Update - HAPPY DANCE!!! Would you believe the culprit turned out to be that ignition wire??? Specifically, the insulation around the wire passing through the firewall... just like we figured. Once we had a really nice (weather-wise) afternoon, it took about an hour to get it fished through, find the crack, repair and put back together. Along the way, a new battery & cables were also installed (which were necessary anyway).

Hubby is absolutely thrilled to be able to drive "his car". She starts right up, purrs like a contented kitten, and just cruises right along. The only time she gets a mite bit stubborn is if she has been running a while, shut off, and we try to start her back up while hot, but we knew that going in and can deal with it.

Thank you all SO MUCH for holding our hands throughout the ordeal! Now on to shocks and brakes, and the old girl will be right up to par! YAY!!!!