Electric problem

[Chicago Chet]

I have a 72 convertible 351c 2v. My battery hold down bracket is not the original but a mod. The mod consists of the original L bracket mounted to fender wall , a piece of angle bracket mounted to the threaded rod opposite side. The angle bracket was well insulated with a padded insulated sleeve. Yes I know I should have spent the $20 + on the correct holddown but it worked fine for the 3 years I owned the car.

Now the problem. Went for a long drive the previous week. Ran fine. Tried to start car this week. Turned key nothing. Opened hood and the mod at the fender side came loose , pushed insulation and bare metal touching positive battery terminal. That's a direct short from battery to ground. Put battery on battery tender. No dice. Bought a new battery. Nothing. Figured I blew the volt reg. Installed a new volt reg and since it was rather old replaced the starter solenoid. Nothing. Checked the 2 fusible links on solenoid. I crunched, twisted links and was able to get continuity. So I assumed they are good

When I open door courtesy lights come on. When I turn key only oil lamp lights. In aux mode alt light is on. No radio and headlights dim.

Please any suggestions. I am somewhat of a novice and I am learning on the fly of the trials and tribulations of ownership of a 43 year old car. Please easy to follow instructions

Lastly, on the starter solenoid, the windshield side neg battery terminal and battery side pos terminal , circuit breaker for the roof, one yellow 12 ga fusible link and 1 black with red stripe,can't make out gauge,fusible link. Is this correct as I was looking at a photo that jeff8877 posted in Feb 13.and this shows only I fusible link on Pos side of solenoid.

 

[1973grandeklar]

"Lastly, on the starter solenoid, the windshield side neg battery terminal and battery side pos terminal , circuit breaker for the roof, one yellow 12 ga fusible link and 1 black with red stripe,can't make out gauge,fusible link."

The neg battery cable should be to the engine block as a ground. The cable on the windshield side of the relay should go directly to the starter. If you have it hooked up as stated, then every time you try to start the engine, you create a dead short through the relay!

Also, if you want to be cheap on the battery hold down (like I am), then use a rubber bungee cord. Make sure the metal hook for the cord is on the bottom of the battery box.

 

[Chicago Chet]

Thanks for the wiring info and the tip for the bungee cord hold down.

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

It sound like the ignition switch may have been fried.

As a quick test, you can fashion apiece of wire with alligator clips to power the ignition and jump across the two large posts of the solenoid with a jumper cable. If the car turns over and starts, you have eliminated the starter from being suspect.

Using a bungee cord to hold down your battery is a bad idea, the vibration will eventually cause the metal hooks to rub through the battery's plastic case if you aren't very careful.