Can't get '79 Scottsdale to start

[lt1kicker]

Hey guys,
Grounds are all tight, but some of the connections on the starter are rusty.  Of course this wouldn't effect the igntion accessories.  I am afraid this problem is in the column.  Another problem I'm faced with is that all the wires coming out of the column have green paint completely covering them from where a PO sprayed the interior green.  This prevents me from being able to identify specific wires.  I'll start dropping the column tonight and see what I can find.  I'm surprised it went all at once.  I never had any indication of trouble.

[okuma]

then there a quick solution for your problems!!  there's nothing a match an a can of gas won't solve!........j/k

[lt1kicker]

I wish.

New starter, replaced battery, new ground wires, connectors, nothing.  No lights, no start. 

[VileZambonie]

I think you missed quite a few good suggestions here:

#1 do you have b+ at the S terminal on the starter solenoid when cranking?

#2 did you check your fusible links?

#3 did you check the rack mechanism for the ignition switch?

[lt1kicker]

I have power to the S on the starter.  I don't know where the fusible links are located on this truck (don't have a manual) and I don't know anything about them really.  As far as the "rack mechanism" no, honestly, I dropped the column, and bolted it back up.  I haven't a clue how to go about checking anything inside it.

[VileZambonie]

You have B+ at the S terminal when cranking but the starter doesn't crank?

[KojaK 79k10]

Fusible links are at the firewall usually near the brake booster. the wire is not copper so it acts like a fuse and lets out the magic white smoke of you overload it. you will usually be able to tell if that is the case.

[lt1kicker]

Discovered a smoked fusible link last night. It was located running in the main harness, behind the motor, where it joined a tie point on the firewall behind the air cleaner. I replaced it today and I still have no electrical power. No headlights, no nothing. I cleaned connections at the voltage regulator as well and no change. I'm starting to get extremely pissed at this stupid truck.  I'm out of ideas.  This truck isn't that electrically complicated for crying out loud.  Not sure where to go from here....

[Lt.Del]

There is another fusible link within a foot of your starter...that is the main hot positive leaving the solenoid. 

You just need to see where you get volts---coming into the fuse box, at your new fusible at firewall, where ever. Then troubleshoot from there.