'69 door lock

[goransons]

so our trailer has a hasp on the door with a padlock installed by the po but we'd like to be able to do better than that. I know I need to order from Inland RV the new L-100 which is fine, but I don't understand how you would lock the trailer from the inside at night. There are several different strike plates on the inside jamb of the frame, and have seen pictures of a slidebolt on the screen on some of the other threads on 69 locks but also seen the roller catch for holding the screen shut. Does anyone have a description and/or photo of what the inside of the door w/screen door is supposed to look like and how to lock/unlock from the inside.

thanks!

[overlander63]

I don't have an answer for you (gasp!), but your thread was about to drop off the portal page. Maybe somebody later today can answer for you.

[Melody Ranch]

The lock has an over center type lock mechanism on the inside. You just raise the lever handle to an up position, rotate upward, you will feel/hear a click/clunk as it activates the locking mechanism. This is something to WATCH OUT for though. This lock will be activated even with the door open. So as someone goes outside and accidently "trips" the lever to the up position and the door is shut......Guess who's locked outside? So part of this explaination has the further recommendation to always have a spare key outside , and available, the Airstream.

Next ....I suggest you have a dead bolt installed below the factory lock. Not only can you use it as a security lock, but also as an on the road door latch to prevent the all too common door popping open on the road incident. It replaces the wood jam lock many of have used for years. I have pictures but can't post 'em here anymore.

[goransons]

well ours just has a knob inside and out, and no means of it lifting or whatnot. The lock on it is toast according to our locksmith, as he was able to make a key, but unsuccessful in getting the lock cylinder to engage the door mechanism.

Here are inside and out pictures. I'm not sure what the other holes are for, or just bad attempts from the previous owner and different screen and door latches.

thanks!

[sequoiacoast]

Well, my door handle looks just like yours. To lock from the inside you close the door and turn the knob left. You'll feel and hear a little click.

I had to have a new key made for my lock and it doesn't work all that great. The key has to be inserted just right for it to work. I read recently on another thread that it may be possible to get a new original key for these doors. Someone said through the Airstream store.?

The holes on the inside of your door, I think, are one missing rivet (closest to door jam) and a snap (bottom right) that would have a strap to connect the screen door to the main door. Mine is missing as well and currently I just have a loop of elastic for this purpose.

I hope this helps.

[goransons]

well I did try turning it to the left and by golly it does lock the door, but still no way of getting a key to work so far. Do any supplies make replacement lock cylinders for these handles? I'd rather invest the $150 on something else!

Also wondering, as I see many places have the L-100 in their catalogs for 39.95 versus the much bigger price tag for the one with the custom longer latch. Can I use the lock/knobs from the new L-100 with my existing latch parts?

After reading about the problems with the cast door frames breaking after having holes drilled I'm nervous about adding a deadbolt, though they seem very practical.

[vswingfield]

The only difference is the length of the bolt for the Airstream version. I have replace, and disassembled (autopsied) 2 for my Trade Wind over the years.

Vaughan

[Melody Ranch]

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f453...9-a-28390.html

may save you some bucks.

I'd send pics today but the 69 Caravel now lives in California. Its the one with the lever lock. My 66 is like those discussed above. Basically the same ops...just a lever inside instead of a knob.

[stagecoachbill]

For that key that has to be in the just right position try hitting it with a buffing wheel to round off the sharp edges a bit, it helped mine.

[Towster]

Our 69 Globe has the same lock. The empty holes are for the sliding bolt that keeps the screen door attached to the main door when not in use. We also have a slider on the screen door which keeps the entire door set "bolted" from the inside. See photos. Between the knob which locks when turning it to the right, and the sliding bolts, we feel fairly safe when inside the trailer.

Virginia


Screen Door detached.


Screen Door locked in place. The sliding bolt (with string attached) moves over the frame when the door is closed making it pretty impossible to open the door.

[goransons]

thanks, that helps a lot. I looked over the repair but the lock itself is toast on mine, so I'll need to order a new one and swap parts over. The pictures were very helpful, explains a lot. thanks!