Post by MapleRiverShasta on Nov 26, 2012 21:10:05 GMT -5
Was wondering if anyone knows what this is? It's to the right of the entrance door on my 64 Shasta Compact. I thought it was a door catch to hold the door open but it doesn't line up with my handle. Sorry if I sound stupid. If it is a door catch, I would love to see a pic of how it works! Thanks in advance.
It is definitely a door catch. Your handle should be long and thin. When the door is open, move the handle down and allow it to catch behind the little hang down hook thingie.
If your handle has been changed out, it may not work. The long handles are available at local hardware stores.
Post by MapleRiverShasta on Nov 27, 2012 5:15:05 GMT -5
I obviously have a replacement door handle. Feel kinda dumb now. Should've looked at some pics before I posted. Hopefully I can find one close to the original handle so I can use the latch. Thanks!
Don't feel dumb...I have the same thing on mine, and the same question actually. My handle has been changed out for a screen door handle, and misses the catch altogether. Made me wonder what purpose it serves, and never thought about the lever being what catches there. It sure does not stop the handle from hitting the wall. Another one of those things waiting on the to-do list...
Post by Hugh Currin on Nov 27, 2012 10:45:26 GMT -5
Thanks.
Our 1955 1500 has three holes in this location. When we picked her up there was one screw with a string attached to slip over the door handle, holding the door open. I've been wondering what the fitting looked like, and there it is.
Does it look like the tab swivels or is fixed pointing down? If the handle slips under it a fixed tab would work fine.
I'll have to measure ours. If it looks feasible I may try to make a replacement.
Post by Hugh Currin on Nov 28, 2012 20:36:33 GMT -5
Thanks.
I looked today and the three hole pattern lines up with the open door. Does anyone have an extra they'd sell? If not I'll have to build one of these, it's a real slick idea.
Post by Hugh Currin on Dec 4, 2012 15:14:55 GMT -5
Well, at least one for our trailer. If it came out well I could build a few.
Can anyone send me measurements for this door holder? I can extrapolate the three holed plate from the holes in our trailer. But the other dimensions I'd have to guess at. Also, materials used?
Dang Hugh... You need to offer those up for sale. Only thing missing is the little black rubber bumper instead of the metal. That way when the door handle bangs into it no damage is done. Sort of a shock absorber. You can see it still intact on this one.
Attachments:
God grant me the strength to restore the trailers I can,
The courage to strip the parts from the trailers I can't,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Post by Hugh Currin on Jan 25, 2013 23:53:43 GMT -5
mobiltec:
I thought of including the bumper, but it didn't seem to do any good. At least on ours the handle hits the catch down on the hook, not where the bumper would be. And when the door is held open, the handle hits the siding before the door hits the door catch. The only reason I can see to include the bumper would be to better match the original.
I doubt there's enough demand to set up for a run. But if there were..... I wonder if they were used on other than Shastas?
I agree that the bumper is not really needed LOL... And your's is kinda shiney looking as opposed to the galvanized dark look of the originals.
Many of the trailers of the 50s used those things. Not just Shastas. They have been on just about all the 50s trailers I have worked on and they even come up for sale as brand new old stock sometimes. I found this one for $10 at a trailer junk yard. If you decide to make any more I would buy a few for sure.
God grant me the strength to restore the trailers I can,
The courage to strip the parts from the trailers I can't,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Post by Gone Kayaking on Jan 26, 2013 16:12:13 GMT -5
Hugh, I agree with Mobiltec. Might be worth contacting VTS and see if they have ever considered sourcing them. The thin handle is really common and would work on any trailer that had them.
Marguerite
1956 Shasta 1500
Can't wait to go campin'