Ignition problem

[map66]

I have a 65 C 10 with original wiring system and original six cyl. Attempted to start it and nothing. The Ammeter pegs to the left when the ignition is turned on. I think I had this problem years ago, but forgot the fix. May have been the horn relay or something like that. Any ideas?

[Steeveedee]

Try pulling the plug off the horn relay if you think that is the problem. It pegs in the "On" position, not the "Start" position, right?

[ray_mcavoy]

The 2 screw terminals on the horn relay serve as a main power distribution / junction block on these trucks. And there is a main feed wire that runs from the positive battery terminal, across the radiator support, and connects to one of those screw terminals.

A bad connection at either end of that main feed wire will cut off power to the rest of the truck. The ammeter is connected in parallel with that wire (it serves as a shunt) so that could explain the meter pegging to the discharge side when you turn the key on.

So I would recommend checking the connections at both the positive battery terminal and at the screw terminals on the horn relay.