Overhead Storage Bin

[68LANDYACHT]

I am seeking some help concerning the latches for the overhead storage bin above the rear double bed in my 68 Ambassador. Both of the latches, one at each end of the bin, are present, however, there is nothing for them to grip onto. I have no idea what exactly is missing. It appears that it would unlatch by pushing on both of the latches at the same time. Right now it just hangs. Any help from someone that has an intact overhead bin? I need some idea as to what I am missing. Thanks.

[TomW]

You probably have the same arrangement I do. Since YOU asked, can you provide a picture? If not, then let me know & I will trek out into our cold AL winter and snap a shot before my camera freezes...

Tom

[68LANDYACHT]

Thanks for your response. I'll shoot some tonight and attempt a post tomorrow.

[till]

YEA another Ambassador !!!
If your lockers are like Tom and I's then there is a small metal tab that is attached by scews. I can try to get a couple of shots too. We are close to freezing here (Heat wave).

[flamingo-kid1]

Originally Posted by till

YEA another Ambassador !!!
If your lockers are like Tom and I's then there is a small metal tab that is attached by scews. I can try to get a couple of shots too. We are close to freezing here (Heat wave).

I need two of those metal tabs.

But if I got her fixed, I woudln't hear that comforting little noise she makes when her overhead door "thumps" when Gary tromps around at night :-)

It's actually kind of NICE.

I use a piece of hidden duct tape while moving, and only keep linens and unbreakables in that overhead.

[68LANDYACHT]

Thanks again for responding. I'll download a picture or two when I get to the office. The problem when mine goes "thump" is that the thump is when it drops and wacks one of my thermostats, knocking the cover off.....again.

[68LANDYACHT]

Here's a pic of one of the two latches, one on each end of the bin. They latch onto something, but I can't visualize what it could possibly be.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by 68LANDYACHT

Here's a pic of one of the two latches, one on each end of the bin. They latch onto something, but I can't visualize what it could possibly be.

Sounds like you are referring to the (pardon my technical term) the holder uppers. I thought you were referring to the latch parts.

Anyway, here are a couple of fresh pics from my '67 Overlander. Hope it helps!

Tom

[05ModPod]

Those little metal thingies are easy to make in your shop - but.....them there little plastic catches - are real expensive (for what they are) but that comes with vintage parts and a corner on the market - only place we found them was guess who - Our Pal Inland RV - sometimes you just got to break down and pull out the pocket book. If you are going "purist" method. But if you want to sub in some nice marine hardware - you can get nice brass items that cost less than one of those plastic items ouch and if you need to replace them all you might want to conside removing the cupboards just kidding.

We needed two and we appreciated that someone in North America actually stocks and supplies them.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by GT6921

....them there little plastic catches - are real expensive (for what they are) but that comes with vintage parts and a corner on the market ... sometimes you just got to break down and pull out the pocket book...

Not that I want you to feel bad or anything , but my Overlander's PO left a bag of those catches in one of the bins. He purchased them new at an Airstream dealership around the mid seventies for 69 cents a piece.

And no, I'm not re-selling them.

Tom

[05ModPod]

Originally Posted by TomW

Not that I want you to feel bad or anything , but my Overlander's PO left a bag of those catches in one of the bins. He purchased them new at an Airstream dealership around the mid seventies for 69 cents a piece.

And no, I'm not re-selling them.

Tom

Are you NUTZ!!! That little bag could exceed your entire retirement fund in one sitting

Which cupboard did ya say they were in.......

[till]

Well Tom showed you what I have. But for the life of me I can not picture what the whole latch looks like ether. Heck I can not visulize the rest of the cabnet ether.....

[68LANDYACHT]

Well folks I appreciate the efforts, but, it is not the overhead bins. Hardware on them is fine. It is the bin that attached underneath the overhead bins. An aircraft style storage compartment

[TomW]

Originally Posted by 68LANDYACHT

...It is the bin that attached underneath the overhead bins. An aircraft style storage compartment

I kind of suspected I would not be able to help when you mentioned your thermostat was getting wacked - that can't happen in my setup. I also noticed two different types of wood in the picture you posted. The partition appeared to be real wood, and the troublesome bin appeared to be made of "genuine plastic veneer" wood.

I wonder if the PO added your aircraft style storage compartment?

Tom

[Stefrobrts]

I think 71Safari had those in his trailer, I saw them at the rally in November when I got the tour. I'd never seen anything like them. Maybe he could take a picture. The hardware might be the same.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

I think 71Safari had those in his trailer...

Yes, I see how those bins might abuse the thermostat. Here is a picture from 71_safari's gallery (notice the underscore?)

You may want to PM him if he does not catch this post

Tom

[thenewkid64]

Them there bins are called "blanket lockers"

They were an option in the 70s for over the gaucho bedding storage. If you can find someone with a service manual you should be able to get the part number so you can order the part. I do not know if Inland RV has the hardware for these latches. It is entirely possible that a dealer can still order them IF you have a part number of can point to it in the service manual.

Good luck! Ain't Vintage fun?!