in a nutshell, I've had it running before so I know it's not seized. The battery is not the problem, I have a charger and it's reading full. but when i turn the key, nothing. not even small clicks on the fender walls like I used to get. the wiring is pretty ratty in some places in the bay. I really wanto to work the bugs out. could it be the starter? if so, how can I test it? I'd prefer not to buy one if I dont have to.

 

using a screwdriver, short across the solenoid to the starter wire and see what happens.

 

I replaced the selonoid brand new in box from the store about 5 months ago. then, as I was installing it (I still had the battery hooked up, LESSON LEARNED!) one of the wires straight off the battery touched the selonoid and basicly welded itself to it and was sparking like CRAZY. there's still a burn make on the selonoid. could the electricity going though it have killed it?

 

nope, sorry. I got my two stories confused.

1. When i was replacing the selonoid, i left the battery cables on. they touched and tried over and over to start the car. I got startled and backed off until the starter seemed to "die", going slower and slower and slower until it just stopped. and I havn't really ran it too many if any time since then.

2. another time I was installing the battery and I accidently dropped the battery cable onto the selonoid and it started sparking like crazy and welding itself to the selonoid.

do either of these things kill either my starter or my selonoid?

 

DING, DING, DING, DING! WE HAVE A WINNER! You cooked your starter when it did this. Time for a new one.

 

Where can I get a new one? I have a 64-73 shop by me that I get all my parts from. Or can you just get a "generic" starter for the old engines? I'm looking at about $50, right?

 

Should be able to get one at any auto parts store. $50 sounds about right.

 

I would still jump the solenoid first to be sure. If you don't even get a click it may just be that it's not in park.

 

It's in park. How exactly do I go about jumping the selonoid? thanks guys

 

Turn car to accessory/run part of the ignition. My grandfather would then take a screwdriver and jump the positive battery cable solenoid stud to the S stud on the front of the solenoid. I've never tried it.