Keys missing, '65 Globetrotter

[jakes_mama]

We just purchased our '65 GT yesterday and the PO could not find any keys for the entire trailer. The entry door (unlocked fortunately-but we want to secure it ASAP) deadbolt key is missing as well as all external access/utility doors and panels. Any suggestions on finding a solution?
Thanks much!

[ddstech]

A good locksmith can make you keys. That is your best option aside from replacing all the locks.

[eikel1we]

We had a similar situation with just the door key. What better place but a rally, in our case the Midwest Rally in June (2012 ?), to put the word out for being in need for a key? I believe we found one around the same vintage, 1975, and I think the 2nd "volunteer" key tried was a match. The owner graciously lent us their extra key and we had 3 or 4 duplicates made and mailed their key back. There was no place to have it done there in Leroy, IL on a weekend. Besides that, those very small keys aren't available in a lot of places. Your best bet might be a good locksmith for key cutting.

Good Luck, suz

[jakes_mama]

Great! Thanks, I'll let you know how it worked out. Stay tuned!
Jayne

[65CV]

We found a replacement for our '65 deadbolt at Ace Hardware for less than $25. It was a standard mobile home lock. Don't know if it was original, but the replacement took just a few minutes.

VTS has inexpensive baggage door locks. This thread has a detailed report on a better lock.

[jakes_mama]

This was the very nice and quick response I received from Vintage Trailer Supply. I think it will be easy to remove the lock...has anyone had experience doing that?
Thanks, Jayne

"Hi JL,

Both the lock and the deadbolt on your door are from the Weiser company, which is a major brand of household locks. If you remove the locks from your door and take them to a locksmith, he/she should be able to make a key for you based on the lock. Thank you for your interest in Vintage Trailer Supply.

Kind regards,


Zach Richards
Customer Relationship Manager
Vintage Trailer Supply"

[65CV]

Originally Posted by jakes_mama

This was the very nice and quick response I received from Vintage Trailer Supply. I think it will be easy to remove the lock...has anyone had experience doing that?
Thanks, Jayne

Easy as long as you have access to the back of the lock. Baggage door arm will come off with a phillips screw. There is a large nut that holds the lock in place.

My old deadbolt came off with 2 screws on the inside of the door. It should come apart in 2 halves, with a rod that goes through the deadbolt itself. Those two halves should be all the locksmith needs.

[jakes_mama]

Originally Posted by 65CV

Easy as long as you have access to the back of the lock. Baggage door arm will come off with a phillips screw. There is a large nut that holds the lock in place.

My old deadbolt came off with 2 screws on the inside of the door. It should come apart in 2 halves, with a rod that goes through the deadbolt itself. Those two halves should be all the locksmith needs.

Yes--I see the two screws on the inside of the door. Wonderful! Also, we took apart one baggage lock from the inside so we could open the access door, but I have yet to look at the other panels to see if we could do the same to them. I'll update as we go!
Thanks a ton.
(What an awesome forum--so happy to be here!)
--Jayne

[jakes_mama]

So friends, in my latest '65 GT lock and key adventure, one of the two screws would not loosen, so while she is at the shop having all her systems checked, the repair guy broke that screw off inside the lock. We were able to remove the lock, but my locksmith could not drill out the old screw without stripping the threads. SO! Looks like I will need a new deadbolt lock after all. Anyone know the length of the deadbolt itself? Locksmith says he can order me a new one if he knows how long it is.
Any help is, of course, much appreciated!
--Jayne

[jakes_mama]

Quick update: the RV guys replaced the bolt lock with a new one. No biggie though. Had to call another locksmith when we took her on her maiden voyage 4.3 miles away from home. The key would not pull the dead bolt back far enough. These old parts get jammed sometimes! So he sprayed some lithium lubricant into the innerds of the lock and it now opens smoothly. Aside from the embarrassment of being locked out(!) we had a successful first time voyage. only a small (large) leak under the kitchen sink, probably have to replace the faucet...does not look easy. Cheers!