'70s door lock cylinder replacement

[Lumatic]

My cylinders on my 71 and 73 are getting balky. Before I really get myself locked out what is involved in just replacing the cylinder/ tumbler part and not the whole lock? Are these parts still available? Are the an item a locksmith is likely to have or a specialized Airstream parts dealer item?

[Safari Tim]

I was able to order the lock cylindar from Oasis RV in AZ. I think it was about $25.

[LI Pets]

Just had mine replaced, $2.85 for a cylinder.

Any locksmith supply

[ALANSD]

I did my own, and I knew nothing about locks, just took it apart and replaced the broken part.

[Lumatic]

Is replacement, then fairly, striaghtforward?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Marshall

Is replacement, then fairly, striaghtforward?

Different locks use different cylinders.

The KT lock used from 1970 to 1977 uses a special KT lock cylinder or tumbler.

Those are no longer available from Airstream.

We purchased another type and had them machined to fit those locks.

Airstream does have a cylinder for the current KT lock that has a modified tumbler opening.

The current KT lock base will not accept an older tumbler, and Airstream's new tumbler will not fit the old lock base.

Andy

[davidz71]

Thanks for the clarification Andy.

[sfixx]

Originally Posted by Marshall

Is replacement, then fairly, striaghtforward?

Yes, unscrew the whole handle/latch assembly from the inside and remove it through the front as one piece. It's been a while since I had mine out but I seem to remember that the cylinder has a clip on the back, then it's a simple matter of pulling the cylinder out for replacement.

Best wishes,

Steve

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by sfixx

Yes, unscrew the whole handle/latch assembly from the inside and remove it through the front as one piece. It's been a while since I had mine out but I seem to remember that the cylinder has a clip on the back, then it's a simple matter of pulling the cylinder out for replacement.

Best wishes,

Steve

Steve,

Your doing it the hard way, which takes time away from the cool one.

The simple way to remove the old tumbler, is to take a 1 inch # 8 sheet metal screw and run it into the tumbler about half way.

Then take a small thin board and place it next to the old tumbler.

Take a "claw hammer", grab the head of the screw and pull. Bingo, out comes the tumbler.

The back of the old tumbler breaks off and falls down into the door. So, who cares.

Then simply squeeze the "C" clip on the new tumbler and insert it into the hole.

Next. Have a beer. Job well done.

Andy

[Safari Tim]

Here's the lock diagram if it helps.

[balrgn]

NICE Diagram!

I gave up, my lock assembly is in good shape, just lost faith it would stay locked/closed while traveling. Installed a dead bolt

[alumibum]

We are looking to purchase front door/ lock kit. Would the back fiberglass/plastic tail light assembly with lights still be around? We are also looking to find the base trim around the exterior bottom. Thanks! Trying to restore the 74 Argosy we just purchased.

[Lumatic]

I might have the taillight. Email me and I will look in my "parts".

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by alumibum

We are looking to purchase front door/ lock kit. Would the back fiberglass/plastic tail light assembly with lights still be around? We are also looking to find the base trim around the exterior bottom. Thanks! Trying to restore the 74 Argosy we just purchased.

That tail light bezel has not been available for many years.

The bottom molding, called rub rail, is available, as well as the inserts.

The door lock must be a "motorhome" type lock.
Andy

[krazeekalvin]

Did you ever get the problem fixed? If so, could you share your experience? Thanks

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Steve,

Your doing it the hard way, which takes time away from the cool one.

The simple way to remove the old tumbler, is to take a 1 inch # 8 sheet metal screw and run it into the tumbler about half way.

Then take a small thin board and place it next to the old tumbler.

Take a "claw hammer", grab the head of the screw and pull. Bingo, out comes the tumbler.

The back of the old tumbler breaks off and falls down into the door. So, who cares.

Then simply squeeze the "C" clip on the new tumbler and insert it into the hole.

Next. Have a beer. Job well done.

Andy

If all else fails, would this technique also get you into a lockout?

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by krazeekalvin

Did you ever get the problem fixed? If so, could you share your experience? Thanks

Not sure if this was directed to me. But yes and no. A little WD 40 got the cylinders working again, temporarily I'm sure. Shhhhhhh, the key for my 71 opens my 73 easier than the original key. I'm guessing the worn out key works like a master key on the worn out tumblers.

[alumibum]

I took the door lock apart....cleaned everything and found that I needed the tumbler....took it to a locksmith...replaced...new keys...works like a charm...$30.00. I think I'll place a deadbolt on as well...just don't trust the door as we're traveling down the road. The taillight problem was put to the side...working on projects indoors during the cold weather... will tackle that later.

[sfixx]

Originally Posted by balrgn

NICE Diagram!

I gave up, my lock assembly is in good shape, just lost faith it would stay locked/closed while traveling. Installed a dead bolt

A.

How'd you do that without trimming the bolt? I'm curious how large the hole in your door is? Did you do anything to beef it up? I never did, but I am very careful about slamming the door.

Best wishes,

Steve

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by sfixx

A.

How'd you do that without trimming the bolt? I'm curious how large the hole in your door is? Did you do anything to beef it up? I never did, but I am very careful about slamming the door.

Best wishes,

Steve

Formerly a machinist
Fabriated a bracket for the door to reinforce what I removed.