Sometimes when I try to start my 85 I have no power. The dash lights go out and there is no response at all. It acts like the battery is dead. Put on a new battery and still have the problem. When this happens if you jump it with a box or another car it fires right up. ANyone have any idea what could be causing it?

Bad connection at battery or bad ground. I'm betting bad connection. Have you "wiggled " and/or cleaned cables? Did it do it with new battery right away and , if so,did it start jumping new battery.

Cables are tight. Yes it did it with the new battery, and it jumped off with the new battery. Does not happen all the time, maybe once a week or so.

Are you using the bolts on the cables to jump? If so, it's gotta be crud in the side post cable ends.

:ack2: sounds like the battery side of the cables are OK, could be the other end of the cables where the pos, goes to starter,or ground goes to motor?:( :thumbsup:

:ack2: sounds like the battery side of the cables are OK, could be the other end of the cables where the pos, goes to starter,or ground goes to motor?:( :thumbsup:

Wouldn't jump if that was the case.

I have an 85 also. Have had similar electrical issues as yours. There is a bundle of hot wires in plastic armour that go across the back of the engine then makes a sharp turn down at back of the head and over to starter on passenger side. I did not find my problem until I pulled the pass head today. The armour chaffes through then the insulation on the wires - then it grounds and gets hot and starts burning wires in two. I have several large gauge wires to fix - I touched a small gauge wire and it crumbled like a vampire on Daytona Beach. Should be able to examine this part of the loom by using a lift and a good light - worth checking . I understand this is a common occurance in this year.