here is a pic of a floor shift safty switch. to set it...put the shifter in neutral...loosen the two switch mounting bolts...stick a pin in the lower hole, if the pin will not go in the hole...move the switch back and forth untill it does. then snug the bolts back down. put the shifter in park and start the car. if this doesn't work you may need a new switch. ...... http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=68610
As for your friends "talking trash" about your car...show them the gallery on this site ,and explain to them that ALOT of the cars here started out in worse condition than yours is in. Tell them not to judge your car for what it is...but to appreciate it for what its GOING to be.