I installed backup lights on my 56 Ford Victoria and wired the lights into the spare plug in terminals on the neutral switch assuming that contact would make in "R". The problem is when I adjust the neutral switch to make in "park" for the neutral the switch it does not make in "R" for the backup lights. The switch doesn't make for the backup lights until I am in "D". Is there a way to adjust the switch so the neutral makes in "P" for the solenoid and in "R" for the backup lights? The seem to be 180 degrees off from each other.

Thanks

Skyliner

Skyliner

The stock '56 switch does not "make" in park.  The car will only start in N.  If you still have the stock switch, you will have to adjust it so the car will start in N, then the backup lights should work.  If you want to start in Park and N, you need to get a '58 switch.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

That changes things. The thought entered my mind that it could be similar to the 56 Tbird's but I never checked it out. Will try in for Neutral start

Thanks John.

Skylinerwjmc

Skyliner

I had a neutral problem with my 56. Kept adjusting until it "sort of worked" in park AND neutral. Destroyed the switch! Then all these years later I find out it should never have worked at all! Darn, why didn't I just ask! Great info on the 58 switch John, Thanks. Chuck in NH

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

Actually up until 58 all Fords with automatics would only start in neutral.I have never understood why other than maybe people were used to the standard transmission which you could only start in neutral(either depress the clutch or shift it into neutral before you turn the key)..Anyone else know why Ford engineered the automatics to only start in neutral?

  

Mark; Because it's a true Neutral switch ?!

Paul

Actually,until sometime in the 60s,very few  cars with standard transmissions had any kind of safety start feature.Back in those days most people had enough common sense to step on the clutch before hitting the starter button.I've never understood why the manufacturers thought they needed a safety switch on the automatics and later on the standards.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

I'm surprised why they didn't put it on the standard shift cars before they actually did. Regarding the switch on the auto cars, its obvious why they did - start it in gear and it takes off if the foot is not on the brake. Makes for garage doors in both ends, crumpled fenders and grilles and very hurt people. In a standard shift car, unless there is a very high idle, it tends to stall.

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

I am ashamed to admit it but unknowing to me my 'neutral safety switch' was off just enough to allow it to start in Drive and I reached through the window and turned the key to show off how good the Y-Block sounded. Thank God it didn't start but gave everyone standing in front of the car a scare. It was parked in the street but still could have BAD thing.



I have never start a car without sitting in it with the brakes on since.

BOB

Hello Paul! I understand why there is a neutral start switch on an automatic just cant figure out why they were designed to start ONLY in neutral from 51-57 on Fords.Anyone have an answer?