My '58 (235 with floor starter)has a dead battery if I leave it for more than 2 weeks without driving it. I have replaced the battery after it would not take a charge (thanks AC DELCO!)it was under warranty for being less than the maximum number of months old. Same thing exists with new battery. Switch is off after parked in the garage, key removed. Battery was very dead, under 5 volts across the terminals, no cables connected. I used a high end DC amp meter placing leads between the positive battery terminal and the positive battery cable (that goes to the starter solenoid). Meter did not show any current with key off, meter works, because it showed current with key on. I sent the starter back to the local shop that rebuilt it when the truck was completed 3 years ago. They tested it could not find any short between the main lug and the small lug to the case. I have not tested the dash switch with ohm meter yet. Plan to remove it from the dash tomorrow and see if there is any leak thru that the dc amp meter did not pickup. During drive periods the amp meter shows good charge and will go back to a 'running' state when the battery reaches ~12.75 - 13.1 volts. Checked battery voltage with multi meter with key and motor off.
I am really quite frustrated with not being able to find a short with an electrical system that is so simple.
Does anyone have any suggestions of what to look at other than drive the truck more often and disconnecting the positive cable after each drive?
