Im still having the same problem where my cars ignition isnt getting power. I tried hotwiring it and just blew all my fuses. Lesson learned there but I have a feeling that the black wire in the pic that kind of looks like an alligator mouth is a ground for the ignition because it comes up from the steering wheel area. I just have no idea where the black wire and the Triple connection In my hand go and if either of them are important anyways. Im replacing the fuses later today and then I probly poke around some more to look for where that black wire connects. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice. By the way its been almost 6 months since my motor/tranny swap began and im really really anxious to at least hear it run. Also if somebody knows a good electrical shop near San Jose that might help to because Im desperate.

Those two connectors are for the cruise control switch connector from the multi-function lever on the steering column.

Thanks A TON for that info Trickster. Since I disabled my cruise control a long time ago ill probably just tie up those wires and continue to search for my apparent short or bad ground or whatever so i can get my car running again.

Question: What exactally is happening with your car? Do you turn the key and get nothing at all? can you get the fuel pump etc. to turn on using the key?

The ignition is going to be the white box, below the 2 blots going into the dash, on the top part of the steering column (approximately the bottom third).

I just replaced my steering column, and could only get the "key in ignition" warning tone. Check to see if the wires are all the way in (the one with the blue connector and the black connector, right next to each other), and make sure that the rod on the top of the steering column goes into the box that those two connect to. There's also a little black wire, looks kinda like a spark plug, that has to be pulled forward correctly in order for it to start.

I've still got the old steering column, so let me know if you're utterly confused and I can take pics and point out the important wires. Keep in mind this only helps you if the starter isn't turning at all.

One last thing: check the battery. I've been trying to start my car since I changed out the starter and the steering column, and couldn't get a sound out of it. Turns out my battery was just dead from too many attempted starts. Now I've narrowed it down to the engine not catching the spark (hey, it's closer than I was....)

Thanks for the offer but the starter is turning the motor over and ive tried different batteries plus jumping so I know thats not it. The coil wire simply isnt getting power but I talked to a reputable shop over here in campbell and he said it probly would cost less than 200 so im just gonna give it to him and be done with that part of the nightmare this things been.

o ya and to answer kingsnakes question its carbed so no fuel pump electricals at all.

That would be really helpful to me. I'm having similar problems.

You might want to check the connections at the ignition switch. THe switch is actually located on the top of the column toward the base. It is virtually unaccesible without unbolting and lowering the column. It is moved by metal rods that run down the column. Check the conections (Unplug and plug them back in) Check that the switch is being moved correctly (Make sure the rod didn't slip off or something...

How exactly do I unbolt and lower the column, and what color wires should I be looking for?

The column is supported by a bracket with two retaining nuts. THe bracket is about two thirds of the way up on the column, just below the knee bolster. Take the nuts off and carefully lower the column enough two where you can see the rods and switch. I will do a little research to find out the wire colors for you...

Thanks man, I seriously appreciate it.

I lowered the column down easily enough, and it seems like the rods are moving properly enought, but I'm not sure what I'm looking at as far as all the wiring goes.

Sry man, i didn't get to it today... Ill try my best to remember to throw my wiring schematics in my car before i go to work so i can look it up for ya.. ttyl

just a shot in the dark but,...

the purple and yellow wire that are in background of the pic that would normally go to the clutch switch seem to be cut. I know this is supposed to be a starter switch but that might have something to do with it. Just a thought.

I'm going to start a new thread, since this one is really berly's, and thus conversation on it is really thread hijacking.

Thats the most usefull info i have found today since im in the same boat as Cpt. Blasto. Im having the same problems and i have led it to the ign. switch that was replaced 2 years ago by Joe Blow. I just dont know how to get to it. Lead me to your thread blasto.