ok, after several trips back and forth to the garage, and checking for any response, this is what I have discovered. 1) I am not the only one who ever replaced one of these latches and ended up cutting the inside panel to install the new latch. During close examination...guess if no problem with a door that latches worked on, just never paid any attention....discovered 2 doors previous owner cut the panels to install some new latches. Have to admit that my installation end results looked better than theirs (not bragging cause still don't believe that is correct way to do). 2) found a parts list and picture of the cargo doors from Winnebago site...and several more trips to garage...I see the bottom strip (they called it a rocker panel/extrusion-item #12) comes off. I went back to the garage again and confirmed that it is riveted on. So I thought good, just drill out the rivets from each side, remove the back cover on latch and I could slide the panel out and get to the latches and all the components. No, not that easy...discovered that rocker panel is also riveted from the exterior (painted side) and also held on by some black type sealant. Don't know if I can get it off even if I drilled out the nicely painted rivet on exterior side or if I'd bend it all up due to sealant. Lets say that if everything went well up till that point...then comes the part to slide out the panel. That's if the exterior panel and interior panel aren't glued (sandwiched) to the Styrofoam filled doors! CRAP!! Darn if you do, Darn if you don't! Cutting the panel is looking better all the time! At least no one would see it but me.....Way to go Winnebago....no wonder they changed them on the newer models! Please if someone has a better idea or if I am totally out in left field on this, don't worry about hurting my feelings by setting me straight.
If I get a chance tomorrow I am going to try one more thing. I will remove the back cover off the latch handle and see if I can pull or bow the panel...at least I would know weather it's glued or not....and if not, maybe with some maneuvering and bowing can pop the panel out?? Won't know till I try. Keeping my fingers crossed! Apologize for such long post!
