Hi Guys!

It's all great advice! And it always provides that extra little bit of info between the lines that sometimes can relly help.

I appreciate the input on the switch, Lance, and from Dave Jowilker and Redmanbob the original configuration on the trucks.

But, as well all of you know, when throwing these things in our older trucks, it presents some unusual circumstance thet the Design Engineer of the F1 and the Design Engineer of the C6 probably didn't discuss (I think you can bet on it). So, the key is adaptation and that means "what are the options." So everyone is right here by throwing those out. Sometimes the ultra pure original restorers in the ohter forum have a bit of a challenge with "adaptation" and "Modification." On my truck, if you can see it, I'd like for it to be or look original. If you can't see it then it's going to be modern and made to work correctly.

I have the stock steering column on my F1, linkaged to the C6 with a 57 T-Bird Shift linkage rod. There isn't any place a switch can be mounted on the column. And believe me, with that big 390 sitting there, there is absolutely no room for a switch to be mounted down on the shifter. As a matter of fact, when I had my new motor mounts made it raised the engine up 1/4 inch and I had to readjust the shift mechanism to keep it from hitting the engine. That's how close we are.

So, out of all the options, the transmission mounted switch sounds attractive - 'cause there's lots of room down there.

Interesting question is: Since some of the switches were mounted on the tranny case and some on the columns, would I be correct in assuming that Ford didn't go to the expense of casting (and the production hassles of handling) a separate tranny housing that did NOT have the mounting surface and holes used to mount the switch on the transmission?

In other words, the transmissions that had the switch on the colunm - like mine - should still have the mounting provisions (like a flat spot gopund out of the cast with a couple of threaded holes somewhere close to the shift shaft) on the transmission, but they just weren't used. I'll have to go out and look.

And if they are there, wouldn't you guys agree that for this adaptation(truck/engine/tranny) that the switch could also be adapted to that position with no problem - like in a vehicle that came stock that way? Might be the way to go.

If not, I'll do the toggle switch thing.

And Dave, you know I would NEVER do ANYTHING Illegal!!!!!!!! tee hee

Thanks guys!

Julie

 

I don't think a 1957 T-bird would have a C-6 in it. Since the only engines available was the 292 and the 312, which are the old "Y" block. The early version of the trans was called a Cruise-o-matic and had a duel range deal, the idicator showed P-R-N-D2-D1-L. Where you could be in D1 and the trans would start in 1st, shift to 2nd and then shift to 3rd. But in D2, the trans started in 2nd and shifted to 3rd. First gear was by passed. Also the early trans had a rear pump so you could push start them.

 

I just looked at the C6 I have in the shop and don't see much provision for the tranny mounted NSS.

Looks like you get to invent the one you want.

HTH

 

Julie, the switch lance mentioned is for a '69 Mustang.....The C9ZZ in the part number gives it away. C9 is for the 1969 models, the first Z means it is for a mustang, and the second Z tells us it was originally wharehoused in Dearborn, IIRC. That might be easiest if you don't want to go the toggle switch route. I like the toggle route because it lets me defeat the neutral safety feature as well. I used to work in a factory where more than one thousand of us all got out of work at the same time....and being able to start in drive helped me get make a faster getaway, I was usually one of the first in line to get out of the parking lot and onto the street. If you got stuck in the mid/back of the pack, it could take 15 minutes just to get out of the parking lot. After a few years, the plant had staggered start times between departments. But my engine and tranny never seemed to mind. Not sure my starter was too happy, but this abuse did not kill it. DinosaurFan

 

"I don't think a 1957 T-bird would have a C-6 in it. Since the only engines available was the 292 and the 312, which are the old "Y" block. The early version of the trans was called a Cruise-o-matic and had a duel range deal, the idicator showed P-R-N-D2-D1-L. Where you could be in D1 and the trans would start in 1st, shift to 2nd and then shift to 3rd. But in D2, the trans started in 2nd and shifted to 3rd. First gear was by passed. Also the early trans had a rear pump so you could push start them.

__________________
Bear 45/70

You are right. And I'm fairly certain that it didn't have the shift column out of a 1951 Ford Truck either. But in this particular case MY TRUCK has a C6 and a stock steering column with a stock shift mechanism on it and the SHIFT ROD out of the T-Bird was used because it was the closest to working to INTERFACE the two odd pieces with the smallest amount of modification.....Not trying to duplicate original set ups....trying to INTEGRATE a switch into the set up I HAVE NOW.

"I just looked at the C6 I have in the shop and don't see much provision for the tranny mounted NSS.

Looks like you get to invent the one you want.

HTH"

I'll look at the transmission and see if the local parts place has the 69 Mustang switch. If it does and th etranny has a mounting spot for it I'll do that and bypass the NSS using only the backup light portion. If not I'll have to invent something really cool!

Thanks guys,
J!