I own a 1969 elco, 350, 4bbl, etc etc. I've been having electrical problems particularly with the starter and ignition. I just replaced the ignition switch and have tested the connection from the battery to the starter and the ignition wiring from the coloumn. When i attempt to hookup the battery cables, i attach one (it doesn't matter which first) and then when i go to put the other one on, there's a huge arc and that starter turns over...

Please Help!

First, disconnect the purple wire at starter and keep it away from any ground source (metal). Now you should be able to connect battery cables. The purple wire should only have power when the key is in the crank pos. Check wiring at IGN switch and make sure switch is adjusted correctly.

Somehow you've got the large battery cable post and the smaller post on the starter solenoid connected....jumped somewhere in the circuit.
Which post is the purple wire attached to on the solenoid?

my purple wire was hooked up to the smaller terminal on the solenoid. I removed the connection and made sure that it wasn't grounded on anything and tried to connect the battery. It tried to turn over again. I checked the switch, it is fine. I still can't tell what the problem is. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Did it do this before the switch was changed?

at first, there was no power at all to the starter, nothing when the ignition cylinder was cranked. So, i changed the switch, and the same thing was happening. I noticed some wear on the purple wire, so i spliced in the same gauge wire and reran it to the solenoid. I also reattached the positive cable coming off of the battery to the starter, removing a lock washer that i thought might be screwing things up.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/gregs_photo/Original_Chevy_system.jpg

If your starter is turning over with nothing connected to the small posts (or posts) then the most likely cause is a problem in the starter solenoid. But also check and see if the drive gear is stuck out.

Peter

Sounds like the LARGE stud on the solenoid has been twisted when tightening the batt.cable to it(notice it has a jam nut between cable lug & solenoid body to prevent it from moving?)This can cause an internal connection between the large and small terminals INSIDE the solenoid(been there/done that...not purposely!)
Replace solenoid.