If your starter doesn't have the component on top for the foot linkage to enage with, then maybe somebody replaced it with one that doesn't have it and either put a 3 position ignition switch (off/on/start) in your truck (replacing the original switch) or kept the original switch and put a push button in between the switch and starter? When I bought my 59 a later starter without that part was put in and a puch button was put under the dash to engage the stater that way. I hope that made sense.
