The mystery of the secret Spare key box (in the frame)

[JDMjunkies.ch]

Recently i stumblet upon this blog Post from my mate @florian at Datsun-Autowerk, where he claims that some Z's had a secret spare key box in the front radiator frame crossmember thing. After asking a bit more, he said that he had seen it on two cars so far.




I had a closer look at my currently sandblasted frame, but no indications that it ever had it nor that it was modified at some point..

So we checked our R-drive manuals. it seems there were three types of front crossmembers, but none of them ever had a box, according to the drawings:

Same with the L-Drive:

We couldn't find anything in the "keys" section of the Parts manual either, and the key-box is not listed anywere at all.
I can think this is something that was installed in specific markets only due to some safety legal requirements or whatnot, but at the end it seems a bit of a mystery.
It looks too professional and "factory" to be an aftermarket installation, on the other hand, no information is available in the official documentation.

Now the question is: Does anybody know more? Have you seen this on other cars as well? do you probably even have such a feature. Maybe never checked it out?

Whatever you know, we're happy to hear about it 🙂

[Mark Maras]

Is it a magnetic mount, It looks like a "Hide-a-Key" box from back in the 60s and 70s.

[billgtp]

Used to be real common. Hide a key

[siteunseen]

I used to put a spare behind the tag, on one of the tag fastener screws/bolts. Then I found out that was everyone's secret hide.

Now I have them zip tied on the rear frame behind the rear tire.

BTW, my USA '72 does not have the spare key spot we're talking about.

Edited May 6, 2023 by siteunseen