What is a good secure door latch/entry assembly for a bus?

[muddog16]

I'm tired of using a plastic clamp to hold the door shut.....its time to pick a permanent door handle/saftey latch, what did you use or recommend?  Pictures are a plus........and links are even better!

[robertglines1]

Pat ..I'M also intrested in ideals right now I use a separate air tank that is check valved so it won't flow back into system to hold my door shut. depending on how much you use it how long it last...was backed up with small air compressor for long stays(2 months)the air compressor maintained 60 lbs and would run a minute every day..again that is with normal use.

[BG6]

Funny you should bring that up today.  This morning I will complete the installation of my new latch.

Since I didn't think much of my chances to drill that big round hole through stainless steel, I went with a latch designed for a storm door.  The latch and lock mount to the inside face of the door, the handle to the outside face.  That means the only holes I had to drill were the ones for screws and the operating rods to go through. 

I got a nice one, Wright Products VBG115SN.  it cost me about $30 at Lowe's and it's plated solid brass instead of cast aluminum.  It has a wavy-lever outside handle and a push-to-unlatch, low-profile inner handle.

This is being installed upside down, with the handle at the bottom and the lock above it, to make it easier for people who aren't as tall as I am to open the door from outside.

I am also planning to modify the inner latch by drilling a hole that I can slip a Cotter pin into to hold it in the unlatched position (making it possible to use the air door when I've got the pressure up).

WORD OF WARNING:  Don't install ANYTHING until you have made several duplicate keys.  The Lowe's where I got the latch didn't have that pattern of key, but the Home Despot across the street had one which was almost the same (their #80) and which works just fine, but for a while there it looked like I would have to take the latch back.

[bryanhes]

There is a lock system that Fast Fred has posted on the yahoo group. It looks like a great idea. Kind of Fort Knox looking  I think it would be pretty difficult for someone to break into.

Here is the link- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gmc-busnuts/files/Door%20Locks.doc

HTH,
Bryan

[rv_safetyman]

There are a couple of places on the net that recommend the Class 8 truck locks. 

I bought a Freighliner door for the local truck wrecking yard and it is a great way to go.  Not all that expensive.

When I did my truck conversion I used an off the shelf RV type lock system and they are a joke.  Not secure at all and quite fragile in my opinion.

Since we have quite a bit computer stuff on board (advertised by the Motosat Dish), we also installed a good house type dead bolt.

Jim

[Old Scool Bus]

Squeeze trigger door opens. Latch mechanism was $25.00 new with post but guy is really guarding source. Perfect fit for bus door.

[Melbo]

I got a lock from a locksmith -- don't remember the price -- was used and off a full view glass door for commercial buildings.

It rotates up and into a slot in the door frame I will take pictures later and post them

I made the hole in the door with a knock out tool for making holes in electric service panels

Just a key hole on the outside of the door and thumb knob on the inside.

Melbo

[JackConrad]

Saw one recently where the deadbolt was installed in the bus wall just behind the door and the hole for the bolt was in the door. Not sure why the owner did it this way (just noticed the installation at a truck stop as were pullin out.  Jack

[Ednj]

Here it is  

http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=11374.0

Read this=
http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=544.0


I was looking at Freezer Door Latches before I went with this one.

[luvrbus]

Pat, I saw a new Prevost with the door latch and lock that was the same as the late model Ford 350 super duty 4 door nice set up maybe one of the guys have a photo of one.   



good luck

[Melbo]

Here is a picture of what I did.

It is a commercial lock

Melbo

[Melbo]

And one more picture

I did not put the thumb lock on at first but added it when we started traveling in the bus.

Melbo