Neutral safety switch

[Ron]

Does the neutral safety switch in a stock V8/auto trans '57 allow the car to be started only in Neutral?  Or should it also be able to start in Park?  Thanks, Ron...

[rmk57]

Mine only starts in neutral and it has the original safety switch in it. I think 1958 was the first year for park and neutral starting and I'm not sure if it has the same mounting style as the 57 switch.

[RICH MUISE]

Not too long ago, I found out it was neutral only. I laughed because my first thought was that I wouldn't make a good car thief....I couldn't have started someones automatic even if I had the keys.

[gasman826]

left the keys in the wagon all the time...parking brake set and in Park...no one ever stole it

[RICH MUISE]

Thinking about it...it actually makes sense given the name of the switch. I guess that's why it got that designation.

[Ray]

57 was neutral only, 58 was both.

[Ron]

I prefer a neutral safety switch that allows me to start in park or neutral, so the question becomes--can the '58 neutral safety switch be easily adapted to my '57?  Anyone done this?  Thanks, Ron

[Hoosier Hurricane]

Ron, it's my understanding that the '58 switch is a bolt-on replacement for the '57 switch.   John

[Ron]

Thanks for that.  I'll give it a go.  Ron...

[JoeConlon]

57 and 58 switches are interchangeable , I have one in the 57 Ranchero. Columns and steering boxes are different. Good luck !

[Ron]

Joe

Just to be clear, you installed a '58 neutral safety switch in your '57 Ranchero and now it starts in either the park or the neutral position?  No messing around with the wiring or contact points, etc.?  Thanks, Ron.

[RICH MUISE]

Exactly what I was wondering. Everyone that said the switches are interchangeable never said if that actually (pun intended) was all that was needed to make it start in Park. In fact no one ever said it would actually now start in park.

[hiball3985]

As far as I can remember the 58 switch just has two positions that make electrical contact to complete the circuit as opposed to the 57 that only has one. No wiring change required.

[Ford Blue blood]

The neutral safety switch in the Ranchwagon, the 300 I parted and the Retractable all were/are neutral start only.  All three had two sets of contacts, one set for the start circuit and one set for the back up lights.  The 58 switch looks identical, installs exactly the same.  It is different on the inside to allow both neutral and park starting.  I have not seen or found repops of the 58 switch.  I suspect a 59 might do the job as well?