Need Key

[Diablo]

I don't have a key to access the panel to allow me to put water
in the holding tank. I have a 1974 29ft. with center bathroom. This
panel is located above battery compartment. I hate to drill out the
lock, but may have to do that. Thanks for any information....
Diablo

[overlander64]

Greetings Diablo!

Welcom to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstream ownership!

Have you considered that the lock cylinder may be corroded? That is exactly what I found with my Minuet - - the same key that operated the other external compartment also operated the water fill lock on my '78 Minuet - - only the lock had corroded and seized - - the solution was to soak the lock with penetrating oil (squirted in the key hole) - - after soaking the lock in this manner for 72-hours, it freed up enough that it could be opened. It was then a matter of having the cylinder rplaced. In my case it turned out the the original Thetford fill device had internal cracking and the whole assembly needed to be replaced to correct a leakage problem while filling/traveling.

Good luck with your lock problem!

Kevin

[TomW]

Originally posted by overlander64
Have you considered that the lock cylinder may be corroded? That is exactly what I found with my Minuet - - the same key that operated the other external compartment also operated the water fill lock on my '78 Minuet - - only the lock had corroded and seized - - the solution was to soak the lock with penetrating oil (squirted in the key hole) - - after soaking the lock in this manner for 72-hours, it freed up enough that it could be opened. It was then a matter of having the cylinder rplaced.

I'll "second" what Kevin said. Only I was fortunate enough to be able to reuse the lock once it was freed up.

[Diablo]

Thanks, I'll try oiling it. But the key opening definately looks different than the keys for battery storage and the other compartments.....
Diablo

[thenewkid64]

Quite often the water door was a different key. The lock was supplied with the door and was used at random. I have not had a unit that had the water door be the same as the other compartments. Kevin, you may have had one that a PO got tired of having so many keys.

Your best bet is going to be to either take the trailer to a rally and have a key trying party. Someones may fit, or take it to an Airstream dealer that has been around a while. They always have a box of loose keys. If you know a GOOD locksmith then you could go that route, but I have heard of locksmiths butchering the lock, door and skin trying to get the thing open.

[Tripp]

I had the same exact issue with my 73. I went to my local repair shop (North Dallas RV) and bought one from them for a few bucks. (They had a box full of them) Turns out that they are all the same key!

I had tried to have a locksmith pick it, but he was unsuccessful. I too originally attributed it to the fact that it was seized shut. Not so! Its a double sided key. I put the key in and voila'! Opened right up.

Get in touch with a fellow Airstreamer close to you and try their key first. It'll probably work.


Tripp

[Diablo]

Your are 100% right...It is a double sided key, which is different
from the other key to all the other compartments. I have tried
to find a dealer here in San Antonio, tx. but can't see one...
I'll keep on trying.....
thanks,
diablo

[Tripp]

Diablo,

PM me your address and I'll make a copy of mine and send it to you.

Sould save you a ton of frustration!


Tripp

[bake315]

Diablo,

There is an Airstream dealership out I-10 in Converse, I believe. They were the Airstream dealership on hand during the RV show there last month.

AIRSTREAM OF SAN ANTONIO, LTD
8465 IH-10 East
Converse,*TX*78109
Telephone: 210-277-4354


Cheers,

Dave