65 valiant electrical problemos
This sounds like a "main power" problem
Could be anything from a dirty battery clamp,,,,,,,,,,,,,,even though they look clean
to a battery cable internally corroded
to a bulkhead connector problem
or at the ammeter
To start running this down you need some basic tools
1......Shop manual If you don't have one, download it here
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?p=1970088657
Sometimes, the wiring diagrams at MyMopar are easier to follow, but not always correct or complete:
http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=31
These two here:
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1965/65ValiantBarracudaA.jpg
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1965/65ValiantBarracudaB.jpg
2......Some clip leads, you can buy bags of pre made ones, or just the clips from Radio Shack
3......A decent multimeter, also available at RadShack or most any parts store, hardware store, or Sears, even Lowes or Home Depot
First thing to do is to take a screwdriver or pliers and jumper across the starter relay...............the two largest, exposed terminals, making sure the trans is in park or neutral, and see whether and how well the starter cranks.
If it does not, you have a problem with the battery, the main cables, connections at the starter or the starter itself.
If the starter cranks nice and strong as it should, and you are still having problems by using the key, then the problem is in the bulkhead connector, the ammeter wire connections, or the ammeter feed through connections
It is my understanding.................that in 65 the main ammeter / battery wires feed through the bulkhead on two separate connections, so check those first