motor wont start, where shud I start?

Interesting, thanks for the info. You made me feel better about the fact that I can fry an egg on my ballast (if it were a little bigger).
I'm surprised you've never had a problem in 40 yrs with ignition switch, I've heard from alot of people how they wear out...

truth be told, my 39 year old duster and my 35 year old charger both have their original switches. people are too quick to assume its the switch. i have read more times than not people "switch" them out only to have the original problem. switches can be a real pain (70 and up) if one has never done one before. thats why i always suggest making sure everything else has been ruled out. of course, a new switch never hurts, but i would rather not change it if it is working. they are easy enough to test (per 67dart273 posts)

my ballast gets very hot as well but works just fine