Sounds like you have an electric solenoid type starter. Is the dash switch and wires rated for this application? If so, then you may have a bad solenoid. Since this type of switch just uses a hot wire loop from the battery positive (maybe indirectly in your case) to the solenoid, cab grounding is not in the picture.
Carl


1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission