Hi. My 73 has been out of the running all summer. The last time we tried starting it, there was a "pop" when I turned the key to "start" and everything went dead. I just replaced the solenoid and voltage regulator (they had to go anyway) and did a continuity check from the two battery terminals (with the battery obviously disconnected). I noticed the voltmeter was only chirping when the door was opened. I jiggled the door jam switch with my foot to make sure it was related. Has anyone encountered this problem? I'm assuming the car should not short when the door is opened because that wouldn't make sense...

 

I think you're OK, opening the door completes the circuit for the interior lights, and would appear as a short across the battery cables.

 

I did something very similar to this. Check your grounds at the solenoid and from block to chassis. Your two symptoms may not be related.

Opening the door closes the positive/negative loop at the battery through the interior light bulbs. It's enough to set off a buzzer on your tester.

 

Haha, duh... I think. That makes sense. As I read your post my dad came home with the same realization. Thanks

 

Here's the final post from me: as I said, I put a new voltage reg and starter solenoid in. I let it charge for about an hour. When i checked it, it said it was done. Turned the key... nothing. swapped the "I[gnition]" and "S[tarter]" plugs on the solenoid [one wire goes to the wrong connection for its color, the other wire is the wrong color altogether]. Turned the key. The starter was kicking in. After 4 tries it finally started.

 

I had a brand new Scott Drake solenoid give me fits. I assumed it was good because it was new. That darn thing had me questionioning my sanity.

 

Too bad it affected you summer rides. Glad you got it running

 

old cars are great aren't they...lol