Dead Bolt Installation

I have long wanted to install a dead bolt in my '75 Trade Wind. Getting the nerve to drill out the aluminum was the hardest part! Well almost. Once I found an assembly that would fit, I found I needed to machine a "D" spacer to get it above the door frame. Choosing the correct  location is critical. I was lucky to find NO wires, rivets or braces. I chose to drill a pilot hole, 1/8" to start. Then test drill to ensure it did not grab. I used a bit of WD40 as a lubricant to help prevent the hole saw from grabbing. The side hole was more than tricky, it JUST fit with an hour or so of massaging the slot to fit the assembly as tight as possible.

The door was even more of a challenge. The area it needed to be in came just about flush with this inside panel. Again, I needed to custom machine a plate for the door.

Drilled and tapped 8-32 and installed screws.

Piece of mind while towing now!