I have an original all-stock 1967 camaro that starts with no problem 85% of the time. Sometimes though, I hear the engine turn and all I get is a click (the lights are on but nobody's home). And sometimes (more rare) I turn the key and NOTHING happens - no lights, no click, no nothing - completely dead.

Normally, just turning the key a couple times it will eventually start, but I'm afraid the problem will get worse. I've already replaced the ignition and starter/solenoid twice with no results. Has anyone run into this problem? What else could it be?? I don't want my baby standed in some god-forsaken parking lot [] Any suggestions would be appreciated



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The starter solinoid is starting to go out on it. You will here the click because the solinoid is getting power but the plunger is not making contact with the battery terminal for the starter so, the starter dosen't turn over. All of the problems you listed are the effects of the starter solinoid acting up before it goes out.

 

Something else to just check is make sure all of your grounds (battery to block / Block to frame) are clean and tight.

 

it is possible the ignition switch down on the colum could be bad, but i will bet you have a bad fusable link, down where the wires hook to the solonoid (FIRST UNHOOK THE BATTERY) you will see 2 or 3 little links (about an inch long and the size of a pencil) grag ahold of each one seperately and give them a tug (but not hard enough to pull them off the solonoid and break it)
and if the wire stretches a mile then breaks you know the problem is solved.
just trying to help // by the way kayla nice ride

 

The ignition switch is in the dash on 67, and 68. Its not on the column until 69

 

Sounds like the old hot start problem. Especially after you have replaced the starter and solenoid with no effect.
Check out this site they have a lot of fixes for our old cars
http://madelectrical.com/catalog/st-1.shtml

This is from their site
GM HOT START PROBLEMS
There are two independent categories of hot start problems with the GM DELCO built starting system.
(1) Nothing happens when the key is turned to "START"–although the headlights will burn brightly, and the rest of the electrical system is fine. The problem most often occurs in hot weather, and with the engine warmed up, after about a ten-minute stop. (Heat increases resistance at wiring and electrical parts.)
This is the type of problem, which will be cured with installation of the START'M UP kit. The problem occurs because the large solenoid on the GM starter draws 40 to 50 amps at the moment the key is turned to "START." And that large amount of current must flow through a very lengthy circuit, from the battery to the dash area. Through dash wiring and switches, back out through the under-hood wiring, finally to the starter.
The START'M UP kit will reduce current flow through the lengthy circuit to only 2 amps–then the system will work fine.

 

You didn't say if you had an automatic or manual trans. If auto, then next time it acts up, jiggle the shifter furtherinto park and see if it starts. If it does, either your linkage is a little out of adjustment, or you need a new neutral safety switch.

 

clean and tighten the battery cables

 

Yeah, start simple and CHEAP. I'm with Michigan on this. A lot of times a loose connection is all that it takes to have symptoms like this. I would then check the grounds as was said before. Then go to the relay (If there is one)then the solenoid. Keep it simple and start with the basics.