Projects 1954 Mercury Monterey

I just got a 54 Mercury Monterey, and the engine has been swapped out, to a 292, and I just discovered why they didn’t install the neutral safety switch,
Does anyone know what I have to do to get a neutral safety switch on?
The current position want allow it to mounted on the original spot because of the engine change there’s no clearance for the switch to be mounted on the original spot?

 

Since a 292 has the same physical dimensions, I don't know why it wouldn't fit. My 54 Mercury service manual has very little on the switch. It only shows it in the wiring diagram with no physical description. It must be on the column linkage under the hood.

 

Then I have to check if they changed the manifolds! Thank you!

 

It’s on the column just below the trans arm if it’s an automatic. Starts only in neutral. I don’t know if there is on for a standard transmission but I doubt it.
The 255 Merc y block has the same exact dimensions as a 292.. even if the exhaust manifold has been changed to a stock dual exhaust one and not a front crossover single it should not matter. There is brake stuff in the way but it should look something like this. It held on by a U-Clamp similar to a muffler clamp.

 

Found a better photo before I changed Master Cylinders. There is an extension on the shifter arm so I could get an addition spot on the dash indicator when I installed a Cruise-o-Matic.

 

Do you have a copy of the wiring diagram to share? I have a 54 Monterey with a 351w and c4 trans without the safety switch.

 

It is very simple. It shows the switch in series with the starter solenoid. The red with blue tracer wire comes from the ignition switch start terminal to the NSS and then to the starter solenoid.

 

Ebay strikes again https://www.ebay.com/itm/1157241282...own-id-MjA1LjIzNy4xMzQuNDM%3D-id&toolid=10049

 

I have one that mounts on the transmission. Easy to install and easy to make your own. Lots of room there

 

Great, thank you. I think my c4 trans has the capability to have a switch on it, but I also have a floor shifter that might. Will have to dig into it further to see if either is there or make one.
thanks again

 

C4 has a switch mounted to it, the shift lever shaft runs through it.

 

This might not be the best approach to take, but maybe you could install a brake lamp switch under the dash that's wired up so that the engine can't start (or even crank) unless the brake pedal is depressed. Still not quite as safe as having the transmission in park though.

 

another thought to look into, thanks. has anyone replaced the windshield wiper motor on one of these?

 

I actually found that it does have this switch and is wired to something...not sure what but will dig into it

 

The factory would have wired that C4 switch to reverse lights and neutral safety.