'68 won't start. Advice requested.
 

Good afternoon guys,

I've been having a bit of trouble with my '68 coupe lately and I'm asking for a little advice. Ever since I bought it about a year ago there have always been power issues. The car would occasionally die out while driving, many times I go to start it up and I'd get a few clicks or just nothing, but then sometimes it would start up fine.
In an attempt to fix this I have replaced the starter, starter solenoid, battery and alternator. However, a few weeks ago I went to start my car and got nothing, no click, no noise, just dead. I tried recarging and replacing the battery but still nothing. None of the electricals work such as the lights and radio.

If you have any ideas, please share 'em, if you need more info just lest me know.
Thanks.

RE: '68 won't start. Advice requested.
 

Ifnone of the electricals work then start at the known good/charged battery and work your way through all of the wiring. Grab your test light and see if you have voltage at the fuse box. Ifnot, then you have a breakdown somewhere between there and the battery.If you have power at the fuse box then check power to the ignition switch. Does the switch test out OK? ie. run/ start positions trigger the test light when the key is put in those positions?
Since this was an intermettant (sp?) problem to begin with and then it just died altogether, I suspect a faulty connection. What kind of shape is the wiring in? Is it in good solid shape or has it been hacked up by a previous owner? Check all connections and splices.

Check the solonoid connections to make sure they are secure. Use good battery cables with quality connectors and make sure they are clean.


This oughta get you started. Let us know how it goes.

RE: '68 won't start. Advice requested.
 

I'm going to guess that you have a bad ground. Check the condition of your grounding straps.

Good luck.

RE: '68 won't start. Advice requested.
 

+1 on the ground issue.
If you haven't already, consider replacing your battery to block ground cable, and remove/clean/reinstall your ground strap that mounts to the back of the motor. Make sure your block attach points are squeeky clean and your bolt is tight with a lock washer. I even added an additional ground strap between the frame and the motor mount on the driver's side.

RE: '68 won't start. Advice requested.
 

AAARRRGGHHH!!! I forgot about the ground strap!!! Check that first!!!!

See.. happens to the best of us.

Check the stupid stuff first.