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Old 01-09-2014, 04:16 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
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1976 27' Overlander
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 796
Hmmm.. Upgrade '70s main door lock/ latch to current automotive style?

I've got some serious work to do on my door. The PO must have had an issue with the 70s KT lock because the door skin is all messed up from vandal or damage. They put a terrible patch over it with a home-style door knob.

So I've planned on welding up the holes in the frame re-skinning the door, and then starting from scratch. I bought a new Fastec door latch/ lockset to rebuild with so I have a more universal model that can easily be replaced in the future.

I'm also thinking about the suicide door issue, and whether or not I need to add a second deadbolt, or do something else as a backup safety/ security- both for traveling and for storage. I see many are building the wooden wedge, or there is also the Fiamma lock.

But.... Could I upgrade my door lockset to the current automotive style? I'm fab'ing up alot as it is, would I be better off with the new style if I can? I suppose the door would have to be the same thickness.

Anyone done this or considered it?
Mic
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Old 11-13-2014, 06:04 PM   #2
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1976 27' Overlander
Tampa , Florida
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I posted this question quite some time ago- never heard anything, so maybe I'll try again...

Anyone know if I can upgrade my door lock/latch to the current type?

Thanks!
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Old 11-13-2014, 06:56 PM   #3
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1997 25' Safari
1973 25' Tradewind
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Yes, Inland RV has a lock which requires some work but I believe will replace the KT lock. Check there website.
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Old 11-13-2014, 07:26 PM   #4
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1976 27' Overlander
Tampa , Florida
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Yeah- thanks- I've seen that.... Although my door is apart and I'm planning to re-skin.

So, my original plan is to use that same Fastec door lock with deadbolt, re-skinned so I dont need the patch. However, before I start, I've been thinking that since I'm building from scratch, can I install a modern AS latch & catch. I think they are like a car door, where there are 2 catch bolts on the door jam, instead of the traditional striker plate....

Not sure if I'm right, so looking for more input. If I could convert to the 2 bolt latch/ catch, my thoughts are more secure, and less prone to the suicide door issue.
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Old 02-28-2015, 07:03 AM   #5
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1980 20' Caravelle
Ogden , Utah
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Automotive lock.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mixter View Post
Yeah- thanks- I've seen that.... Although my door is apart and I'm planning to re-skin.

So, my original plan is to use that same Fastec door lock with deadbolt, re-skinned so I dont need the patch. However, before I start, I've been thinking that since I'm building from scratch, can I install a modern AS latch & catch. I think they are like a car door, where there are 2 catch bolts on the door jam, instead of the traditional striker plate....

Not sure if I'm right, so looking for more input. If I could convert to the 2 bolt latch/ catch, my thoughts are more secure, and less prone to the suicide door issue.
Hi Mister
Let me know if you figure this out. I think this is a good idea, but I wouldn't know where to start to put an automotive lock on an Airstream..
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Old 02-28-2015, 09:28 AM   #6
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1976 27' Overlander
Tampa , Florida
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Have not yet gotten to this part of my project, but I'm getting closer. I am surprised, though, that no one has responded.

I was checking out the door latch on the new Airstreams at the last RV show, and snapped these pics.

Seems to me that the new style is a superior design and not that difficult of an install. A couple of attempts of web search for modern AS door latches did not turn up any results.

I'm guessing this might be something that needs to be ordered direct from AS or from a dealer. No idea if the assembly will physically fit in the door, but I really cant see why not.

I wish someone could provide some input Anyone???
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Old 02-28-2015, 10:24 AM   #7
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1978 31' Sovereign
Hot Springs , Arkansas
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Vintage Trailer Supply has the parts you need to get it back to stock, if that is what you want to do. My 78 Sovereign required some fabrication with the new donor parts, but it works beautifully. The door shuts like a bank vault now. I was told by several people to give up and get the retrofit kit.
If you want to return it to original, it can be done easily. Skin excepted.
VTS has some NOS key cylinders with 2 keys also. Apparently there were changes to the dimensions of the door latch handle in 78, and the new casting is bigger.
See the attached, I had to carefully measure and cut, weld and grind to make it work. I also had to remove a small amount of metal from the bolt face. The replacement casting is a VERY nice piece, it just was too big. Probably for a MH, or prior to 78 models.
Clayton
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