Where to buy a new Hatch

[34chev]

Need to buy a new hatch for my 53 Atlantic, the original blew off when Santa28a dragged it home to his place.

Probably chasing around 600mm square and preferably in QLD.

Thanks

[34chev]

Didn't get much help with this request, did i?

[vintagecaravans]

Hey 34, just found the post! try camec on the internet, they have a HUGE range of all kinds on new hatches in their online catalogue, just google them and find a local distributor
Matt

[Deleted]

Didn't get much help with this request, did i?

Hi 34 Chev.

Working on old vans is like working on old cars. Which by the look of your forum name you are probably use to.

So in saying that i am sure you are aware that you just cant buy parts for a 1953 Atlantic down at the corner store.

I suggest that if you want a hatch for your van your gunna have to make one. If you dont feel confident in doing that then you can measure up the size of the external edge of the hatch hole and take it to a joinery works and ask for a new hatch be made with a sqaure timber frame out of 25mm X 50mm timber about 4mm bigger than your measurements all around and have them cover it with sheet metal .

Are the hinges still on the roof of the van yes/ no??
If they are then all that you will have to do is fix the hatch to the hinges and make a locking latch so it doesnt blow off again.

Tip: hinge it from the front edge so that if you forget to lock it and drive away it wont blow open in the wind.

If all else fails use the bottom tray out of a cockys cage.. 600 X 600 square ;D

Good luck
Reddo

[tinnie]

Hi 34chev
- sorry me missed ya post earlier too, or I woulda made similar suggestion to Reddo.
Caravan Parts places will likely only sell ya little plastic hatches or at best a four seasons or fibreglass hatch - none very appropriate for a beaut van such as the Atlantic. What they may help with are the hinges if you lost them. In addition to Camec, I have found caravanplus.com.au have good stock of hardware like that to buy online.
Otherwise just do what the previous owner of me kids 1970s York cubby house did -
piece of cement sheet and a good squirt of liquid nails to hold it on ;D ;D

Cheers, Gristy

[frankidownunder]

Got a hatch coming off franki in a few weeks, it covers an opening of approx 700 X 700, will have all fittings with it. i am in victoria. if interested give me a PM

cheers, denis.

[34chev]

Checked out Camec, their sizes are either around the 450 square or jump straight to 800 square. Will check out the other supplier mentioned.

Was lucky that the hatch detached and left behind the hinges and the arm that locks it in the up position, so only really need the hatch cover itself.

I'll PM franki and see what I come up with.

Thanks

34 Chev