Starting probelms help please

Does the ammeter work ok? Turn the key to the "on" position. Does the ammeter needle move to dischange a bit? Turning on the lights it should move a little more. Start the car and see if the needle now moves to the charge side. If not, I think I'd pull the instrument cluster back out and clean/tighten those connections again. It could be the connection for the ignition switch at the base of the column might be bad also. Look the harness over real good. I've seen lots that year with melted wires in the main harness and bulkhead connector.