UGH...previous owners and a locked door!

[aircooled4]

It looks like the PO didnt have a key, so they pryed the exterior door open...any suggestions on best thing to do with the metal missing? I was thinking about squaring the break and getting a small new piece welded in place...thoughts??

[FLYNCLD]

I think you are on the right track. Make sure the aluminum you use is strong enough to be welded, and I would recommend cutting the square out back a good ways from the break so that the welds are not to close to the lock. You can then grind off the welds so the door will close properly. You are going to have to be careful not to catch anything on fire! In addition to removing all the plastic parts, you may want to open up the interior skin and pull back any insulation that is close to the welds. An HVAC or auto bodyshop may be able to help you.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by aircooled4

It looks like the PO didnt have a key, so they pryed the exterior door open...any suggestions on best thing to do with the metal missing? I was thinking about squaring the break and getting a small new piece welded in place...thoughts??

That break usually happens when the door is slammed, when the lock is in the locked position.

We have the nylon striker pockets.

The cast frame can be welded, but make sure the exterior metal is partly pulled away during that process, so that it isn't burned.

Andy

[94Tri]

If you were in Kentucky, I would be glad to weld it for you. I would suggest you look for someone who is capable of TIG welding the frame for you. If you find the right person, it could be done without damaging the surrounding material, insulation, etc. One suggestion is to look for a nearby vocational school and try to find a competent welding instructor who may be able to fix it for you.

[Aerowood]

I had my 71 Globetrotter cast door frame tig welded up. A word of caution: The alloy used is quite poor and dirty. Be sure to hire a very experienced welder as someone with less talent could muck it up pretty fast. Heed Andys advice on pulling a few rivets from the exterior skin around the weld area so as to not loose the temper of the 2024-T3, which will cause a bulge if overheated.

[Mikethefixit]

Sorry That's a shame.If ya had pm'd Andy and then called him on the phone he would have told ya how to get in wiff out tearin it up. OH WELL.