Regarding the noise problem, I would check your exhaust. My 56 does the same thing. On cold mornings it almost sounds like a rod knocking at start up. It scared the crap out of me After spending hours trying to figure it out I layed underneath the car with it running. Passanger side exhaust was actually hitting the frame by the x member until it warmed up. Simple fix with a pry bar

Rob

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

Until the 58 models,Fords with automatic had  a neutral safety switch that prevented them from starting in any position except neutral.A true neutral safety switch!!!!!!!!

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Do you mean that all the time I spent fighting with my 56 Vicky over the neutral/park starting I was chasing a ghost! I never could get it set correctly, or so it seemed! Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

A 1958 switch is a bolt on replacement finding one is the trick. I changed mine years ago. Be carefull when on e bay make sure it's a 58 switch. Gerry

Lake Forest California  5th inf 77 Armor Div. VN 68/69

If you put your town and state in your signature

help might be closer than you think.

Well Ron, at least you know where to go for the answers,John is right,these babies only start in neutral.It's funny when you take one to a car wash that has to be driven in by an attendent and watch while they can't start it. Ofcourse then you get to drive it in so they can't mess up anything.

-Gary Burnette-

My 55 club sedan only starts in neutral, I too was told that's the way it is.

  Dennis in Lititz PA

As far as I know, your car should start in park. Only the early Birds started in neutral only. You may have a bad neutral safety switch or it may need realignment. I think the neutral safety switch is near the end of the steering column (it is on a 54), at the end of the shift lever. Check a service manual for adjusting. Motors Books may have info also.



Can't help on the noise.



JUST SAW JOHN'S REPLY - DISREGARD ABOVE.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Ron:

There are no dumb questions on this forum.  We are all here to help each other, and we don't all know the same things.

Your '55 has always started in neutral only.  That's the way the switch is made.  Ford didn't fix this problem until '58.

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

My car will only start from Neutral, shouldn't it also start in Park? If so where is the problem? Had speedometer cable made locally for $26.00 so that is now fixed and works great, engine has quite a bit of blow-by  and has banging sound coming from oil pan or transmission until warmed up then is fine....car runs and drives just fine.