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tiniree · 04-24-2003, 09:38 PM

I have read several posts here about the KT door lock and how expensive it is to replace. However, the AS we are looking at is a 1978 and on one of the posts I read AS only used the KT up until 1977.

What type of door lock did they use after 1977? Would the door lock for a 1978 be easier to replace and less costly?

Inland RV Center, In · 04-25-2003, 09:59 AM

The expensive "KT" lock was used from 1970 to 1977.

Keeler Brass was used from 1978 to 1987.

The Keeler Brass became no longer available, It was replaced with a "GM" lock, that also required an adapter plate.

Next in line, the "GM" lock also became no longer available.

The next replacement, and still continues that way, is a "Tri-marK" lock, along with an adapter plate.

It does require a small modification to the door.

Currently, the tri-mark fits 1978 to 1991 trailers.

If someone does not want to modify the door, they just simply are out of luck.

The lock for the motorhomes is an Bargman L-300. The door must be modified. Again, if someone does not want to modify the door, they are out of luck. Takes aboiut 3 hours for the motorhomes.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

53flyingcloud · 04-25-2003, 10:13 AM

Andy,

Excuse me for the interrupution but...

Quote:

Whatever happened to the concept of; Making "spares for a certain number of years"???

I know ..it cost money but..What the heck?
"People will/do break door lock~!~"

I'm in no way, taking it out on you...Just sharing a thought~
ciao

tiniree · 04-25-2003, 10:26 AM

Ok, Tri-mark for the 1978 with door modification. What type of modification? Will the original screen door still fit after the modification? How much currently are the Tri-Mark locks?

Inland RV Center, In · 04-25-2003, 11:01 AM

Airstream makes trailers and motorhomes, not locks.

They try very hard to use components that will be around for a long time, but, they don't have a crystal ball.
So that forces everyone to go to the next best thing.

Modifying the door requires new holes in the side of the door frame.

There is nothing that gets in the way of the screen door.

There are 6 different items that make up the Tri-mark kit, 10 parts in all.

The complete kit costs $139.00.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

tiniree · 04-25-2003, 11:11 AM

Thanks for the quick answer, Andy!

As a footnote: I can't help but see several people "surprised" at the cost of parts. Yes, some are expensive. We haven't even picked up our AS yet and are prepared to "pay the price of ownership". With all the change-overs going on with major corporations today, I expect half the "logos" on most of the stuff I buy today to have changed in the next 25 years!

From a womans perspective: Husbands ask your wives how many times they have had to change bra brands because from one year to the next the company "changed" their styles, colors, etc..... We woman are used to and expect change!

ALANSD · 04-25-2003, 11:47 AM

you can get a tumbler made by Keeler that fits the old Bargman lock. It is 15 dollars and available in many RV parts locations, if this link works, its where I got mine.

http://www.rvlifestyles.net/catalog/...X0110152734187

joe hall · 08-08-2003, 06:38 AM

out the door lock on my 1986 31' Sovereign. I couldn't find a used original for under $500. Reluctantly, I went the Tri-Mark route, and am satisfied. I ordered it from Andy at Inland RV at a cost of $154.00 including shipping costs. A local established locksmith had it retro-fitted within an hour. He put a stainless steel back-plate on both the interior and exterior. It looks fine and operates well. It did not effect the original screen door.

ckeysor · 09-18-2003, 02:52 PM

I recently retrofitted my lock kit also on my 1978 Ambassodor. I did it myself (on a trip) and found it to be relatively easy.

I am amazed at the difference in quality between new and old. I hate replacing that good old stuff!

Cazadero · 08-30-2004, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

you can get a tumbler made by Keeler that fits the old Bargman lock. It is 15 dollars and available in many RV parts locations, if this link works, its where I got mine.

http://www.rvlifestyles.net/catalog/...X0110152734187

I have a 1960 Airstream Pacer which has the Bargman L 77 door lock. Do you know if the Keeler cylinder will replace the cylinder in this lock? Thanks for any help you may be able to give me.

ALANSD · 08-30-2004, 11:14 AM

Not really sure on yours, but I found the part easily at a local RV supply store, you could compare them side by side if you pull the old one.

Cazadero · 08-30-2004, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

Not really sure on yours, but I found the part easily at a local RV supply store, you could compare them side by side if you pull the old one.

Thanks I'll get one and try it. I had a locksmith in New Mexico try to repair the old one but he broke it and didn't return the pieces.

**markdoane** · 08-30-2004, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cazadero

Thanks I'll get one and try it. I had a locksmith in New Mexico try to repair the old one but he broke it and didn't return the pieces.

The locksmith that re-keyed my Bargman L-77 called it a 'Ford' cylinder. He didn't have any problems working on it.

Cazadero · 08-30-2004, 04:37 PM

Thanks--for the info. If I can't get a Bargman replacement I'll try the Ford replacement. I read somewhere that the Ford cylinder is from the mid fifties and is called a Hurd cylinder.

**markdoane** · 08-30-2004, 04:46 PM

If you look at this site, about half way down (PN 1343380 or 1360839) you will find a Hurd cylinder that looks like a replacement. http://www.studebakerclubs.com/stelf...osedBodies.htm
Thanks for the tip. Easy to find if you know the name!

Cazadero · 08-30-2004, 05:11 PM

Don--Not having seen the cylinder out of the lock, I didn't know what it would look like. My understanding was the Hurd was used in the Studebaker until the late forties and went to Ford in the fifties. Thanks

**markdoane** · 08-30-2004, 05:39 PM

It looks just like the one I totally disassembled. I was lucky to get enough of the little springs and buttons back in it to give the locksmith something to work with.
You might want to order one, be sure you can return it if it's not right.

Or better yet,l take it to a different locksmith. I think if you give him the mfg name he should be able to order parts.

Cazadero · 08-30-2004, 05:42 PM

Thanks-- I'll do that. I feel like pretty sure I'll find the right parts. Thanks for your help.

wb13798 · 08-30-2004, 07:24 PM

as Andy stated if you want a working lock you will have to go the replacement route. i had my lock destroyed when a drugie thought he could get into my motor home. i lucked out on my lock. i found a locksmith with a complete lock. he had it for a long time and he was happy to sell me the lock. i was darn happy to buy it. the drugie relocated to Ohio before i could get a piece of his zw8x.

RivetED · 08-30-2004, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiniree

Thanks for the quick answer, Andy!

...With all the change-overs going on with major corporations today, I expect half the "logos" on most of the stuff I buy today to have changed in the next 25 years!

I retired from Digital Equipment Corp (DEC), Compaq sent me checks for a while and now they come from H-P!! As long as they still come...