Alternative Cabinet Latches for '67 Overlander?

[Billyjchase]

Hi folks,

Im looking to replace 18x aging cabinet latches for our '67 Overlander (see attached).

Inland RV has what looks to be the exact replacement part.. but Im struggling with the $22.50ea (on sale) price.

Anyone have a classy suggestion on an alternative latch that can fit in the cut out?

[Isuzusweet]

As a person that deals with cabinet hardware on a daily basis, the chances of you finding a modern new latch that exactly fits your 50 year old doors is zero. I'd be shocked if you found something. I think you will have to bite the bullet and pay the price OR possibly find a spray paint or product that will adhere to plastic, giving you a new look.

Cheers
Tony

[Dingo Girl]

I have the same latches in my Caravel. Not nearly as many. A few are broken.
If you come up with a replacement please post pictures.
I really can't see 22.50 each.
I got some of the little plastic tabs that hold the screens in the windows from inland. After storing the trailer for the winter in the frigid Michigan winter almost all the tabs broke and were on the floor in the spring. They were very low quality plastic.
I'd be very mad if I spent that much on latches and they broke too.

[WayneG]

My latches are different in the 84 and I can find them cheaper than that but I got tired of them breaking so I replaced the broken ones with 3M dual lock tape
http://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-u...ual+lock&rt=rs
There are a bunch of different types and sizes, you want them to have enough force to keep the cabinet or drawer closed, but not to much to be difficult to open.
This is the type I used:

I have not tried these round ones yet, they may fit your needs.

[Dingo Girl]

Good idea.

[Jacob D]

I bought some of those latches a few years ago for my '67 Overlander for less than that. I don't remember who I bought them from but I think it was Inland. You might try Vintage Trailer Supply or Silver Trailer Supply? I recently bought some overhead cabinet latches from Vintage at a fair price.

The $22 price tag is probably a fair price considering the cost of injection molding and the fact that the market for these specialty items is very limited.

The other alternative is make new doors.

[Billyjchase]

Thanks for the all the suggestions and advice !

Since only a few of them are actually broken.. Ill just bite the bullet and buy a few replacements from Inland and see how they hold up.

I think I'll also try using Krylon Fusion (spray paint for plastic) on one latch and see how it holds up to the latch flexing (its not recommend for moving plastic parts).. along with colored sprays, they make a clear coat spray that might do the trick to give them some extra life.

And just for kicks.. Ill visit some hardware stores and hunt online to see if just maybe something else is out there that will fit the cut-out.. Ill follow up with results.

Thanks again!

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by Billyjchase

Thanks for the all the suggestions and advice !

Since only a few of them are actually broken.. Ill just bite the bullet and buy a few replacements from Inland and see how they hold up.

I think I'll also try using Krylon Fusion (spray paint for plastic) on one latch and see how it holds up to the latch flexing (its not recommend for moving plastic parts).. along with colored sprays, they make a clear coat spray that might do the trick to give them some extra life.

And just for kicks.. Ill visit some hardware stores and hunt online to see if just maybe something else is out there that will fit the cut-out.. Ill follow up with results.

Thanks again!

I have used old fashioned window sash latches....the kind that twist into a catch. To use them on our '67 Overlanders though, you would have to put a 3/8 inch thick wood spacer adjacent to the door for the catch part of the latch

[BambiTex]

I am facing this same problem.
Firstly, nobody but Inland has these latches anymore, hence the extortion level pricing.
I think my plan will be to keep the damaged ones installed (for looks) and install hidden finger operated latches inside that can be accessed through the existing latches. If this works, I will post photos.

[BambiTex]

I ended up using some robust magnetic catches that fit nicely out of sight and work great.

[Dingo Girl]

I have a few broken latches and decided to try to fix one.
I used a new nylon latch from VTS to replace the old missing one.
The 2 pieces are riveted together with a backer washer.
If some body has a better way to attach the two plastics please post it.
It's not the prettiest but it works. :-)

[eubank]

Nice job! Could you relate the part number (or just a link to the part) at VTS?

A bunch of those are brown on our rig. Probably could do up a nice fix like yours and then hit them with some plastic paint?


Lynn

Originally Posted by Dingo Girl

I have a few broken latches and decided to try to fix one.
I used a new nylon latch from VTS to replace the old missing one.
The 2 pieces are riveted together with a backer washer.
If some body has a better way to attach the two plastics please post it.
It's not the prettiest but it works. :-)

Attachment 288356Attachment 288357

[OldVwHunters]

I saw this thread a few days ago, and it reminded me to go see my buddy Gary at his metal fabrication shop. I had an idea for some made out of stainless or aluminum for my Alice, so we worked up an idea to try. I left him a latch for sizing, and he's going to make some out of aluminum for me.....IF he does not forget. They will be more of a pull with a bit of metal & magnet to secure. If & when he gets them done I will post some photos.

[Dingo Girl]

VTS-557 is the latch part number.
They are sold with an extra tab on them that you will have to cut off. A utility knife works.
The tab has to be cut off if you use them for their intended purpose too. At least in an Airstream.
Good luck! Post pictures when you are done.
I'd like to see the aluminum ones as well.

[Dingo Girl]

Just a quick FYI. If you don't use a backer washer it will crack the plastic on the original Airstream piece.