Neutral Safety Switch
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Southern Arizona
Neutral Safety Switch
I am doing a resto-mod on a 1972 F100 and self developed a problem. I pulled the actuation pointer for the neutral safety switch switch off the column by accident and have tried for several hours to reinstall it without pullling and dismantling the steering column. Does anyone know of a special tool, trick, or any other method of replacing this without tearing everything apart. I am a novice at this and would appreciate any advice I can get.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
I am doing a resto-mod on a 1972 F100 and self developed a problem. I pulled the actuation pointer for the neutral safety switch switch off the column by accident and have tried for several hours to reinstall it without pullling and dismantling the steering column. Does anyone know of a special tool, trick, or any other method of replacing this without tearing everything apart. I am a novice at this and would appreciate any advice I can get.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 535
From: Chandler, AZ
It is no fun but possible. Take your phone or whatever and take some pics inside hole in the column so you have an idea of what's inside. Look at the scratches from attempted installation. You may need to bend the piece a bit.
I think I had to unbolt and rotate the column (in place, with everything still hooked up) so I could see what I was doing better.
I think I had to unbolt and rotate the column (in place, with everything still hooked up) so I could see what I was doing better.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Southern Arizona
Update on the NSS pointer, I decided to make one last effort and then pull the column back out if necessary. On the last try, did nothing different, just tried to pop it in place. Used half the effort and it went in. What the hell???? anyway glad that is over!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 535
From: Chandler, AZ
That was my experience too. Glad you got it.
Just like IT work, try same thing repeatedly until out of swear words and then the software/driver/app/whatever magically works.
Just like IT work, try same thing repeatedly until out of swear words and then the software/driver/app/whatever magically works.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 91
Likes: 7
Old thread, shared tip
posted this elsewhere too since it really helped me
Just replaced the NSS on my 77. Tab was broken off after removing the switch I put a C clamp on the column and the other end on the hump of the remaining NSS metal bracket wrapped around the column. If you look or feel around you can feel the bump(s) of the bent metal. Put a little force into the C clamp and it bent the metal enough to push out an end tab of the metal clip. Adjusted the clamp and did the other side.
Put a magnet near the opening if you can to catch the tab if it pops loose and wants to slide down the column shaft. Don’t ask me how I know.
Just replaced the NSS on my 77. Tab was broken off after removing the switch I put a C clamp on the column and the other end on the hump of the remaining NSS metal bracket wrapped around the column. If you look or feel around you can feel the bump(s) of the bent metal. Put a little force into the C clamp and it bent the metal enough to push out an end tab of the metal clip. Adjusted the clamp and did the other side.
Put a magnet near the opening if you can to catch the tab if it pops loose and wants to slide down the column shaft. Don’t ask me how I know.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 91
Likes: 7
I haven’t got around to getting replacement screws for the switch for that reason. Unless you know what you’re stealing then you won’t know to slide the switch and start it. NSS, No Steal Switch Hah!
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