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bkahler · 01-11-2009, 03:08 PM

When we got our 74 Argosy Motorhome it included a huge keyring with probably 20 keys. Unfortunately only one of the keys fits the exterior compartment locks and it only opens one of the locks out of about 8.

Any recommended procedure for removing the old locks? I've never drilled a lock out before but that seems to be the only method I can think of to get access to these compartments.

Thanks!

Brad

silverleeper · 01-11-2009, 03:20 PM

A good locksmith can make a key for the lock. Not sure of the cost difference between a locksmith and buying and replacing the locks.

bkahler · 01-11-2009, 03:27 PM

I really would prefer not to use any of the old locks as they are corroded and rusty. The locks smith would probably be cheaper but I if I use a lock smith I still have to deal with the ugly lock assemblies.

silverleeper · 01-11-2009, 03:38 PM

I don't know much about Argosys but, most of the lock assembly's I've seen in compartment doors are just cam or leaver type cabinet locks. Like this. Am I close.

bkahler · 01-11-2009, 03:49 PM

Lee, you're right they are all just the lever type of lock as used on Airstream trailers and Motorhomes.

silverleeper · 01-11-2009, 03:59 PM

If your lucky the lock will be exposed and you will be able to remove the nut holding onto it. If your not so lucky you will need to drill enough rivets to pull the old lock out and put a new one in. Make sure you measure the lock they come in different lengths. Search around you should be able to find sets that are keyed alike so you don't have a bunch of keys to keep track of.

345bill · 01-11-2009, 04:00 PM

Brad- I was able to open two of mine with a old, old worn out chevy trunk key and alot of wigglin. Once open the locks were easily replaced, on mine the nuts were exposed.

Mikethefixit · 01-11-2009, 06:26 PM

If ya take it to the locksmith, he will use a lock pic gun to open all the locks and U then can take them apart with out damaging the skin. Sorry in not closer I'd open them for ya.

bkahler · 01-11-2009, 07:43 PM

Unfortunately a locksmith is out of the question. The Motorhome is a ways out in the country and is not drivable (yet). Since I plan on replacing the locks anyway it just seems easier to do whatever it takes to remove the locks.

I need to get some of the compartments open now which is why I was wondering about drilling out the locks. None of the locks that I really need to remove are exposed on the back side to where I could access the nuts on the locking ears. In order to remove the gas tank I have to open one of the access covers which hides the fuel tank.

Bill, I've tried using all of the keys that seem to slide into the locks along with lots of WD40 and other fluids with no success. On the keyring there were two keys that were broken off which makes me wonder if those were the keys I really needed

. I've also tried all the keys from our 310 Motorhome with no success.

Brad

Inland RV Center, In · 01-11-2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

Unfortunately a locksmith is out of the question. The Motorhome is a ways out in the country and is not drivable (yet). Since I plan on replacing the locks anyway it just seems easier to do whatever it takes to remove the locks.

I need to get some of the compartments open now which is why I was wondering about drilling out the locks. None of the locks that I really need to remove are exposed on the back side to where I could access the nuts on the locking ears. In order to remove the gas tank I have to open one of the access covers which hides the fuel tank.

Bill, I've tried using all of the keys that seem to slide into the locks along with lots of WD40 and other fluids with no success. On the keyring there were two keys that were broken off which makes me wonder if those were the keys I really needed

. I've also tried all the keys from our 310 Motorhome with no success.

Brad

Brad.

Please post a photo of one of the locks.

We may be able to help you from there, since we have some special keys.

Andy

bkahler · 01-11-2009, 08:05 PM

Here are two of the locks in question.

Click image for larger version

Name: argosy-locks.JPG
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ID: 73683

Brad

silverleeper · 01-12-2009, 10:50 AM

Hi Brad, I hope Andy can come up with some sort of key. If not, you will need a good drill and several sharp high speed bits. Start small and centered in the lock and you might be able to drill out the screw holding onto the lock bar. You will have to drill through the lock. You may have to increase the bit size as you go. If nothing else you will eventually remove enough of the lock for it to fail. Be careful not to drill anything on the other side. Good luck!

dreadydreame · 01-12-2009, 11:27 AM

we had to drill out one of the locks on our trailer, we just used a large bit, no bigger than the hole and went at it, it took a little while, but eventually got through and it came out easy. just be careful not to hit the skin on the sides. A new lock for ours was only a few dollars.

VIKING · 01-12-2009, 09:48 PM

These locks are not strong at all. I have opened them by running a screw into the keyhole and pulling on the screw with a pair of pliers to bend the locking lever and open the door. It's not hard at all. If you plan on replacing them anyway, you don't need to spend the time drilling them out. This is much faster and easier.
Good luck, Rich

bkahler · 01-12-2009, 10:15 PM

Rich, I think I'll try your method first and if that doesn't hack it I'll try dreadydreame's (interesting user name!) method of drilling out the locks.

Thanks!

Brad

Inland RV Center, In · 01-13-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

Rich, I think I'll try your method first and if that doesn't hack it I'll try dreadydreame's (interesting user name!) method of drilling out the locks.

Thanks!

Brad

We can loan you a key for the rectangular locks.

That key will work, unless the locks were recoded.

Andy

Airhog1 · 01-13-2009, 07:56 AM

Brad,

Although I really hope you get into those locks taken care of...I am really excited to find out the treasure that might be inside the compartments...maybe it was a place the PO hid his millions $$$$$$$$! Maybe his gold and sliver!!!! Maybe his fine jewels!!!!

Or?????? Maybe his old sewer hose...hehe!

Please let us know what you find!

Tell Susan Hello!

G

eubank · 01-13-2009, 08:23 AM

You know, those locks are pretty generic. We used to keep a pile of lost keys around here. When people lost keys and couldn't unlock their compartments, we'd pull out the pile and go through. Inevitably, one or another of the keys in the pile would unlock the locks.

Lynn

bkahler · 01-14-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

We can loan you a key for the rectangular locks.

That key will work, unless the locks were recoded.

Andy

Andy, PM has been sent.

Thanks!

Brad

bkahler · 01-14-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airhog1

Brad,

Although I really hope you get into those locks taken care of...I am really excited to find out the treasure that might be inside the compartments...maybe it was a place the PO hid his millions $$$$$$$$! Maybe his gold and sliver!!!! Maybe his fine jewels!!!!

Or?????? Maybe his old sewer hose...hehe!

Please let us know what you find!

Tell Susan Hello!

G

Gene, just so you can be in on the discovery I will gladly mail anything of interest that I find in those compartments to you in a hermetically sealed package......

.

Brad