Hi I'm new here, but was needing serious help, I have a 1975 cutlass salon with a 350, I cannot for the life of me figure out why I'm not getting power to starter, it has a new battery and new starter and everything looks correctly setup, I've tried using a remote starter switch and that does nothing, I put one clamp on the positive terminal of the battery and one on the s terminal on the starter and I get nothing, ignition also does not work, I have put new grounds as well, like one on the passenger side head to the frame, one from the back of the head to the firewall and still nothing, I also noticed when I bolt the starter up I can't have 2 cables hooked up otherwise it sparks like crazy and melts, but for some reason I'm able to use the starter switch and it engages but does not have enough power to turn the engine. I just need some kinda advice or help, please anything, I've put so mich into this car and this is the only thing hanging me up.

 

Once years ago I mixed up the small wires on the two solenoid posts. It did exactly what you're describing. Since you said you put a new starter on it, double check which post has which color wire running to it. John

 

1975 cars still had the seat belt interlock circuit. In any case, you need to get a voltmeter and figure out where power stops.

 

So I figured my problem out, after hours of messing with wires and not getting enough power to the starter i finally figured my issue out, first my actuator rod to the ignition wasn't hooked up, I only learned this cuz of previous posts, second a ground is not right or something as I added a ground to the bolt on the back of the starter and it works fine now, so I've gotta put the ignition switch in the proper spot for the rod, gosh a car that has been sitting 25 yrs is no joke to get running again. I also redid the top end and it looks great with compression as well.

 

 

Say what?? There was once a seat belt switch in the starting system? As in, no seat belt buckled, no start? When was this a thing?

Oh and it's very very good to see Rocketraider posting.

 

These kids...

1974 and 75. Federally mandated seat belt interlock that prevented the car from starting without having the belts buckled. The public outcry was so great that Congress repealed it.

https://thedetroitbureau.com/2009/11...erlock-fiasco/

 

Is that the thing Paul Newman yanked in a movie behind a seat of a GM car and then the car was able to start? I seem to recall my dad saying he saw the movie, my mother had the same car, and he did the same thing after the movie in the parking lot and it worked.

 

I didn't come along until the next year so you'll have to forgive me.

I'm betting this was a U.S only thing though. If this was a thing in Canada, people up here would still be talking about it. I could be wrong on that.