'72 Sovereign door handle/lock

[mrrealtor]

Where can in purchase a new handle/ lock that doesn't cost $500?
The prices I seem to find are a bit insane.


1972 Airstream International Land Yacht Sovereign

[Belegedhel]

You might find a used one for less, but it will still likely be hundreds, and crappy looking. You can buy a kit that includes a modern rv door latch, and some materials to patch the hole that is left over from Inland rv, but this will take some work (cutting, riveting), not just a bolt in option.

Good luck!


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[idroba]

It was a special lock, developed by Airstream and used only by Airstream. Prices reflect the rare nature of the original and custom built replacements.

As mentioned in Belegedhel's post there are other replacement locks but they will need to modify the door metal to install.

[mrrealtor]

Thanks guys. Yea did a little more research last night and realized that. I'm hoping i can piece it together and make it work. Just don't want to have it look like junk.


1972 Airstream International Land Yacht Sovereign

[J. Morgan]

If it wasn't for the end being broken off I would sandblast and paint it.

If you have the broken piece you might be able to piece it together with some really good epoxy (auto body or industrial good) if you have room to "scab" the back with a support.


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow

[mrrealtor]

I'll be bringing the trailer home next week and begin the project. I'm hoping that piece is somewhere to be found.


1972 Airstream International Land Yacht Sovereign

[SuzyHomemakr]

I feel your pain! The prices are waaay to much for a new lock. Here's a pic of what the PO did. The deadbolt works well, and the latch does, too. The lock on the latch is kaput.

Maybe get a piece of stainless cut as a new plate that goes over the missing part? I wound up paying about $80 just for a new latch pin, but at least it works now...

[NavyCorpsman]

I just repaired my obsolete Keeler with parts found at VTS. I did not want a new hole over the original one. The kit is a great quick fix, but I would be irritated with it forever. VTS has the keyed cylinder (NOS) for $25. If you want the original lock, the parts are out there, you just have to find them. Good luck

[TG Twinkie]

They key to long life of this type of latch is NOT TO SLAM THE DOOR.
I repaired ours along with installing a dead bolt. The lock cylinders that are available for this mechanism are cheap (junk). Using the lock cylinder for security is a joke. You could also find yourself locked out. Because the key will not unlock the mechanism.


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[mrrealtor]

Thanks for the help everybody. I'll have to add a deadbolt like the one that was pictured. That looks clean and could pass as original.


1972 Airstream International Land Yacht Sovereign

[emmahesse]

Yep, I need a new lock too. I like the deadbolt! Can you share what you did to make that deadbolt install work?

[Happyjoemay]

I am taking possession of a 1972 Sovereign 31 footer tomorrow. The door latch and all works well but tgere is just a hole where the lacking mechanism is supposed to be.
I that little cylinder the rare piece?

[NavyCorpsman]

Its available through Vintage Trailer Supply. I have bought one for my 78 and it works great. They should have what you need. Let me know how it works out.

[Happyjoemay]

Thank you Navycorpsman! So what I need is a Keeler lock cylinder? Just knowing what I am asking for is a HUGE help. This will be my first purchase for my AS home. I am going to meet the PO in the hour to have them bring the Sovereign to my campground. I feel like today is the 1st day of an amazing adventure. All I've been able to share that thought with has been my dog. He is a bit tired of our tent living situation as am I. Thank you for your help.

[J. Morgan]

Welcome to the 72 sovereign club!!

You should have a second means of latching that door also. They've been known to come open while being towed. Attachment 1

This style lock was my solution, the previous owner put a regular old padlock hasp in place. (You can see where it was)

[J. Morgan]

Originally Posted by j. Morgan

welcome to the 72 sovereign club!!

You should have a second means of latching that door also. They've been known to come open while being towed. Attachment 356733Attachment 1

this style lock was my solution, the previous owner put a regular old padlock hasp in place. (you can see where it was)

[Happyjoemay]

Does the interior side fit between t he screen door well? Or is it in the part of the screen door that has the void for handle etc.
Thank you for being so helpful.
This forum will no doubt save me many many hours and dollars.

[perryg114]

Get on Amazon and find something close to the right size or bigger and make that work.



Perry

[Happyjoemay]

Perry, Your suggestion is likely going to be the answer to my existing door locking situation. I was encouraged by NavyCorpsMan's luck at VTS but apparently VTS has exhausted their supply of the parts in question. Do you have any thoughts on a source for any of the measurements or specifications of the innards of the locking cylinder?
Thanks!
Joe May

[NavyCorpsman]

Hi Joe,
The part you need is out there. Somewhere. I use the DuckDuckGo search engine. Go there and type in keeler lock parts and take a look at the images. Something in there HAS to fit. The next option is to find an old school locksmith, the one with a dusty shop and a bazillion keys on the wall behind the service counter. If he or she doesn't have it they might get you pointed in the right direction. When I started my 78 Sovereign, I didn't get much encouragement from our pros here. Keep looking. You will find it. Keep us updated. I'll look too.