How to remove LOCKED rear hatch T-handle

[seismicfish]

Ok, so my wife and I recently bought a '69 Tradewind. At the time, the rear hatch lock to the battery compartment wouldn't open and just figured I would work on it when I got it home. I have been playing with it for several weeks. The key slides in easily and does not seem to be seized. Tried WD40 and nothing seems to open the *^#$ thing. Does anyone know how to get it open? It is a T-handle lock that looks like a truck topper lock/latch.

1. Does anyone know how to get it off? If I can somehow remove the two screws that are behind the stupid handle, will that get it off?

2. If I do manage to remove it, can I just buy a truck topper t handle to replace it?

HELP! I need to be able to take it on the road in two weeks and need to be able to open that hatch.

Thanks!

[eljay]

We had similar. Husband says: There are three mechanisms/bars that hold this thing in place. One left, one right and one on bottom. He used a lifting and wiggling movement to clear the one on the bottom which seemed to be the culprit in the thing not opening.

I am not as patient as he is.

[68 TWind]

The handle pivots two bars attached to it that engage slots on the frame on either side of the trailer and one in the lower frame when the handle is turned. There is no way to force anything without damage. I'd call a lock smith, or maybe watch some youtube's on lock picking. Once you get it open you can replace the handle. Vintage Trailer Supply has the handle and a replacement locking cam system in you need both. (Baggage)

I would get all the other compartments keyed the same so you only have to keep a door key and a compartment key on your key ring. Any good locksmith can do that for a small charge in addition to whatever he charges to open the compartment. Probably be money well spent.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by seismicfish

Ok, so my wife and I recently bought a '69 Tradewind. At the time, the rear hatch lock to the battery compartment wouldn't open and just figured I would work on it when I got it home. I have been playing with it for several weeks. The key slides in easily and does not seem to be seized. Tried WD40 and nothing seems to open the *^#$ thing. Does anyone know how to get it open? It is a T-handle lock that looks like a truck topper lock/latch.

1. Does anyone know how to get it off? If I can somehow remove the two screws that are behind the stupid handle, will that get it off?

2. If I do manage to remove it, can I just buy a truck topper t handle to replace it?

HELP! I need to be able to take it on the road in two weeks and need to be able to open that hatch.

Thanks!

Removing the screws will allow you to turn the handle, which will release the door.

Andy