60's Bowen Water heater question

[TheProfessor]

Hello gang!
I have a question about my 1966 Bowen water heater. Happily, it works great! I have no question about operation, but rather exterior sheet metal. It complete and intact, but the little wing nut spring loaded fasteners on the removable panel are-- well one is completely gone. Both the fixture behind, on the body, and the spring loaded wing-nut part on the removable panel, are gone!

Here's the question-
What are folks replacing this important fastener with? Has anybody ever found a source for them? Any suggestions would be helpful!

Thanks in Advance!
Alex 8728

[azflycaster]

Are these what you are looking for?
RV Parts, RV, Mobile Homes, Mobile Home Parts : RV Water Heaters and Parts : RV Water Heater Camloc Steel - (2 Per Pack)

[rideair]

Alex,

Glad to see another Virginian. I'm out in the Front Royal, VA area, also have a 66 Safari, a 66 Overlander, 66 Globetrotter and 70 Safari Special. I know the latches your talking about, they are not like the ones on the newer HW heaters. More of a "push and turn" latch. I'll do some digging and see what turns up. If you can, PM me. Since you're so close, like to hook up.

[TheProfessor]

Hi thanks for your response-

yeah the new camlocks are not the correct thing. They are sort of like the "Zuce" (sp?) latches seen in elcetronics of yesteryear, but they are not really those either. They seem very extinct. Thanks for your interest in helping tho-
Say where in the world do you store so many coaches in Virginia? I can't even park mine in my own neighborhood in Centreville. As a former midwesterner such crowding is making me nutz.

Alex 8728

[goransons]

are we talking the little flat head screw with the spiral slot in the back? We're gonna be replacing our bowen here in a week or so and planned on reusing the door if possible, but I know we'll use a different lock. Let me know.

-Scott

[rideair]

Alex,

I have about 3 1/2 acres out here in Front Royal, which is west of you about 45-50 miles. Work down your way all the time, have a sister that lives off Rt 29&28 there in your town. I remember when Rt 28 & Rt29 were both two lane roads and the backup into DC started at the beltway. I'll work down there, but "NEVER" live down in NOVA. Been running the that road for 25years, if I only had a dollar for every mile

[63air]

What you need is called a camloc fastener, I replaced them on my Bowen door. They are available from Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co . The part is a 4002 Stud wing CAD plated a 4002-4W or a 4005W cost is about $3.75 each . The trick to installing the retaining clip is to use a socket to press it on.

[TheProfessor]

63Air-

Wow Thanks for the Tip! I'll investigate it today!
See you down the road!
Alexander 8728

Originally Posted by 63air

What you need is called a camloc fastener, I replaced them on my Bowen door. They are available from Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co . The part is a 4002 Stud wing CAD plated a 4002-4W or a 4005W cost is about $3.75 each . The trick to installing the retaining clip is to use a socket to press it on.

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by goransons

are we talking the little flat head screw with the spiral slot in the back? We're gonna be replacing our bowen here in a week or so and planned on reusing the door if possible, but I know we'll use a different lock. Let me know.

-Scott

Scott- I am going to try to buy new one from Aircraft Spruce as suggested by another responder to this thread. Thanks for your interest and support-
Alex -

[garthbf]

I need these same things for my cover. What size exactly to order? Do they come with the socket that the studs lock into? or do these have to be order with a different part number?

[63air]

It's just a regular socket from a ratchet set , use whatever size fits along with a hammer to tap on the keeper . My brother's neighbor who was an aircraft mechanic showed me what to get and the trick to installing it. Airstreams are a piece of cake for aircraft guys to work on.

[garthbf]

thanks 63air.
my question was about the camloc. what exact size to order? and does it come with the female part that it locks into? or do I need to order a different part number for that part?