Chewievette Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 I just picked up my first Z this weekend. Its a 1979 280ZX but I dont have a key for the doors. I'm curious to know what my best course of action is. How easy would it be to change the locks? Or should I try to get new keys made for it? Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike kZ Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 A lock shop can make keys for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 10 to 1, the ignition lock has been changed out. If that's the case, the key code to the doors and hatch will be located on the hatch lock itself. Remove the rear interior panel, in front of the tail lights, find the 2 10mm bolts that hold the licence plate light on. Remove them. The license plate light assembly can now be removed, exposing the sides of the hatch lock. Look on the hatch lock for the key code, stamped into the side of the lock, it should be MXXXX where XXXX = 5000-6000. Have a key made to that number at your local locksmith shop. If that key fits and works in the doors, VIOLA!...if not, the key code should be stamped into the passenger door lock. It's alot more of a pain in the arse to remove the door locks, but it can be done. If the doors have been changed though, and the new hatch key doesn't work them, you're still gonna have to remove the locks. Take them to your local locksmith and I'm sure he can make a key for them by disassembling them and reading the wafers. DO NOT let a locksmith impression your locks with a key blank and a file. These 30 year old locks are way too fragile to make keys that way. Just some friendly advice from your local automotive locksmith. P.S. Up until 1982 or so, Nissan, then Datsun dealers were supposed to put the key code to the vehicle on a tag located inside the glove box, usually on the door. If you're lucky enough to find it there, that'll save you a bunch of wrenching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewievette Posted November 29, 2004 Author Share Posted November 29, 2004 P.S. Up until 1982 or so, Nissan, then Datsun dealers were supposed to put the key code to the vehicle on a tag located inside the glove box, usually on the door. If you're lucky enough to find it there, that'll save you a bunch of wrenching. Well I know I'm not going to find it on the glove box ...it doesn't have one anymore. and all the insulation and covering has been removed from the hatch lock so it should be really easy to read those numbers. Thanks for the tip. Now I just have to find a locksmith.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted November 30, 2004 Share Posted November 30, 2004 I have different locks of either side of the car, and the hatch is different, too... or the pasenger door is just broken, I don't know. My main key works in the ignition and the driver's door. The other key I got works in the hatch. No key works in the passenger door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted November 30, 2004 Share Posted November 30, 2004 covering has been removed from the hatch lock so it should be really easy to read those numbers. Perhaps you mis-read, or I didn't clarify enough. The number will be on the OUTSIDE of the car. The license plate lamp has to be removed so you can see it. The code will be stamped into the OUTSIDE cylindrical casing of the lock, OUTSIDE the car...normally covered by the license plate light. Hope that clears that up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewievette Posted November 30, 2004 Author Share Posted November 30, 2004 Okay, I guess I've got some work to do then eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted November 30, 2004 Share Posted November 30, 2004 only if you call removing 2 screws "work"... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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