KT Lock Removal

[Ky76Argosy]

Hey, couldn’t find info detailing KT lock removal process and thought a description is needed. 1976 Argosy 26 had a culprit pull hard on door handle, yep, stuck out like Alfalfa’s ears. So could not fully disengage door lock. Had no idea what I’d find but took lock box out of door to fix. First no need to take off interior door skin. Three (3) screws on door skin side, mine easily removed, another screw into door frame into latch box just above lock bolt. Then take off interior door handle, screw underneath handle. Screw out slide lock handle, which may not be necessary. Now push out from backside. Rear edge first and jiggle out lock bolt from door frame. Pop. Easy like cotton candy, nothing to it. There is an old gasket on back of latch box, and was probably a pre-cut gasket. I used 1/2” narrow foam window gasket but maybe butyl tape or just caulk would work. Reinstalled fast too. After inspecting what was what I fixed sprung door handle by just gently compressing back to proper position. Two (2) small pins go into the handle rod which has a flipper that moves the lock bolt. I am sure there are diagrams and better descriptions. But the pins either bend, or compress on the handle rod, I did not drill out to see. I did tap down once in place but did not see much depression or movement but would not take much to grab the handle rod. I did remove some rust on the lock bolt and a spray of lubricant really smoothed out operation. You may notice a grove rubbed into back side of lock bolt where worn by door frame contact. I thought of sanding down, but decided to merely continue to push on door by latch and hear clink of bolt. All done, I expect to retightened screws as foam compresses. BUT REMEMBER YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE OFF DOOR SKINS.

[TreeMoonGirl]

Originally Posted by Ky76Argosy

Hey, couldn’t find info detailing KT lock removal process and thought a description is needed. 1976 Argosy 26 had a culprit pull hard on door handle, yep, stuck out like Alfalfa’s ears. So could not fully disengage door lock. Had no idea what I’d find but took lock box out of door to fix. First no need to take off interior door skin. Three (3) screws on door skin side, mine easily removed, another screw into door frame into latch box just above lock bolt. Then take off interior door handle, screw underneath handle. Screw out slide lock handle, which may not be necessary. Now push out from backside. Rear edge first and jiggle out lock bolt from door frame. Pop. Easy like cotton candy, nothing to it. There is an old gasket on back of latch box, and was probably a pre-cut gasket. I used 1/2” narrow foam window gasket but maybe butyl tape or just caulk would work. Reinstalled fast too. After inspecting what was what I fixed sprung door handle by just gently compressing back to proper position. Two (2) small pins go into the handle rod which has a flipper that moves the lock bolt. I am sure there are diagrams and better descriptions. But the pins either bend, or compress on the handle rod, I did not drill out to see. I did tap down once in place but did not see much depression or movement but would not take much to grab the handle rod. I did remove some rust on the lock bolt and a spray of lubricant really smoothed out operation. You may notice a grove rubbed into back side of lock bolt where worn by door frame contact. I thought of sanding down, but decided to merely continue to push on door by latch and hear clink of bolt. All done, I expect to retightened screws as foam compresses. BUT REMEMBER YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE OFF DOOR SKINS.

Thank you for sharing this information! I am just going to try to remove my KT lock from my 27' Overlander today. I ordered a generic RV lock that I would have sworn I read somewhere in these forums would work for my trailer, but no dice. Wrong one. I have scoured the internet searching for some kind of replacement to no avail. Right now, I have a deadbolt as the entry lock as the original KT assembly is totally useless as it is. I found a guy who said he could look at it if I can remove it from the trailer and take it to him, so that's my next step. I hope it's something simple that he may be able to fabricate or modify something to make it work or I can order a part that is hopefully no discontinued as most seem to be. Fingers crossed!

