Visit our Popular Forums

Lou Bartell · 05-04-2005, 08:04 PM

I have a 65' safari in restoration and need an access panel. I have had no luck finding a used one. Any ideas on fabricating one or leads on finding one.
Thanks, Lou

sfixx · 05-04-2005, 08:29 PM

Hi Lou, I fabricated mine but I was lucky because I still had the aluminum extrusion that is the 1/2 of the hinge that attaches to the door. I simply riveted it to a piece of aluminum that I cut out.

Perhaps you don't need the hinge, just something that will grab behind the opening on the edge oposite of your cylinder lock. Perhaps a piece of aluminum "C" channel riveted to the edge of the door would work. I'll draw a quick picture of what I'm thinking:

Best of luck,

Steve

Barkingdogg · 05-08-2005, 08:07 PM

Hi, You might check with Tom at the following link. I believe he said he could make new panels, with locks.
www.griffithrvservice.com

Barkingdogg

joatmon · 05-09-2005, 06:06 AM

InlandRV.com used to list some on their site.

rluhr · 05-09-2005, 08:38 AM

Check with forum member robandzoe -- he has one or two salvaged off other trailers. One might fit your '65.

47WeeWind · 05-09-2005, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lou Bartell

I have a 65' safari in restoration and need an access panel. I have had no luck finding a used one. Any ideas on fabricating one or leads on finding one. Thanks, Lou

Hi Lou:

My 1964 Globe Trotter may, or may not, have access panels similar to your '65 Safari. Mine needed a new 39.5" wide X 14" high panel for the rear service center. I went to a local metal shop and looked in their scrap pile. I found a piece of 1/16" thick aluminum plate and had them cut it to size in their metal brake (shear). The panel width was a tad less than the actual width of the opening, which had inset edges against which the panel door would rest. The panel height was slightly greater than the opening height since my opening has an inset groove along the top into which the panel slips. I added a keyed lock at the center bottom to hold it in place.

The 1/16th" thickness works great. It is thin enough to fit into the groove across the top of the opening yet is thick enough to be stiff and solid when installed. Hope this helps or gives you a similar idea.

AYRSTRM2 · 05-09-2005, 02:32 PM

Inland RV does sell those doors. We had to get one last year, when our batter came loose and popped out the old one. they aren't cheap, and the have slightly different handle configuration than the original, but they work. I suspect they have someone fab them as needed.

robandzoe · 05-09-2005, 04:12 PM

I have the three access panels from a 1968 Overlander. The fridge, and the two under the center twins. I'll have to measure them and let you know what size. $15 each if interested.

Rob