I help coach the collegiate pistol team at MIT, and they store their firearms in a number of large safes they've obtained surplus over the years. The biggest is a two door Meilink safe that is probably 40 or 50 years old. Unfortunately, the cast handle on the combination dial side got bashed at some point, and the main lever broke off. There is just a short stub left. It's useable but just barely.
I contacted Fireking, who owns Meilink now. They _think_ they have a replacement handle that will fit. Before I order it, I wanted to see if anyone had any warnings or words of wisdom on what might be involved in replacing it. The inner labels mention a relocker. I've only recently obtained a "clutch head" screwdriver to remove the inner dust cover panel, so I haven't had a chance to look inside the door yet.
First, am I likely to have any issues with removing the inner door cover? I assume not, but that is a good way to get myself into trouble. For example, if it has a glass relocker, is it probably sturdy enough that I don't have to be super cautious working inside the door? I haven't been able to find any pictures that show if they are typically exposed on the inside, if they are big enough to protect the entire door or just lock area, etc.
Once I get the inner cover off, the handle presumably has a square/splined/keyed shaft (or similar) that drives a cam to operate the locking mechanism. There must be a nut/pin that prevents the handle from being pulled out the front that will have to be removed. Does anyone know how the cam is likely to be attached, and /or how the handle might be removed & replaced? Should I bring a supply of big cotter pins to the party?
Basically, I'm looking for anything odd I should watch out for. If something goes wrong in the process and we can't relock the safe, we will have a small fortune in target pistols we will have to find a secure home for in a hurry. We get next to no finacial support from the university, and hiring a pro is out of our budget. As it is, I will be buying the handle out of pocket.
The alternative is for me to mill a pocket into a steel bar that can be attached over the remaining stub. Not as elegant, not as interesting, but much less risky.
Thanks!
Doug White