These instructions are in
regard to the entrance door latch (door lock) on the 1978
and 1979 Avion Motor Home.
I understand that the same latch was used on a few vintage
Airstream trailer models. It may possibly be in use on certain
1980’s Excella, and Late 70’s Overlander models
HOWEVER I CAN NOT CONFIRM THIS.
The Keeler Brass Company (KBC) in Michigan manufactured the
door latch.
The original KBC latch handle measures approx. 1 15/16”
wide by 4 1/16” tall. The information contained in this
posting does NOT apply to the 3” tall KBC latch handle,
which was also apparently used on some vintage RV models.
The exterior door dimensions for the entire door latch unit
are approximately 4” wide by 5 ¾” Tall.
The keyhole is centered at the lower portion of the latch.
The model number of the latch handle = KBC 35143.
The model number on the inner surface of the main latch body
= KBC 35151
The model number on the inner surface of the interior door
plate = KBC 35117
I discovered that these parts have not been available since
1983.
On March 10, 2006 I installed a re-manufactured latch because
my original part cracked along stress points after 30 years
of reliable service. New parts for these latches are not available
according to DOZENS of inquiries I made at RV parts dealers,
RV salvage yards and discussions with Avion and Airstream
enthusiasts and repair professionals. Not even the Cayo family
repair service in Michigan could help!
Fortunately, I finally located and purchased a replica latch
handle from an RV salvage yard / machine shop for $50.00 plus
tax & shipping. The representative said they have several
remaining in inventory as of March 2006. Contact information
for this supplier is as follows: Singleton’s RV Salvage
& Sales, 383 Nelson Rd. Rochester, WA 98579. The phone
number is (360) 273-9566.
Their website http://www.olywa.net/singletonsrv/
has photos of the heavy-duty replica handle in their “new
& used parts” section. They also have the inner
slide portion of the latch available for the KBC lock (The
part that retracts into the door frame).
The handle that I received from Singleton’s did not
fit properly as shipped and is not an exact match. However,
the handle is much sturdier and is milled from a single block
of solid aluminum!
In order to make the part fit I had to slightly enlarge the
two holes that the roll pin fits into with a 17/64 drill bit
(.265). I also had to use a Dremel® tool with grinding/sanding
wheel to camber the top surface of the latch handle on the
left side (particularly the top left and lower left corners)
in order for the latch to reach a fully open position when
mounted in the latch chassis. This work was not difficult
and the end result was attractive, functional, much more durable,
and did not detract from an OEM appearance.
If you need an entire latch set, I was able to find one used
unit, complete with keys, at Bob Cox Camper Country. They
can be reached at 1-800-688-0825. The representative told
me that the unit’s condition would be rated as 4 out
of 10. Originally I was quoted $217.50 + Shipping. However,
I haggled them down to $167 before deciding not to order it
and tune-up my existing lock instead. My guess is that this
is one of the last remaining latches in the country. With
this used latch and the replacement handle I suggest above,
you might get a functional system. I spent over ten hours
one day trying to locate this latch/lock and I hope that this
information I have provided keeps others from wasting their
time!
Replacement lock tumblers in new and unused condition, complete
with two keys can still be obtained (as of 03/2006) from www.VintageTrailerSupply.com.
Their part number is VTS-299. [This is the part I ordered
and it was a 100% OEM match. The phone number is (802) 225-8940.
www.RVshop.com may also have the part available.
(It is my belief that this Keeler replacement tumbler with
keys is the only new replacement part available for these
vintage door lock systems!)
I have posted this information because I have read numerous
stories regarding difficulty locating KBC lock replacements
on the web during my own research. I have even read about
people who have spend hundreds of dollars custom manufacturing
components for this lock at machine shops or replacing their
latches with another brand after considerable expense for
bodywork due to the original latch’s large size.
I have photographs of the original KBC lock and latch system
with the 4” handle as well as my re-manufactured unit
available by request. Feel free to contact me for assistance
with this matter.
If you own the very rare 1977 or 1978 Avion Motor Home I
would particularly like to hear from you! I have been full
time in mine since 2000. (Mine was manufactured 03/1977)
Elton Twork
elton@pobox.com
(This information is current as of March 2006.) |
hmnbmbnm 
