[johnta1]

oem neutral safety switch attached underneath the dash around the steering column aswell..

This is what you need to get working for the neutral switch.
The purple wire(s) are what go to the starter from the inside switch.
Since the original column is swapped, probably no back drive linkage (as was said).

Most when using a different shifter or with headers (as said) makeshift a switch on the new shifter using the 2 purple wires.

But you need to know there is a lot of current going through it when cranking.
Some use a relay from shifter micro switch to run the power to the starter.

The reverse light will not work either (or on all the time if in right position) when the back drive linkage is gone.
(needs another switch setup)