Trouble crank.starting

[lmac1210]

I have a 1970 with a 350cc. The other day I noticed it wasn't starting very good after a few short stops. The next morning I couldn't get her to start...like the battery was dead. The battery is only a couple of months old so when I was able I jumped her off and then drove her around the neighborhood. Got back and idled for a little while, but when I shut it off it wouldn't crank. I checked with a multimeter and only had 11.8 when off and when I got her started I still only had 11.8 or so. I replaced the alternator thinking it wasn't putting out. With a new alternator I am still unable to start it...now even by jumping off. Where do I go from here. Could it be the battery is just bad...the voltage regulator is bad...or could it be the starter.
I am not as mechanically inclined as many are here, so I was just checking the obvious...but not sure what to do now.
I am getting a clicking from the solenoid now but not showing any jump in volts when started is why I am thinking it is the electrical system and not the starter.
Thanks for any help.

[TheSeeker]

Same thing happend to me a while back, turns out it was just a bad battery. If possible take the battery to an auto parts store and have them check it, I was getting a low but good reading on my meter but when I took it in, it was dead as hell.

[lmac1210]

Thanks Seeker...I will.

[cdowns]

i'd start by taking off both battery cables and cleaning all 4 ends then reinstalling them to clean bright metal connections

[grs]

I had trouble with a car starting. I took the battery out, had it checked. It checked good. Put it back in, and it started good a few times. Then it would not start very well. Turned out that the battery post would messed up when I tightened the cable. I bought a new battery and no more problems.

[my67c20]

Have someone jump it. While running remove the ground cable. It should run without the battery. If not bad regulator or alternator. If it stays running its a bad battery. Did you put the right alternator style back on. Remember you need one for an external alternator, unless someone upgraded to an internally regulated alternator. My bet is on the battery.

[llowlife]

See what juice you are making at the back of the alternator. I have seen bad batteries do what you are describing.

[swamp rat]

To see if your battery is not working properly you first need to have it in a charger to give it a full charge, then you need to take it somewhere where they have a load tester, Les Schwab should have one among other places.. The load test will determin if the battery is bad.