I'd like to replace the neutral safety switch on my '57 Ford Fairlane 500 with a 1958 switch so that I can start the car in Park. Can anyone tell me if this is a simple re and re and whether there are any "alerts" in doing this? Thanks from a newbie....garth
your switch must be out of adjustment all the 57s I have had could start in park only my 57 Lincoln had to start in neutral and had to put a kit in it to start in park and I have had 15+ 57 fords with auto trans in them and have 2 now
All 57's started in neutral if still as equipped from factory. I have 6 of them currently, as well as a 57 Bird and a 57 Continental. all start in neutral. Have had other 57's starting in 1970 all started in neutral. There sell a switch that will allow it to start in park. As for what needs to be done to change over I have no idea, I have no problem starting them in park.
X2 Lots of 57's got converted.
Ron.
Thanks.
I don`t know if its a direct replacement, but my 59 would start in either Park or Neutral (2 speed FordOMatic). It is a small, round plastic switch that is attatched with 2 screws, at the bottom of the steering columns shift tube.
Mine starts only in neutral to. I have two spade connectors, one male, one female, but also have two bullet connectors on it to. Not sure what they would be for, backup lights maybe? Since I have a c6 in it now I'd like to try and use the style that bolts onto the transmission, another project.
The side of the transmission switches are the best. Once adjusted, transmission and switch are always in sync no matter what the linkage or column is doing. Unfortunately, be prepared to remove the valve body to install the switch.
the 58 switch works fine and it will start in both park and neutral!!
The 58 NSS looks to be identical to the 57 so they must have changed the insides to have it start in park to. Nice idea, now you can have your pride and joy slip into reverse while unattended like other Fords from the era.
Quote from: rmk57 on 2017-12-13 10:02
Nice idea, now you can have your pride and joy slip into reverse while unattended like other Fords from the era.
Yup!, X2
Quote from: rmk57 on 2017-12-13 10:02
The 58 NSS looks to be identical to the 57 so they must have changed the insides to have it start in park to. Nice idea, now you can have your pride and joy slip into reverse while unattended like other Fords from the era.
Yup X3!!!!!!!Friend in NH had that exact same thing happen. Car was on his 4 post, drivers door open, reached in to start it, fired, hand hit the shifter, car rolled back pinning him between the post and the door. He spent most of the day there, wife was at work. Car ran out of gas and he was able to "get out".
Quote from: Ford Blue blood on 2017-12-14 06:24
Yup X3!!!!!!!Friend in NH had open, reached in to start it, fired, hand hit the shifter, car rolled back pinning him between the post and the door. He spent most of the day there, wife was at work. Car ran out of gas and he was able to "get out".
YIKES
That's That's horrible.
Quote from: Ecode70D on 2017-12-14 12:03
YIKES
That's That's horrible.
Jay thats something we will never have to worry about :002:
If I give my shift lever a tug I can get it to pop into reverse without pulling it back first. Part of the problem is the C6 transmission linkage/ detents working against the column shift plate. The NSS works somewhere between neutral and reverse on the column indicator, but it does work. I'm used to it and I'm the only one who drives the car anyway.
I may try lengthening or shortening the lever on the trans to get it more in sync.
Early C-6's are (in)famous for doing this.
Ron.
That's exactly what Tommy had in his 57!