Slot in exterior grab handle

[waywardho]

Just curious...what is the slot for in the top of the handle that I saw on Atomic Addictions blog ? We have one on our "63 and are stumped. My husband says there has to be a reason for it! No one would cast that for no reason.

[safetybruce]

I don't have a similar model, but when your door is completely open and "against" the side of the trailer is there any hook or pressure spring like on some cupboard doors, kind of thing that might fit in the slot to hold the door open? or screw holes indicating there could have been some kind of keeper at one time. I have different kinds of keeper receivers on each of my '61 Compact, '50 Travelo and '51 (or '52) Clipper exterior door's handles to keep them open. Just a wag...

[waywardho]

Thanks for the thought Bruce. Sounds like you have a nice little collection of trailers there! Lucky you. I don't think we worded our question right though. We are talking about a handle on the side of the trailer left of the door frame. The grab handle you use to pull yourself up with when stepping into the trailer. A name plate went there perhaps? Appreciate any help from Shastaland!!

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[safetybruce]

Now you really have me intrigued, gotta get out and see what that could have been. My "collection" is a motly looking crew right now, but hopefully with some patience as the weather turns cooler in Southern Mississippi, I can actually get started on rehabilitating a couple of them enough to actually consider camping and taking in a rally or two.

[waywardho]

Oh good, so you are on the case to solve the mystery!! By the way...I love "Motley" be it a stray dog or a camper! It takes a keen eye to see the potential in "Motley" and it really is rewarding to bring it back to life! A lot of what I own started out as Motley and believe me I got the look from people that said "are you crazy". Sure feels good when they see it the next time and wonder if it is the same thing they saw initially! Enjoy your weather. We are anticipating it will soon be too cold to work outside without snowsuits!!!

[joek]

This question has been bandied about a few times and I think the consensus is that it was a night light. Although there is no electrical in that area of the trailer. Maybe it was a light in some other fancier brands?

[safetybruce]

Possible update to the mystery slot question. I was looking at some pics of the future Miss Mississippi Delta 1959 (aka 1959 Airflyte) that Woody is holding for me to pick up in early December, and if I am not mistaken, there is one of those same type handles on that Airflyte with something in the slot...I will send woody an e-mail tonight and ask him for a close-up photo and description...if indeed his handle slot is filled with something.

[safetybruce]

False alarm...stand down...the photo was spot on directly at the handle and I was seeing the white paint behind...the open slot...mystery continues...

[Red Dirt]

Mine had a nameplate in the slot made of plastic. I think it said Bargman. I popped it out to repaint and have forgotten which pile of stuff I secured it in. It was black, or dark gray with raised letters. I will try to un-earth it. They must have fallen out of most over the years. I can't believe no-one has one that is still intact.

Red Dirt

[safetybruce]

Eureka!! Red Dirt you are the best! It would be fun to see what it looks like back in the slot. Maybe the only ones still intact might be in the RV Hall. Cool!