Did a search, but couldn't find anything similiar.

When I turn the key to crank it, it turns EVEN after I take the key OUT of the ignition. :confused:

I saw a little bit of smoke coming from where the starter is and my battery cables get hot. I had to remove one of the cables to shut the car off. (to keep it from cranking on its own.)

I'm going to pull the starter in the morning and get it tested.

It's possible the solenoid is sticking but it sounds more like the ignition switch to me.

Starter solenoid. I had that happen to my 70 while at the CanAm show 2 years ago. Worst part was, it happened while I was in the parking lot at Niagara Falls State Park :angry: Time for a mini starter :yes:

If the gear hangs in the flywheel it can also keep the solenoid engaged.
If the purple wire is touching the battery cable and the insulation wore off it can cause this.
The contact plate in the solenoid could have welded itself to the contact.
Lots of causes each with a different cure.

Find the cause before spending money.
here is the inside of the solenoid. The big disc is pressed against the the battery contact (in the cap) and starter motor contact (on the solenoid) when the solenoid is engaged. The little contact in the cap is the R terminal for the ignition bypass. It also gets power from the big disc.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/77%20Nova%20project/electrical/GMsolenoid3.jpg

close to my buddies car it would start but not shut off. we put a relay in to control the switch, we think its more to do with the old wires. sounds more like the starter seloined sticking good luck james! let us know how it works out.

Thanks for the tips, everybody. I'll let you how it turns out.

Sounds like solenoid sticking.

I had a weak solenoid spring and it did this. I replaced several solenoids and the problem persisted until I bought a heavy duty solenoid spring.

This packet is included with AC Delco starter solenoids. It is to lube the inside of the solenoid to prevent the plunger from hanging up. Along with Bob's spring suggestion it would not hurt to lube the bore a little. It appears to be a silicone based grease.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/77%20Nova%20project/electrical/GMsolenoid.jpg