Jim,

Sounds like you really have a handle on fabrication techniques, etc.!

A fellow 'streamer told me to install a dead bolt in my door that would positively keep the door from blowing open, etc. I did this and now I have some satisfaction knowing that I won't have any underway damage due to the door opening or anyone using their A/S key in my trailer. (I have heard there are only a few different keys that they used in the older models).(?)

The dead bolt can be used to lock just the screen door too. (All it takes is some pre-planning/positioning and a file to take a little steel off the dead bolt.

I had a great machine shop at a major blade and razor company (G), do some of the machining on the inside/outside flanges, etc. It looks like it grew there!

Rich
-----Original Message-----
From: James Weston
To: airstream@airstream.net
Date: Sunday, February 28, 1999 10:35 AM
Subject: [a/s] Suicide doors on AIRSTREAMS
 

>Suicide Doors in the Auto common in early days . I have pre formed one
>fix um . I have heard ,and seen others work at this fix . I have seen
>Gizmo attachments to generate revenue , I have indeed took one of those off .
>
>Here is how I did the fix. Took skin off door . Small air driven Saw blade
>cut the door casting into on Center Line. Get your Heli Arc Weld Cord ready
>inside , close door . Get one person to push on bottom and one to push at
>top . Once into position Spot weld two places. Do a look see after weld
>temp comes down, open and close it several times . If all fit and function
>proper Complete welding . Grind surface flat to allow skin to fit proper
.
>Re install door skin using next size larger Olympic type Rivets .
>
>We made a small angle devise with a small ball lock pin that shall stop the
>door from coming open at 80 mph. You should see what damage that door
>does to the skin !!!
>
>Facts not Fiction
>
>JIM WESTON