How to replace letterbox access gate?

[tailchopper]

G’day,

We’ve just realised that the access door on our letterbox was missing at the time we purchased our home – something we unfortunately overlooked during the inspection (not helped by the less-than-professional seller, either).

I’m wondering if there’s a way to repair or replace just the access door without having to buy an entirely new letterbox, as the rest of it is still in good condition.

Letterbox is most likely of this type: https://www.bunnings.com.au/northcote-pottery-35-x-90cm-grey-metro-pillar-letterbox_p0018447 

Would really appreciate any ideas, suggestions or advice you might have!

Thanks in advance – keen to hear your thoughts.

Mozza

[EricL]

Hello @tailchopper 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your letterbox.

My first suggestion would be to file a query with the Spare Parts Department or give them a call on 1800 772 737. They will be able to find out through our supplier if the door assembly is available as a spare part. My only other suggestion is to D.I.Y. a cover that will work with your letterbox. I propose using Metal Mate 0.5 x 300 x 900mm Plain Aluminium Sheet to build a door.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, and @Nailbag for their recommendations. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @tailchopper 

are you sure the door frame is not fixed to the brick work and not part of a full letterbox insert? If so you can get new doors and frames like this one. It might be a matter of Googling "metal mailbox door replacement" to find one that is of the right size.


Nailbag

[Noyade]

Evening @tailchopper 

"(not helped by the less-than-professional seller, either)

I hope it's not the same seller that put the visible flyer in your box?

To my aging eyes there appears to be a 'bulge' at the top, that may have a tubular receptacle for a metal pin which I suspect was on the missing flap?

Is there any chance of photographing, very close in this area to see?

Can the remaining back frame be easily removed?

Just random thoughts for maybe a repair/replacement job made from steel plate.

But I think the above members ideas would be a better way to go.

Keep us informed.

Cheers.

[Dave-1]

Goood Evening @tailchopper 

I actually went along the same same lines as @Nailbag, It looks like a standard rear and you have access to the inside thanks to the door missing 

Love the leaflet that @Noyade  has pointed out lol makes for a good story for sure.

Id remove the existing rear, then measure and see if a standard fitting would work.

Dave

[tailchopper]

Hi Nailbag,

Really appreciate your advice. I’ve taken some approximate measurements (not 100% accurate), and the Sandleford product you linked seems to be a close match. The million-dollar question (for a $50 product): I couldn’t quite determine is whether the frame can be removed. I’ve attached a photo I took from the inside, it looks like it’s bolted, so perhaps there’s a chance it can be unscrewed?

 

[tailchopper]

Hi Noyade,

Haha ! good one on leaflet see the image at the end

Thanks a lot for suggestions. Here is the image from inside. the dimensions I believe are almost identical to Sandleford product that nailbag shared.

Leaflet: there was perhaps a hidden message in the leaflet for me  

[JacobZ]

Hi @tailchopper,

It certainly looks like you can remove the old letterbox plate by rotating off the old bolts.

Have a look at How to fix or replace back cover for letterbox/mailbox where much the same discussion has already been had, and the Sandleford 160 x 235mm Aluminium Brick-In Letterbox Set was used.

Have a read and let me know what you think.

Jacob