Yep!  Joel's correct on the connection problem.   You have a connection somewhere that is making contact until you try to draw more current through it.  If rust exists in a connection it will allow a small amount of current to flow but as soon as more current is required, the rust breaks down and the connection fails.

Alright, here's an update. I figured out the problem and created another one (what a surprise). Chips and Joel, you were spot on. If I hadn't tried to get creative..... So here's the deal. I was rechecking each ground. I then started checking the wires on the starter. It's a mini starter. It's a little tough to see all the connections from the top or bottom because of the headers. So somehow I get the bright idea to take part of the starter apart (stop laughing now). I take the two botls off and pull off the part that goes into the gears to make the freakin thing turn. Not smart. I get it back together but I just know it won't be right. Back to that shortly. After trying a few more checks of turnig the key on, I have no juice anywhere. I check the volts at the battery and it's 12.8. I check at the starter and it's 4.something. Hmmm. I sextuple check the cables at the battery and try tutrning the key again (while sitting in the car and out). Nothing. Go check the voltage at the starter again and it's now reading less than a volt. So I grab the trusty sears battery charger which can also start a car. I hook the positive to the started and the negative to the chasis ground. I sit in the car and turn the key. Lights everywhere. I turn to crank and the starter turns, but from the sound the gears and the starter and meshing. I then let loose a few choice words. So, I've solved one problem. It looks like the spankin' new positive battery cable is bad (or pinched - maybe when we put the transmission in). I now have to replace the starter. Not hard, just a pain to get to. I'm going to run a new 2 gauge cable from the batter to starter and avoid the original path completely. I'll see if I can pick up a starter tomorrow.

It don't never end, do it? Sorry, John...I feel for ya.Adams' Apple2007-01-01 20:42:33

Always look for the simple things mate.  If you can't find anything simple then walk away for a few hours and come back to it.  Then look for the simple things again.  9 times out of 10 you'll find the problem.

It's been a while, but here's an update. the problem was with the positive battery cable. So it's out of the car (that sucker was brand new and almost 80 bucks!) and I now have my homemade 1 Gauge cable run to the battery (if I remember, around 25 bucks for the cable and ends). I got the strated reinstalled and the sucker fires right up, and no more electrical ghosts (for the moment, at least....). I still have to secure the wire so it's not dangling, but I'm almost ready to get the car back on the road. Maybe I'll take a drive this weekend if it's not raining and above 50...

Excellent news there, John!!


                                          

Electrical problems are soooo much fun in a plastic car!  Well done John, time to fix the next problem now......... wait for it.....