Locks & Keys

[Tinkerer]

I've just acquired a 1969 Ambassador and a pocket full of keys. Problem: None of the keys fit. Good luck: The entry door is open and the rear hatch is open. The side hatches are firmly locked. What is the best and most reasonable way to approach this problem?

[Rog0525]

Try every key you can get your hands on. The locks are not unique to Airstream. You might get lucky.
The locks on the compartment doors can be drilled out and replaced.
A locksmith might help you with the entry door.

[thenewkid64]

Lube everything. The keys may be right, the locks could just be corroded. If they are x1011 locks then the new keys will fit. The locks can be gotten form a couple of sources. If they are just a round lock then CW is a good source.

[JohnG]

I would agree. Spray it down with a good lubricant then work the keys in and out. Jiggle them around to get the tumblers working. You may very well have the right keys and the tumbler locks are just sticking.

[eubank]

Originally Posted by Tinkerer

I've just acquired a 1969 Ambassador and a pocket full of keys. Problem: None of the keys fit. Good luck: The entry door is open and the rear hatch is open. The side hatches are firmly locked. What is the best and most reasonable way to approach this problem?

Well, my suggestion would be to get a true-blue locksmith. I've had lots of locks rebuilt. They can do a first-rate job and provide you with new keys all around. And it really isn't very expensive!


Lynn

[JohnG]

Originally Posted by eubank

Well, my suggestion would be to get a true-blue locksmith. I've had lots of locks rebuilt. They can do a first-rate job and provide you with new keys all around. And it really isn't very expensive!


Lynn

That's not a bad idea. You could go from a pocketfull of keys down to just a few. All compartment doors could be the same key, then one for the main door lock and one for a deadbolt if you have one.

[Tinkerer]

Thanks folks for the tips on the keys. Of the batch of keys that I had, only one would fit into the lock. I might try the lubricant idea with that key to see if any tumbler gives way. The keys are probably the leat of my problems before I get it finished. We hauled it from NM to MO and it did pull good. I'll keep you posted as things progress. Thanks again. I appreciate your help,

[AirConditioner]

There's a couple ways to approach this: (1) The easiest way (if you can) is to access the back side of the hatches so you can and remove the locks. The lock bodies are usually removable by sliding the retaining clip off the back of the lock body, or by removing a nut. Usually there are two different hatch keys, so it shouldn't be too much work to get the locks off. Take them to you local locksmith and either replace the lock assemblies and get new keys, or have the locksmith make a set of keys to match the originals. The door lock is also easily removed and the locksmith can either replace the cylinder (it's still available) or key to the existing.

(2) If there are numbers on the lock bodies (frequently) your locksmith can cut keys to the manufacturers number. Best of lock with your project!