I am the new owner of a family owned 1959 (Shortbed Stepside) Apache with Chevy 235. It was running in last couple of weeks as I have a video. Came off the transport truck and was told the battery was dead or weak so I pushed it in the driveway. Finally got back to it due to work related travel (Defense Contractor) Turned key to left for accessories, lights work fine. It did seem weak so I replaced the battery, stomped the foot starter and nothing. Made sure key was to the right to energize the coil, nothing. Not a single sound from the starter.
Ordered a new starter, new positive cable to battery and starter, new ground strap from starter, original wiring harness, new ignition switch, spring for starter arm and few misc pieces. Installed new starter, replaced ground strap, positive battery cable, spring and tightened all wires at ignition switch.
Again, nothing. Not a single sound from the starter when floor button engaged. But noticed that the battery gauge jumps from F to E when I step on the starter button. Lights still work in accessory mode. Is it grounding out somehow? Do I need to rewire the whole truck or bypass the ballast resistor? Every time this happens the new battery drains down from 95-100% (per my Diehard digital charger) to less than 50% with just a few start attempts.
I just don't get what is happening. Ignition switch wired as following: Currently the heavy black wire from top starter button is going to BAT, ignition coil wire running to ballast and side starter are on IGN, and red wire running to instrument panel (have not investigated all wiring) is attached at ACC. This is how it was when it showed up.
Any ideas to check here? Thank you so very much.
Andy
