Help! Can't open my door.

[groundhogy]

1991 Excella 29'


The front door latch suddenly went limp. The inside handle just flops around as if it's not connected to anything.


I am starting to think the bolt has disconnected from that sheet metal piece inside with the two fingers that the outside latch pulls on? If you go outside and lift your latch, you can see the two fingers. They also just slide back and fourth as if they aren't attached to the bolt anymore.


QUESTION: There is a small hole on the inside door frame, just where the door bolt would be. Just opposite the inside door handle. Is this hole a way for me to stick a screw driver in and manually pull the door bolt back?


Any other help appreciated.


I can remove the door hinges, but I saw a video and now realize that there are nuts behind the hinge screws. So I would have to remove inside skin to re-attach the door so I can get pliers onto the nuts and hold them still.


HELP


thanks
groundhogy

[groundhogy]

Ok, its solved.


Yes, that little pilot hole is so you can get a flat head screw driver in there. You put it up against the bolt and keep applying pressure and turning back and fourth and the bolt comes out of the hole and the front door pops open. You may have to spray lube in there so the bolt moves easier.


Do not go after the door hinges as there are what looks like nyloc nuts on the hinge screws. You will have to remove inner skin to re-tighten the hinge screws.

[groundhogy]

And yes, the bolt had broken loose from the sheet metal piece with the two fingers.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by groundhogy

And yes, the bolt had broken loose from the sheet metal piece with the two fingers.

Glad you have a happy ending to this story.

If your latch assembly is the same as current models (I have no idea if it is or not), there is a lengthy thread about this problem here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...rt-190553.html

Reading the entire thread should be really helpful.

[sheriff1]

Originally Posted by RFP

Glad you have a happy ending to this story.



If your latch assembly is the same as current models (I have no idea if it is or not), there is a lengthy thread about this problem here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...rt-190553.html



Reading the entire thread should be really helpful.

Everybody loves a happy ending!

[groundhogy]

Yes on the happy ending. i seem to get so many unhappy ones. lol.


I have repaired this latch before by welding. I will attempt to take it to the welder again as I have read some posts on people putting in new latches in old airstreams...
They dont really fit the hole and they just looked a mess to me.


Previous welds are holding up. So I will just get it welded again if I can.


gh

[wkerfoot]

GH,


Is this the part you need? https://www.vintagetrailersupply.com...-p/vts-463.htm


Bill Kerfoot

[groundhogy]

Wow, thankyou Bill.
That looks like the part.

Think I shall order that.
gh

[AIR-Quarius]

Makes me think about the door handle in my ford pick up. It brioke off some time ago on the inside and now I have to reach over outside to open it, Otherwise the lock on my airstream works good.