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Hiya
Jun 1, 2013 23:09:04 GMT
Post by bensonsnuts on Jun 1, 2013 23:09:04 GMT
Hi , my name's Geoff . I've been surfing your forum for a few days and I've took the plunge and bought a 1979 15/4 . The van looks reasonably tidy and the plan is to get some use from it this summer with the minimum of work . After that , I figure on doing some restoration work as time and money permit. Can anyone tell me an easy way to get into the battery box ? The key turns the lock but doesn't seem to unlatch . The previous owner had never been able to open it and I can see a few screwdriver marks where he has tried to jemmy it open . I would prefer not to drill the lock out as it has the same key as as the main door . I'm wondering if I can remove the hinge pins to get access ? Do they pull out or if I snap them are they easy to replace ?
Cheers Geoff
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Hiya
Jun 2, 2013 7:14:24 GMT
Post by Brian M on Jun 2, 2013 7:14:24 GMT
Geoff If by the "battery box" you mean the fibreglass one on the front, (in which most of us have our battery) it can be removed with the lid locked by undoing the two or three screws each side that fix it to the a frame. You need to remove the jockey wheel tube to lift it away, but this would let you get to the back of the lock and then sort it out. But I am wondering if you mean the wet box on the side of the Safari with the drop down door which might be used to hold a battery. This is a more difficult problem and I suspect the only way would be to drill or drive out the hinge pins which is going to be a difficult thing to do without damaging your paint work. If you did damage them a piece of rod of the right diameter should replace them effectively. For either box, you problem is almost certainly that the barrel that the key turns has come apart from the "tang" that holds the lid shut. If you can turn the key while trying to pull or push the lock face towards or away from the door front you may just "catch" the tang enough to turn it.
Whereabouts are you in the country? A visit to a local Safari where you can look at the locks when they are open, may well provide you with the inspiration to solve the problem.
Hope this helps.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Hiya
Jun 2, 2013 8:29:43 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2013 8:29:43 GMT
Welcome to the forum - if it is the external side locker it is very easy to gain access from inside, under you seat base you should have a plastic surround - I you unscrew this you can get to the reverse side hope this helps!
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Hiya
Jun 2, 2013 11:26:36 GMT
Post by bensonsnuts on Jun 2, 2013 11:26:36 GMT
Yes , I was referring to the side locker . I did have a quick look under the seats and it seemed to have a larger than expected glass fibre compartment in there . Looked as though it was sealed at first glance , but I will have another look when I have some tools with me . I have the van stored in a compound . BTW I am in Middlesbrough
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