Electrical problem or not?

[Rezford70]

I started my 1970 ford 302 and backed up then was ready to head to work when the truck stopped running, it was as if the battery went dead. I tried to restart it but all I got was nothing. I let it sit for a few weeks and tried to start it again and the results were the same. I disconnected the battery cables and cleaned them and reconnected the cables, got in the truck and turned the key and all I got was a little click and then all the power was gone. I figured it might be a dead battery so I tried to jump it, nothing again. I checked the battery and it is ready over 12v so the battery is good. When I take the battery cables off and reconnect it the power returns and the radio, lights and all the electrical come on, but when I turn the key all the power is gone... can anyone point me in the right direction to start fixing this problem, I miss driving the tank. Could it be the started solenoid?

[Mancar1]

I had somewhat the same problem when I got my truck. Replaced the ground cable and that helped. Had a not so great ground. Some times things look good, but are not.
You said your battery tested over 12V.
12.66 is 100% 12.45 is 75% 12.24 is 50% 12.06 is 25% and 11.9 is 0%

[Rezford70]

Mancar,
I tried what you suggested. It worked for About a day I was able to start the truck without issue, but that night it would not start the same symptoms. It did start once we pushed it and popped the clutch. Could it be the battery or the starter? I am at a loss.

[Mancar1]

If the starter cranks ok when the battery has juice, then I would suspect a bad battery.

[fordman]

Check for loose cable ends. Loose ground or hot to stater relay. Also check the brown wire off relay that sends powet to ignition switch. Or maybe ignition switch or starter relay bad