Rekeying the front doors?

[TheatricalKate]

Hi all!

After searching through the forum and finding LOTS of door locking ideas, there's one that I didn't see which I'm looking into for my 2007 International: rekeying the lock.

I have a local locksmith (Portland, OR) who researched this option.

I was surprised at the cost estimate - just over $300, parts and labor - but it's a lot cheaper than replacing the door with a locking RV door which is another option I looked into.

Has anyone here rekeyed their front doors? If so, what's your experience been?

Thanks!
Kate.

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Why rekeying? Most locksmiths can do some calculations from the tumblers to make you a key for the existing setup.

[musigenesis]

The factory lock on a bus does not provide much in the way of security. My bus was broken into twice despite being locked with it. That type of lock is super easy to pick or rake open, and I suspect you can also just pull the doors really hard and they'll open (I have not tried this on my own bus) since it locks the opening mechanism and not the door itself. I finally just bolted on a hasp and use a padlock with it.

[TheatricalKate]

Much appreciated, friends.

Cheese wagon, I'm not sure why my locksmith didn't toss out that option. I'll ask.

Sorry your bus was broken into twice, Rusty.
Kate.

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Originally Posted by TheatricalKate

Cheese wagon, I'm not sure why my locksmith didn't toss out that option. I'll ask.

Not a locksmith by trade, mind you, but I do know someone who is (retired). I bought a vehicle once and didn't get a door key with it, they were able to make calculations from the lock cylinder in the glove box. Apparently the glove box had most of the tumblers in the door cylinders, but not all, which required calculations based on what WAS there. This method may or may not be doable on ALL locks.

[TheatricalKate]

Originally Posted by CHEESE_WAGON

Not a locksmith by trade, mind you, but I do know someone who is (retired). I bought a vehicle once and didn't get a door key with it, they were able to make calculations from the lock cylinder in the glove box. Apparently the glove box had most of the tumblers in the door cylinders, but not all, which required calculations based on what WAS there. This method may or may not be doable on ALL locks.

Much appreciated!

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by TheatricalKate

Sorry your bus was broken into twice, Rusty.

Well, it was actually four times, but only twice involving the factory door lock. First time I lost all my tools and my generator (later recovered), which taught me to never leave valuable things in the bus; second time they stole sponges and masking tape, which taught me to never leave anything in the bus.

Rusty is my bus, not me.

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

Rusty is my bus, not me.