[Bubba L]

TMG, you could try contacting Rick Whiten. On Airforums he is montanablue and has parts, locksets and know how. May be worth a try. Good luck

[cole3444]

You should have a interior lock lever and three screws on the interior side of the door and a screw in the end of the lock that screws through the door frame, once they are removed gently pry the left side of the lock in case it has a sealant and pull the lock out and don't let it fall. Let me know if you need any other help. I. do have some parts for these since I rebuild them if you need something

[dbj216]

Hi Tree Moon Girl: KT locks are a whole lot of fun, especially when they lock you out of your trailer in your pajamas.

I changed my 75 Overlander KT lock with a more modern, more robust lever type lock made by Korhee. It took some doing, but I now have a built in dead bolt lock as well as a strong RV type lock set. Here is a photo of the finished project. Look for more detail on my project under the "locks" section of these Forums. Better yet, here is a link if you are interested.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f45...er-223298.html

David

[TreeMoonGirl]

Yes, I got the lock out and seem to have all of those parts. My feeling is it needs a really good cleaning and maybe a couple new parts. I don't think I have the expertise to figure it out although, given more time, I would love to tackle that project. I have a local guy who will take a look at it, if he can't fix it it can't be fixed...given enough time. The question is time!

[TreeMoonGirl]

Oh I wondered why someone recommended the rv lock I ordered, you just fill in the gap left by replacing the KT lock with it. Good to know!

[dhblood]

I'm new to this forum. Trying to remove my Kt Lock but the dead bolt and the latch shaft seem to prevent it from coming out without loosening the interior skin. What am I missing?

[dhblood]

Originally Posted by Ky76Argosy

Hey, couldn’t find info detailing KT lock removal process and thought a description is needed. 1976 Argosy 26 had a culprit pull hard on door handle, yep, stuck out like Alfalfa’s ears. So could not fully disengage door lock. Had no idea what I’d find but took lock box out of door to fix. First no need to take off interior door skin. Three (3) screws on door skin side, mine easily removed, another screw into door frame into latch box just above lock bolt. Then take off interior door handle, screw underneath handle. Screw out slide lock handle, which may not be necessary. Now push out from backside. Rear edge first and jiggle out lock bolt from door frame. Pop. Easy like cotton candy, nothing to it. There is an old gasket on back of latch box, and was probably a pre-cut gasket. I used 1/2” narrow foam window gasket but maybe butyl tape or just caulk would work. Reinstalled fast too. After inspecting what was what I fixed sprung door handle by just gently compressing back to proper position. Two (2) small pins go into the handle rod which has a flipper that moves the lock bolt. I am sure there are diagrams and better descriptions. But the pins either bend, or compress on the handle rod, I did not drill out to see. I did tap down once in place but did not see much depression or movement but would not take much to grab the handle rod. I did remove some rust on the lock bolt and a spray of lubricant really smoothed out operation. You may notice a grove rubbed into back side of lock bolt where worn by door frame contact. I thought of sanding down, but decided to merely continue to push on door by latch and hear clink of bolt. All done, I expect to retightened screws as foam compresses. BUT REMEMBER YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE OFF DOOR SKINS.

What am I missing about the easy removal of the KT lock? I think I'm just deforming the inner skin around the lever shaft trying to "pop" it out of the door. Here's a link to video showing you what I mean: https://youtu.be/W6fBDCc-dVY
Thanks for any help.

[dbj216]

I don't know, but I wonder if you have loosened the two flat head machine screws in the door jam that pull the lock tight. There is the square lock bolt hole cover that guides the two screws.

David

[Ky76Argosy]

1. Small screw to remove inside door handle.
2. Remove Lock screws on inside skin.
3. Screw out lock pin.
4. Remove small long retaining screw in door jam at lock bolt.
Then gently pry back outside edge to break weather seal snd push outward and back a bit hard. Should work.

[dhblood]

Thanks for the replies. I did get it out by deforming the hole that the inside lever shaft goes through. Unavoidable I guess. It did not just "pop" out.
Now the question is. What have people found as the best solvents and or lubricants to clean, then lubricate the lock so that it moves more easily and the key can possibly work again?