Im stumped by this red button next to the battery. Doesnt seem to do anything. I dont think its stock, any ideas why a PO would have put this in?

That is the activation button for the newbie discombobulation confuserator. It causes the activator(you) to become confused and disoriented, preventing further damage from being done to the car by sending you back inside for a nap.

J.K. I have no idea what it could be. Perhaps a remote starter button, a kill switch, or a breaker switch for the battery?

Not a kill or a starer switch.. at least one that works. Doesnt seem to do anything except confuse me, and now you.

Loopks like the PO was a furnace repairman and installed a "restart" switch!

Wouldn't that be sweet! The car fails, you hit the button and all is well again... Where can I get one of those? (It'd be great for life in general!)

It kinda looks like those switches put on "74 model cars to reset the seat belt interlock system......Washington at its best.

Assuming your car is a 74 US 260, it is a switch that allows you to by bypass the "Seat Belt - Ignition Interlock" system. From the factory the car could not be started if you or a passenger were not wearing your seat belts.

To bypass the system you would have to turn the key to "ON" then get out and push that button, then the car would start. Royal PITA. Datsun issued technical info on how to disable it in a 12/12/74 tech memo as stated on pg 197 of Wick Humble's book. Your car has probably already been disabled if you can start it without the seat belts fastened.

Todd

11/74!!!! Thanks guys!