open. Counterclockwise locks the door from the inside and makes entry from exterior impossible unless you have a key.

As an aside, this in the same locksmith who was able to make a key for it with dissassembling the lock at all, amazing.

[Quince]

Sorry bout that huge quote... I'm a noob here...

[Carrara68]

Heymans lock on 14th in Springfield. Both boys in there are sons of the owner, they are verymmechanical. They also had a couple of rebuild kits for Airstream locks. Selling on ebay for $150, they sell them for $40. Good luck