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Installing a Travelling Sofa Bed Lock - 3C |
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| Sounds intriguing? All those with a 3C will know what we are on about! This modification allows you to drive along with the sofa lounge in the ready to use position. As received from the factory, before moving, you must completely lower the sofa base otherwise it moves backwards and forwards each time the brakes are applied. Lifestyle is the reason we opted for an A'van. We liked the idea of being able to stop anywhere for a quick meal or rest. For this to work successfully in practice there must be the minimum setting up required. Lots of A'vanners miss out on this, as they carry items under the table and in front of the sofa, usually by putting a barrier such as a folding table in the area just behind the cupboards. |
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Remember this is only for A'vans with the folding sofa type lounge as found in the 3C model. |
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| So having a break by the roadside turns into a real chore! Even though this looks like a very simple project a heck of a lot of thought went into it. The problem was you had to stop the base coming forward AS WELL AS stopping it from lifting up. An ideal solution is already in the A'van - the gadget that holds the sides up. The problem was, it was too big and only A'van make them, so other sizes were not available. We looked at a pad bolt either side, but ruled this out due to the bending required, plus you needed two. We looked at window sash locks but these proved too finicky to fit and really not strong enough. The final solution came from a guy who restores old Queenslander style homes. He showed us a special window lock made from polished solid brass - beautifully made. It was then an easy task to adapt it to the A'van. All we had to do was glue a piece of heavy plywood behind the front wall to stop flexing - about 10 minutes is all this job takes. |
| What to Buy Solid brass polished sash lock - we have ONLY ever seen this in Bunnings Warehouses - the old Hardwarehouse shops converted to Bunnings DON'T stock this part. Expect to pay around $14.00. The packet has NO number and is a dirty gray colour as per the photo immediately below. It is usually near the window sash locks. You will also need a small piece of plywood the same height as the bed for strengthening insert. This needs to be 100 mm wide. Tools You need a rule, 3/32 drill. screwdriver and some construction adhesive ($3 approx). |
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| Fitting Instructions Best not to rush into this job as all A'vans are not identical so please take your time doing the measurements. Please note that we are NOT trying to get the lock dead in the middle. Raise the sofa bed and support it with a dowel etc. Remove anything behind the front wall. Make a light vertical pencil line on the front face to indicate the CENTRE of the rear support timber. Sorry we cannot give you dimensions as your van could be slightly different. Assemble the lock and place it as per the photo above. Mark the right hand screw hole ONLY. Drill a 1/16" pilot hole at least 1" deep. Attach the bottom half of the lock using the RIGHT hand hole only. Make sure that the lock is parallel with the top edge. Put a good amount of glue or Liquid Nails on the stiffener piece. Place it behind the lock on the inside. If possible clamp it in position. Drill another pilot hole and insert the screw. Wipe off any excess adhesive. Assemble the lock and lower the sofa. Mark the top holes, and drill two pilot holes. Carefully attach the screws - use some soap to make it easier. If you are a total perfectionist you could recess the top half of the lock if you wish. |
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Last updated:
24-Jan-03
