1972 door locks ?

[CrimsonPhoenix]

The problem: key only works in ignition, NOT in either door, hatch or glovebox.

-Key will insert into all locks all the way, but will not turn in ANY direction. Groove is on the left side of key.

-Unsure of any previous work done to the car, as in replacement ignition(which I assume happened)both keys work in ignition.

Question: Would it be easier to remove the locks and have them re-coded to the igniton and the master key(vice versa) or does it sound like an issue with the locks themselves? Should I just pony up the $ and replace everything at once and know I have new hardware?

Also, doors will not lock when shut(door pin won't move up or down) and the hatch is in the unlocked position and will not lock.

Should I just take everything apart, try cleaning/fixing or is it worth it time and effort-wise to just buy new parts? Any advice is appreciated. I did a search on this before I posted...there are a few threads with lock issues, but nothing exact like this. Thanks.

[EScanlon]

AFAIK, if the key FITS the door locks as well as the Ignition Lock, then you CAN key the Doors or Ignition to function with the same key.

Find a locksmith that's been around for a good while to ensure that he has the old Datsun wafers he'll need in case the ones in your locks aren't the proper combination.

(As an aside, if you know the locks are original to the car, check the inside of the glove compartment door and see if there is a key code there. With that he can simply cut you a new key for the doors.)

Buying all new hardware is always a sure bet to ensure trouble free operation, however, it can be extremely spendy.

As far as the doors not being able to lock, it may be a simple matter of the Door CATCH being too far in towards the center of the car and therefore not allowing the Door LATCH itself and the locking mechanism to fully travel and actuate the door lock mechanism. That's why your door lock stem won't go down, the lock mechanism is in the "safety" catch mode, i.e. first click and not completely shut.

To verify this, actuate the door latch with the door open by rotating the cam past TWO clicks. Once there, try to actuate your door lock stem, it should go down. Try to open the door from the outside and it shouldn't do so. Right off the top of my head I can't recall if the interior door latch handle will allow you to override the lock, but check it anyhow.

See what this does before you begin disassembling everything.

E

[EScanlon]

By the way, Unkle (that's his user name) is a professional locksmith who can really give you info. You can PM him or wait and see if he responds to this thread.

E

[Oiluj]

As an aside, on these cars, sometimes the ignition key lock gets worn and replaced, so it doesn't match the entry locks. Was that way on both my previous 240z's.

[FastWoman]

What Oiluj said! If you can start your car with your house key (or possibly even a popsicle stick), you probably have the original ignition lock.

New hardware isn't ALL spendy. I think you could get a new ignition cylinder (just the part that turns -- from a locksmith) and door locks (Taiwanese from ebay) all keyed to the same key for maybe $70, as I recall. However, the hatch lock is... well... quite spendy.

[tlorber]

The door locks CAN be reindexed with new "wafers" to match the ignition key. However, to do this you will need to remove and destroy the bezel. It is possible to have a new bezel crimped on, but it is not worth the money to buy the bezel crimping tool. A locksmith may have this.

You could also give Dean a call at datsunparts.com

He sells parts for roadsters, which use the same locks as the Z's. I had him rekey some roadster locks for me in the past.

[CrimsonPhoenix]

Thanks guys...once work calms down and I have some time to dig at it some more I'll be taking them to a locksmith. The guy we've always used is familiar with the 240z's locks(read: has done quite a few of them) so I should be in business soon. Thanks again.

[soundmasterg]

There should be a code on the passenger door lock cylinder and also on the hatch lock cylinder. These should be the same, and a key in those should fir the other locks too.

Been there, done that! A local locksmith fixed me up with keys that would fit, and all the locks were the same.

greg

[CrimsonPhoenix]

There should be a code on the passenger door lock cylinder and also on the hatch lock cylinder. These should be the same, and a key in those should fir the other locks too.

Been there, done that! A local locksmith fixed me up with keys that would fit, and all the locks were the same.

greg

Cool....I was unaware of the code on the pass and hatch cylinder, only thought there was the key code in the glovebox.

I also don't mind running an ignition key, and a key for the doors...all my other old cars had 2 separate keys so I'm used to it.