RobotandtheRoad

The reason I say "From what I understand" is because this has happened with two different ignition cylinders from 2 different 240Zs. One of which was already using an aftermarket ignition cylinder. The only difference is that the aftermarket one gave up the key without a fight once it got stuck. Maybe both were worn in the same way. I'm not willing to risk it with the recently unstuck cylinder just to see what happens. Don't ask me why I repeated the mistake... part of the process was figuring out what key went to where. That's 6 keys between 2 cars. At least now the ones for what I'm currently working on are clearly marked.

Initially got the key out with a little bit of tugging. I was able to take the lock to a locksmith and get the cylinder unstuck. From what I understand, it will admit any wrong key and turn as long as a specific cut matches. Then it breaks or gets stuck after turning to a certain point. A little frustrating on a car with 3 different keys.

Noticed some odd keying for the Z I'm working on ('71). Another car's ignition key being keyed to the glovebox and— Anyway: I turned the ignition with the wrong key (WK), it got stuck 180° clockwise (in the on position) and won't turn back with the WK. This WK turned smooth into the on position and got entirely stuck. The right key also has resistance going in and I don't want to break anything further. I already have a work around, but is there any way to keep the ignition and fix this? Also why does it allow the wrong key, turn, then lock up?

Just in case I do something similar, would you have a recommendation for a modern one to replace it?

I'm not much of a car person, so the resources I know of to reach out to are... low. There's 2 Datsun 240Zs in my garage and, while neither run, one is a bit closer than the other. Figured I'd use one as an example for the other, in case I took something apart and didn't remember how to put it back together. Though, one has a part that I'm having trouble naming and it's not there on every image I've seen for the car online.