280z Door Lock Elbow

[S30Driver]

My driver side door lock has been getting progressively worse at unlocking the door over the past 6 months, so I decided to try the "coat hanger elbow modification." About 1 in every 3 times I had to get in and unlock the door from the rear hatch. Seemed to happen mostly if it was colder outside vs warm. Cannot use the passenger side door for entry as the key lock was missing its elbow that connects to the door latch mechanism since I have had the car.

If anyone had one for the passenger side, let me know.

Removed the lock on the driver side door, removed the elbow, (which was barely moving with the key turning) carefully drilled the hole for the coat hanger wire, re-installed the lock and voila, no problem with key opening and locking the door. Great fix because it is reversible if I ever put a new lock in the door.

Now, I just need to find that elbow for the passenger side...

[Zed Head]

Not really sure what this is? Is it described somewhere else? How does the coat hanger differ from what you removed?

My locks have the same cold versus hot problem. Cold weather makes everything hard to move.

[S30Driver]

Hey Zed

The elbow attaches to the back of the lock with a small clip. The cam wears with age and the elbow does not turn enough to unlock the door. Becomes worse at lower temps because of more friction.

Here is a pix of the elbow from the person who posted the modification...

[Hardway]

I wrote up the post below and provided the picture you referenced above.

How To - S30 Door Lock "Coat Hanger" Repair - Nissan : Datsun ZCar forum :Nissan Z Forum: 240Z to 370Z

You said you had done the coat hanger modification before. Which part was failing? Did you not drill the hole through the cam the first time? On your passenger side lock, if I understand you are missing the elbow all together? Once you have this you will do the coat hanger modification as well?

[S30Driver]

My driver side lock was never modified, I utilized your mod & it now works great! It was slowly failing from wear on the lock cam.

The passenger side lock has never worked since I have owned the car. It is indeed missing the elbow, there is no connection from the lock to the door mechanism.

I will also do the modification on that lock when I can find the elbow somewhere.

[Hardway]

Gotcha! Glad to hear the mod worked for you. The door lock elbows seem to be precious items and you will probably have to buy a whole used lock in order to get one. You could always try making one but its harder than it looks making something small and strong. I would look around on Craigslist for people parting out cars or selling parts lots. Also, double check in the bottom of your door as it may be sitting inside the door. Since seeing inside the door is rather difficult try lightly dragging a flat head screwdriver the length of the door and see if you make any contact. You can also use a magnet tipped tool and see what you pick up.

[S30Driver]

Yes, twice I have looked for the elbow but no luck. I think the PO tried a repair (when I got the car the pass door would not even open with the handle or interior release) and did not re-install the elbow.

Have been watching craigslist, 2 parts cars just a little too far away so far. May try a yard as well.

Thanks for doing the thread on the mod.

[Hardway]

I would suggest doing a nationwide search with Craigslist or joining and posting up on the Datsun Parts page on Facebook. For something as small as a lock elbow or a whole lock most people won't mind shipping it as long as you pay for it. I have had lots of success doing this and met some nice sellers along the way. Just make sure to see some good pictures of it as the passenger side elbow is different from the driver side.