1970 ignition switch

[mark belrose]

My ignition switch failed the other day on my 1970 240Z so I tromped down to the local Napa to get another back of switch. Their part differed from what I had on my car, being a larger diameter than mine and unable to slide into the pot metal bracket.

So I ordered from Motorsport and ended up with the same part as what Napa had. Nissan shows the application to be good for all 1970 thru 1983 cars, but obviously that's not true since it doesn't fit mine. Now it looks like I'm out $40 since Motorsport doesn't accept returns on electrical. Needless to say I'm not happy:ermm: .

Anyone have any knowledge of different ignition switch/bracket for very early Z's? Looks like I may have to purchase an entire assembly rather than just hunting around for an oddball back of switch.

Thanks,

Mark Belrose

HLS30-7407

[BD240Z]

Mark,

Here's a picture of the one that came on my 1970 and a new one I got from VB. Obviously the mounting holes are different but the spade connection pattern appears to be the same.

I'm not sure where you can get a new ignition switch for the early 240 ignition. You may have to buy a new ignition for your car.

Bruce

[mark belrose]

Hi Bruce, looks like you have the same setup as I do, and that the new VB one you puchased is also too big to slide into the your bracket. I measure roughly 1.33" OD for the new switch where it slides into the bracket, vs 1.18" for the old one. The connectors are also the same between my two units, but that doesn't do me too much good considering the part itself is much too big to fit.

I just wanted to confirm my car's setup was not unique, as the sales rep at Motorsport was basically telling me I didn't know what I was talking about because Nissan's application list must be correct for all years 1970-1983. Makes me mad I'll have to pay $40 for someone else's mistake.

Mark

[jmortensen]

Why not just get a later ignition switch? Should be easy enough to find locally, and if you can't I can probably find one for you.

[26th-Z]

Mark,

Depending on your date of manufacture, you may have an ignition switch that looks like this. The terminals are different from the upgrade part, however everything plugs into the harness the same. I would have to look it up, but this early switch was upgraded and the barrel is indeed a different size. You can't replace the guts of these anymore. You have to get the whole bracket.

[hls30.com]

You might try some of the Datsun Roadster parts houses-looks the same to me...but I don't have one to measure against.

Will

[mark belrose]

Thanks all for the information. One last question - if I hunt down a non-1970 assembly, can my existing ignition unit (the chrome part the key inserts into) be transferred to the newer assembly? I'm hoping to retain my key set. Otherwise, if I get an assembly at a salvage yard, I'd most likely have to get it rekeyed.

Mark

[jmortensen]

I think the issue there is whether you have single sided keys or not. Mine, #4396, had a single sided igntion key. I'm not sure exactly how that works though as far as transferring the cylinder to another switch assy. When I bought my car it took 3 different keys, so I put a complete new lockset in it a few years back.

[BD240Z]

Mark,

You can't replace the guts of these anymore. You have to get the whole bracket.

Mark,

This probably answers your question about transferring the internals from one ignition into another. I can't say either way because I've never tried to have it done but I trust what 26th is claiming above. Fortunately, the cost to re-key is reasonable.

I've been in your shoes with parts when it comes to the early 240Z and it can be frustrating. It gets compounded when a Sales rep doesn't always know the truth.

Good luck with your car!

Bruce

[mark belrose]

In fairness to Motorsport, Sal left a message on my machine this morning stating they'd take the part back and refund my shipping both ways. He was aware of the potential problem with 1970's, which they've run into before with a few customers with early VINs.

Mark

[EScanlon]

Hopefully Sal makes a note on the Nissan application list they keep.

But that aside, what exactly happened to the original ignition switch. When you say failed....it shattered? Shorted out and melted? Exploded? I guess what I'm driving at, is what happened?

Is there any possibility that the item may be repaired? You'd be surprised how many times people toss items that could in fact be repaired, but aren't, simply because it takes more than a bit of doing.

As these cars age, there are going to be more and MORE parts that are simply going to become not only NLA, but not even non-functional examples will be available. If they can be repaired, or cross-cannibalized in order to make one good one out of 2, 3 or more, then it might be worth exploring.

I know I'm not alone in trying to identify these items, and hopefully find either work-arounds, replacements, repairs or re-manuacturered pieces to satisfy these items.

E

[mark belrose]

Hopefully Sal makes a note on the Nissan application list they keep.

But that aside, what exactly happened to the original ignition switch. When you say failed....it shattered? Shorted out and melted? Exploded? I guess what I'm driving at, is what happened?

E

After work I tried to start my car. It would only stay running as long as the starter was engaged. As soon as I'd release the key the engine would die. I checked the fuel and ignition systems - all ok. Finally I figured out that the car would remain running if I held the key half way between the "on" and "start" positions. So I ran back inside my work and grabbed some vice grips and clamped it to the key. Then I held the vice grips next to my left leg to keep the key in the necessary position as I drove home. It was a little tricky holding the tool in that position and a couple of times I engaged the starter and another couple of times I killed the engine. I'm sure the people following me thought I was a moron.

Anyways I made it home and here the car sits. It looks to me that the back portion of the ignition switch is not serviceable. My guess is that one of the internal contacts broke or bent.

Mark