REtro Fitting Slam Latches to my 5'r
First let me apologize for not putting up a pic or two on this post...I will do that when I get back home on days off.
However: I just last week added two of these to my main storage compartment door and it was actually quite easy. However because of the location of the holes from the OEM thumb latches, I cut my holes about 1/4" above where the thumb latches were. To cover the holes I used those automtive push connectors that are used in so many applications in a vehcle these days..with a bit of "Goop"...wiping off the excees once it dried.
The latches were easily installed: Using the gasket of the outer section I traced with a scribe the outline of the hole - drilled into the part to be removed with a 1/2" bit and then with a small fine bladed saw bit, used my jig saw to cut out the hole. Then just a simple matter of putting the three parts together front and the two backing parts with 4 screws.
The latch itself (the part that hits the strike), was pretty much at the same elevation as the aluminum strip that goes around the door opening due to not wanting to have a 1/2 round goofy hole had I gone lower. To ensure I had a solid surface upon which the latch could close onto, I cut some 1/8" aluminum about 3 inches long-deburred and about 1/2" higher than the rib and inserted that in between the rubber gasket and the existing aluminum rib. A couple of small screws and it wont move.
I used one locking latch and one non. Quite happy with the result and it does indeed "slam" closed...beats the daylights out of those pesky thumb latches.!
Pics to come... Up here in Canada I paid $55 for the locking and $30 for the non (from an RV Parts Dealer)... No doubt those of you south of the 49th can get them much cheaper.
I plan on doing the whole unit where practical.
Cheers,
stk
However: I just last week added two of these to my main storage compartment door and it was actually quite easy. However because of the location of the holes from the OEM thumb latches, I cut my holes about 1/4" above where the thumb latches were. To cover the holes I used those automtive push connectors that are used in so many applications in a vehcle these days..with a bit of "Goop"...wiping off the excees once it dried.
The latches were easily installed: Using the gasket of the outer section I traced with a scribe the outline of the hole - drilled into the part to be removed with a 1/2" bit and then with a small fine bladed saw bit, used my jig saw to cut out the hole. Then just a simple matter of putting the three parts together front and the two backing parts with 4 screws.
The latch itself (the part that hits the strike), was pretty much at the same elevation as the aluminum strip that goes around the door opening due to not wanting to have a 1/2 round goofy hole had I gone lower. To ensure I had a solid surface upon which the latch could close onto, I cut some 1/8" aluminum about 3 inches long-deburred and about 1/2" higher than the rib and inserted that in between the rubber gasket and the existing aluminum rib. A couple of small screws and it wont move.
I used one locking latch and one non. Quite happy with the result and it does indeed "slam" closed...beats the daylights out of those pesky thumb latches.!
Pics to come... Up here in Canada I paid $55 for the locking and $30 for the non (from an RV Parts Dealer)... No doubt those of you south of the 49th can get them much cheaper.
I plan on doing the whole unit where practical.
Cheers,
stk
