Ignition Switch

[bbaker]

Last Monday my 72  z was broken into and and attempted to be stolen the only thing that saved it was the fact that it hadn't been driven for two days and the idiots probabaly know nothing about the choke on older cars so it wouldn't start and they bailed. But they did manage to break the tumbler on the ignition switch so now I can start my car with any key, stick, stiff piece of cardboard or any other thing that will fit. So my question is this, Has anybody had any success with any keyless remotes or push button starter switches with a remote key switch since I have to replace this any I should probably upgrade to something a little more theft proof

Thanks for any suggestions

[SteveJ]

Cheapest I could find for the original style switch: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-240Z-New-OEM-ignition-switch-lock-cylinder-assembly-Nissan-/321568859861?hash=item4adeff66d5&vxp=mtr

 

Answer to your initial query: http://www.classiczcars.com/topic/38885-daves-new-startstop-button-ignition-system/

[Bonzi Lon]

I've found out that an empty holster on the seat is a pretty good deterrence. 

 

Bonzi Lon

[FastWoman]

Your ignition lock was probably close to worn out anyway.  After decades of service, they get to the point you can turn them with the wrong car key, a house key, a popsicle stick, a screwdriver, etc.  Many locksmiths will be able to replace your key cylinder with a new part.

 

Then to theft-proof your car, I would wire in some sort of defeat circuit or switch.  Many strategies are possible.  I think one that might work well is to wire your starter wire to a momentary switch.  If you hold the switch while turning the key, the engine will crank.  If you don't hold the switch, the horn will be energized when you turn the key.  I would think the would-be thieves would bail as soon as they turn the key and blow the horn once.

 

One wonders whether thieves nowadays know how to hotwire an old car with carbs and points ignition.  It's pretty easy.  However, an electric fuel pump and electronic ignition (e.g. a reluctance distributor and an HEI retrofit) might give you two more things you could disable that would not be as easily hot-wired.