Hey guys-
Long story short- I lost my keys. Being the genius that I am, I had my only two copies on the same key ring! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />
Since the top is not there anyway, security is not really a high priority deal. I don't need keys for that. (I will have to figure out the gas door, but...)

Can I by pass the ignition switch and just put in a push button starter switch, with maybe a toggle run/stop?

I don't want to permanently alter it so it couldn't go back, as I know that the keys will turn up, or I'll pony up the dough for the locksmith to cut me a new key. In the short term, I just want to drive the dang thing. It's the only rig I have left that will tow my boat. Part of the cost of the new key is that I live in a town without a locksmith. I have to pay his fee to come to town... THEN pay for the new key. If I can at least get it running, I can drive it to his shop.

I don't think you can use just one starter switch, since the ignition must also be switched to ON - two separate functions. You could rig an IGNITION ON/OFF and a STARTER button.

It's probably cheaper/easier to go to the junkyard and find another switch with a key (hopefully)..... if you have some trucks in the local yards.

Frank

Write down your VIN number, go to the stealership parts department and they can cut you a key from their code book. Much better than copying a worn out key - I do it with any used car I buy. And it will most likely cost less than $10. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

The dealership I worked at charged an additional $25-$35 for a key-code lookup. They did it to help offset the cost of the machine that cuts the keys (automated, very cool). Just something to be aware of.

This is not to say that it's a rip-off. I would have paid it for new keys to my Venture, but since I worked there, I didn't have to pay.

Expect to be required to show proof of ownership if you decide to go this route.

When I did a lot of repos, we used to get keys the same way, from the dealer, with a copy of the security agreement and the matchinng vin.

Remove the gas door lock cylinder and take it to a locksmith. I've had keys made for about $15 using this method.

One thing to keep in mind is that having a new key cut from the code looked up at the dealer means you're using a new key on a worn lock cylinder & it may not work if the cylinder is really worn. We would have that problem occasionally at the Nissan dealership I used to work at - the keys would get locked in a car or lost so we'd cut a new key from the key code but it wouldn't turn in the lock cylinder.
Getting a locksmith to cut you a key from your fuel door lock cylinder is a better bet.

Thanks guys-
But...
No Dealership. Closed up a few years ago.
Haven't checked the yard yet, but not typically much there. They crush them rather quickly these days. I'd also still have to deal with the gas door. It would have to be picked or something. Getting a new one off the same JY rig would be easy enough.

How do I get the lock cylinder out of the fuel door if it's locked shut?

ise the key to open it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Seriously though, don't you have an inside release? I know mine does.

I believe that's '87 and up? Not on the '84. I'm gonna put some serious effort into this deal today if I can stay awake.