Re-installing the door lock "post" on a '04 Safari

[DJW]

Hello all, new to this forum and YIPPEE!!!, bought our first A/S today!! It's an '04 25 ft. Safari LS in seemingly near new condition.

The only thing wrong (so far, and I understand there will be plenty more) I discovered so far is the really stout "bolt/post" that the main door latch/lock engages- is not there. I found the "bolt" portion but wonder how to get to the inside of the door frame to attach the "nut" part. I assume it has fallen down inside the door frame.

I hope this makes sense, if not I will try to post a picture (the trailer isn't home yet...)

Thanks in advance,

Don

[DanielB]

Is it bolt/post or bolt/nut? Need some pictures..

[DJW]

I'll take a pic when I go over on Friday. It is approximately 1.5 inches, with a smooth round end (that the door latches to) and a threaded extension that goes through the door frame, where it would be attached by the "nut". Probably with a washer to distribute the force.

[barrynheath]

restoring a 76' sovreign I just purchased, where can i get a key to the door and storage compartment doors.

[Jim Foster]

In autos, the nut is captured in a cage on the inside of the door jamb, and the hole where the post enters is large enough to allow for some adjustment in all directions. Replacement "posts" that screw into that nut are available at most auto supply stores. However, they are different from one another so you must know which one you need.

Don't know just how Airstream does it. Don't know if that nut is in a cage or not. Hope that it is.

[Minno]

Out of Doors Mart sells keys for your storage compartments (and water fill if you need it). It fit our "72. Door keys I'm not so sure about... We had a door knob and replaced the whole kit and kaboodle with a vintage style lock - not cheap! Keys are cheaper!

Kay

[DJW]

Turns out what I am talking about is called the dead bolt. In the upper left corner of this document- http://service.airstream.com/files/l...4b46cf0487.pdf

is a picture (circled in red) of exactly the part I need to re-attach.

Don

[Minno]

You'll need to open the wall on the inside of the trailer to gain access to the backside of the frame to reattach the door bolt.

Basically, I'm bumping this thread to see if someone with a newer AS can provide you help on how to get the inside skin opened up enough on your '04.

Chris

[DJW]

Turns out the "strike post plate" had slipped down a few inches. The sad thing is, when trying to fish it out, it slid the rest of the way and I heard it hit bottom. It's too complicated to open the wall- I'm going to fabricate a new plate and slip it through the hole I'll have after I remove the dead bolt receiver pocket in the door. Bummer....

Don

[DJW]

Finished! Drilled the 4 rivets holding the strike pocket for the dead bolt, and dropped a strong thin magnet on a string down the hole. Pulled the plate with the nut right up, and wiggled it into position. All back together and works great! Phew!!

[Minno]

Cool! Good endings are always nice to hear about.