Lost original key with no spare

[AndysPlit]

Yup.....It's really sad and quite boneheaded of me I admit. My glove-box also lacks the key code so that it would be an easy fix. So, I am faced with paying over $100 for the locksmith to come out or buy a used ignition with key and install it myself.

Anyone have one for sale for a 78 Z? I already checked the classifieds. Are these a bitch to install? Any suggestions for this dilemma would be appreciated......Yes, I will make a spare!

Thanks!

Andy

[bluezcrazy]

Not sure if it will work on that old of a car, but you might call the closest Nissan dealer. At the Mazda dealership I work at you can get the original key code numbers by the VIN number. Then you only have to pay for the key & cut fee. Good luck

Bryce

[grantf]

another option is to take the ignition out and bring it to a locksmith, that would save a little $$$. they are not that dificult to remove, just take you're time and be sure to store all of the hardware in a safe place as to not loose any little screws.

[zKars]

the key code is also located stamped into the passenger door lock cylinder (assuming it hasn't been changed...). Not the easiest to get to, but good to remember!

[signal34]

As long as a single key worked all of the exterior locks and the ignition, you can have a key made from one of the exterior lock cylinders and not have to mess with pulling the ignition. The passenger door lock cylinder should have a key code stamped into it, but even if does not you can pull it and any qualified locksmith can disassemble it and cut a key for it by hand. Prices vary by region but here locally it would run you around fifteen dollars if you pull the lock cylinder and take it to the locksmith shop.

Edited December 29, 2011 by signal34

[5thhorsemann]

It's sooooo much easier to pull the ignition off and take to the locksmith. Additionally, and I speaking to cars in general not just Z's, the door and trunk locks do not always have as many pins in the cylinders as the ignition cylinder. If you're uncomfortable pulling thr ignition cylinder yourself, strip the cover off the column and then call in the locksmith to make copies on site.

My local dealership said they do not keep the key code records going this far back (73 in my case) so I went to easters lock and key locally who cut the first key for $25 and $5 each for copies which were all tested on the car before I left.

[AndysPlit]

Thanks for the advice everyone

My local Nissan dealer's records for the vin # only goes back about 10 years. Not even my Z32 would make the cut in a similar situation. messed up, eh?

As far as retrieving the key code from inside the passenger door goes, that might help....partially. I have three keys for the car. One for the ignition, one for the doors, and one for the hatch. Thanks Datsun! Anyway, it seems taking out the ignition and bringing it to a local locksmith may be the cheapest solution.

Wish me luck!

[5thhorsemann]

If the same blank fits all 4 locks, it might be worth your while to take all of them to the locksmith and have them keyed the same, just a thought.

[AndysPlit]

Getting one key made for the entire car would put an end to nearly 15 years of torture by excessive keys.

[olzed]

Yes, What were they thinking making three different keys for our cars??

[Unkle]

Yes, What were they thinking making three different keys for our cars??

Really ??

They did not . Previous '' thrifty '' owners chucked in locks from the wreckers . Unless you have a very early '70 car , over the years these locks were replaced after break ins , wear outs , or general f-ups and were never keyed alike to the original code.

Let's give the Japanese some credit here !

Happy new year : )

[AndysPlit]

I always give the Japanese credit. Half of me can't help it

I'll be calling a few locksmiths today. Wish me luck. I'll post an update soon. Happy New Year. Can't wait to drive my baby in 2012! Owned her since 97!