Any reason this wouldn' work...

uemjg · January 23, 2012, 07:51:12 PM

in my MCI-8 bus? It currently doesn't have a lock, so I thought it would just be a matter of drilling the correct size hole and mounting. thoughts?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190619035652?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

trucktramp · January 23, 2012, 07:56:44 PM

It probably would. I have a basic house type deadbolt lock that the previous owner installed. I'm not terribly fond of it but it does what it's supposed to do. I still have the MCI installed door opener on the dash but when it's in the locked position, it has a terrible leak that I haven't gotten around to fixing. Eventually, I will probably install a RV or truck type latching handle since I grow tired of the door not staying closed if the bus is not sitting level.

robertglines1 · January 23, 2012, 07:57:47 PM

Should be able to get them local from you lock guy. Ford key lock set. I have on both my coaches.

bevans6 · January 24, 2012, 04:11:28 AM

That is just the lock cylinder, and it's the same as a ford pickup truck of a certain year. Mine is the same, on my 1980 MCI. But it's not the whole lock. There is a frame, a dead bolt and an inside handle that makes it all work on the door. As I recall the system is basically part of the door frame, it's not separable. If you don't have a provision for it already on your door, that lock cylinder isn't goig to get you very far. I also fitted a house style dead-bolt lock, which wasn't particularly a slam-dunk either. the MCI door is thicker than a house door, so no commercial locks would fit. I bought one and modified it with different screws and welded an extension on the tongue that connects the inside fitting to the outside fitting. Drilling the holes in the stainless steel door was not a treat either.

Brian

robertglines1 · January 24, 2012, 05:31:08 AM

The Ford type were used stock on older prevost. Lots of arms available for end of tumbler one key fits all bays doors etc.. On my mci I used a regular Rv type entrance lock set. Bob

buswarrior · January 24, 2012, 05:33:19 AM

Like Brian typed, you'll need the rest of the hardware, and that's just a plain Ford tumbler, only used by MCI because Ford sold them cheapest.

Since you have to start from scratch anyway, choose one of the busnut solutions, whether a modified house unit or a Freightliner truck door mechanism, or some RV parts.

Lots of pics and how too in the archives on both boards and personal websites.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

uemjg · January 24, 2012, 07:42:22 AM

Thanks guys...good information as usual!

desi arnaz · January 24, 2012, 08:05:03 AM

for $35.39 you could get a whole set of regular locks.about $6 each.

bottomacher · January 24, 2012, 02:43:33 PM

What is a 'regular' lock?

rwc · January 25, 2012, 03:16:49 AM

That is the same lock that came in My 102D3. Had to take it out and go to lock smith because it did not come with key. Also same lock on Battery Box door. Rod

luvrbus · January 25, 2012, 05:36:42 AM

I have always used the Medeco locks check those out www.medeco.com easy fit for buses and are almost a flush mount I don't like the looks of the house type dead bolt on a bus just something about it looks out of place to me just one of my things lol

good luck

Oonrahnjay · January 25, 2012, 05:56:55 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on January 25, 2012, 05:36:42 AMI have always used the Medeco locks check those out www.medeco.com easy fit for buses and are almost a flush mount I don't like the looks of the house type dead bolt on a bus just something about it looks out of place to me just one of my things lol
good luck

Yeah, I went to a locksmith and was quoted $135 for a "flush mount" lock -- that turned out to be not much more "flush mount" than the $22 Home Cheapo dead bolt. My bus now has a $22 Home Cheapo lock -- I'm not crazy about the way it looks, but it works. Just my way.

luvrbus · January 25, 2012, 06:11:35 AM

The ones I buy are called store front locks stick out less than a 1/4 inch when mounted and take about 1 1/4 inch hole through the door I pay around 35 bucks for mine they also have nice paddle locks where you don't have to do the cheapo high priced rv door latches JMW

good luck

fraser8 · January 25, 2012, 04:24:38 PM

I have these Ford locks on all my bay doors. They are all keyed the same and work great. I was told they were early Mustang trunk keys??

buswarrior · January 25, 2012, 07:11:08 PM

Standard Ford lock tumbler for many, many years.

Mustang, Marquis, LTD, F150, Pinto, and on and on...

Back when things like that didn't change with every model year.

The sheet metal and grills changed, the locks did not.

Same at GM and Chrysler too.

happy coaching!
buswarrior