Help with a 57 Bird!!!

[Dan Nelson]

Hello All!

New to these forums. I just inherited a 1957 T-Bird with the 312. The car has the ford o matic transimission and power brakes and steering. I am having an issue with the ignition on the car. The ignition wont crank when I turn the key unless I hold the gear selector slightly between Neutral and Drive. A mechanic I hired said that he thought it was an ignition inhibitor problem but he had no idea where on the car it would be... anyone know the answer to this problem?

Thanks

Dan

 

[phjohnso]

Dan, I envy you, it for some reason you do not like the car send it out to me.... Anyway, welcome and thanks for posting.

 

[Phil Kelley]

I am also new to this forum. I don't own an early bird, but am looking to buy one now. Sounds like you have a problem with the neutral safety switch. This switch keeps your car from being started in gear. The switch should be on the transmission or the shifter. It could be broken or needs adjustment. Not hard to do, but you need to put the car on a lift and look for it.

 

[Dan Nelson]

Thanks guys! Appreciate the speedy reply and the warm welcome!

 

[gbhrps]

Neutral safety switch

You'll find the neutral safety switch attached to the shifter mechanism. Its been awhile since I played with the one on my 55 but I recall that it can be accessed from underneath the car, right at the shifter assembly. It may be that it needs to be slide forwards or backwards on its mounting bracket, in order to switch when the shifter is in neutral to start the car. If this doesn't correct the problem, remove the switch and try opening it up to clean up its internal contacts. I did this with mine back when the car was restored after sitting in storage for 35 years. It has worked just fine since, was easy to open up, clean, and close up again, and it saved me some dollars on buying a new one. Its fairly simple to do. You don't need to be an electronics expert by any means. Good Luck!

 

[tbird5866]

Dan: Do you have a shop manual? If not, you should get one !

 

[Dan Nelson]

Thanks for the info on the neutral safety switch. And yes, I do have a shop manual but couldn't seem to find the switch.