mine has the foot switch too and i can just pry a screwdriver behind the lever on the starter from under the hood and make the starter engage. again, make sure to leave the ignition switch off or take out the coil wire, etc.

Overland Blue, 1953 GMC 1/2T, 100-22, 228/1bbl, 4sp/4.10 6v, shortbed/fender side/5-window.