Hi.

I've just placed a deposit on this cool 240Z. I'll be making a build thread once i pick it up and start working on it, but i have a few concerns about it that the owner couldn't answer unknowingly.

The good: only 65,XXX Confirmed miles (So the PO says), Factory E31 head, Only surface rust, and it has a 5-Speed from a JDM 240Z (Installed in '74-75).

The concerns: No keys (Luckily the car was unlocked), been sitting for 3 years non oped due to lost keys, part of center console had to be cut to fit the 5-Speed.

My biggest concern is getting new keys made for the car. How much might this cost me? How should i go about getting this adressed (Lock smith, Nissan dealer, etc)?

There was slightly less that 1/4 tank before it sat. Whats the risk the tank might be rusty?

 

If you're lucky, the key code is (was originally) on a sticker inside the glove box. Take it to Nissan, have them cut you a new copy. If not, I would call your local Nissan dealer with the VIN ready to see if they can reproduce the key (and you will probably need proof that you own the car).

 

Thanks for the tip. Is this code on the same sticker in the glovebox that tells you the tire size, pressure etc.? I can easily give them the VIN if not.

 

Congrats on the new car. Most likely you are looking at 165k or 265k, hard to tell with a 5 number odometer, judging from the current condition most likely more than less, but it is really hard to tell.

I see one of the PO's had a sun roof installed, there have been a few locally that have come up for sale with that mod and I sickens me that someone would hack up a perfectly good slick top, I am sure patching one and getting it to look perfect wouldn't be easy. Aftermarket sun roofs are one of my pet peeves.

Keep us posted on your progress, good luck getting your keys cut.

But still cool car, the S30's have a ton of potential, every part of the suspension has a cool aftermarket light weight part now. really all a guys needs is a fairly rust free body to start with, the rest is just time and money.... and motivation, which is a great thing about ZDriver.

 

Thanks!!! I can't wait to drive it!
True, i probably wont ever know for sure what the actual mileage is due to the obsolete VIN, but it seems like it has lower mileage due to the extreme lack of rust (Light surface rust on top of rear right fender, and on left window sil), and original seats being in great condition (Drivers seat has a small tear at the seam, passenger seat has none).

I agree, the sunroof is very cheesy, and i will probably get it removed and the roof sealed again. How much do you think that would cost?

Called a few local Nissan dealerships and unfortunately they say they are unable to re create the keys. Luckily i found out that my insurance covers $100 for a locksmith.

Oh, it also has some kind of header-back vintage twice pipes on it, so it should sound pretty sweet.

 

Condition is really what we are looking for any ways, mileage is relative and meaningless once you are restoring your car. Condition and the over all obvious wear and tear and lack of rust sounds like you have a good solid car to start with. Once I finish parting out my 84 slick top, I can cut you a piece to fit, should be roughly the same arch so getting it to disappear with good body work shouldn't be to hard. ideally you would want a piece from the same model, but I bet they are close, but I am guessing, If you left all the work to a body shop it might get expensive

 

Just about keys: I got my t-tops re-keyed but I had to leave one of them with the locksmith for a day. Think it was a $20 project. You don't want to remove your ignition cylinder - but you can import/invite a locksmith to look at it and come up with a solution.

 

I hope since these old locking mechanisms are so low tech that it wouldn't be a huge task for someone to get a few keys coded for the car. Just bought myself a set of genuine 240Z blank keys, which were a ridiculous forty bucks, but i'm all about originality when it comes to little things like this.

Here's a little teaser of what's to come:

 

Very easy to remove the ignition lock assembly and take it to a locksmith. Also, if you remove that part, you can take the actual ignition swith off the back or get one at a local auto parts house and you can attempt to start the car w/o worring about keys. All it takes is just a flat blade screwdriver to turn the switch assembly and start your car. Harms nothing, just remember to turn your switch to the off position after running it. If you have an FSM, you can see how those three main pieces go together to make up the switch assembly. While you are tinkering with the car, drop off the rest (lock assembly & key lock) to a competent locksmith and they can cut you some new keys.

Advance auto parts & amazon show this whole assembly for sale, if you want to go that way, but currently neither place shows any stock.

 

RockAuto has ignition lock cylinders (with keys) for just over $30. They also have new ignition switches between $16 and $24.

 

Great prices, beg3yrs. We found a new ignition switch for my '86T - on Amazon, if I remember. It was just under $100 - but the fit was perfect and it works great.

 

Nice car! appears to be straight and dent/rust free so your definatly off to a great start. I got two 71s and neither have vents on the hatch like yours does.. why do you have vents? haha

I got a 77 280z with no keys..

Im probly going to take the ignition cylinder off to have a key made.

Those cylinder setups you can buy online are good.. but what are you going to do about the doors and hatch when you want to lock the car itself?