It would have been cheaper to paint it than do all the other stuff.

I disagree completely. A good paint job *for me to get* would cost me about $8,000. I will be spending way less than than for my Nismo conversion. I got my Z under invoice to boot.

-edit-

OK back on topic. LOL! Final outcome for those in a similar situation: And don't laugh. A fuse blew at the driver side kick panel. The "Push Start" Ignition fuse. All this headache and towing for nothing. I did end up getting a NEW IPDM module installed though, and that could be a blessing in discuise. I hear this device has been a big problem on Nissans and on some of the 2009's... Not sure if this is true, but I got a brand new one overnighted from Nissan...

Sooo, check all your fuses! (I did check the IPDM and relays in the engine area, but NOT the kick panel area!) :(