1958 6 volt wont start

[washingtonpilot]

I have a 1958 6 volt Beetle. I charge the battery all the way up. It starts a few times then it wont do anything. Doesnt click. Doesnt even try to start slowly. Bought a brand new battery and it does the same thing. Please help!!!

[mukluk]

1) Disconnect both ends of both battery cables, thoroughly clean all terminal connections 'til they shine, then reconnect them making sure everything is nice and tight. Do the same for the wire connections at the starter solenoid, headlight switch, and ignition switch.
2) Use a meter to check for excessive resistance or voltage drops in the charging system wiring.
3) Verify the generator and voltage regulator are working properly.
_________________
1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[tasb]

I would ad that when you are done cleaning and polishing that you clean and polish again and start the engine more frequently. It's as if the electrons forget which direction they are supposed to move. It's a common issue. Trickle charging the battery in situ when the car sits awhile seems to help sometimes but even that isn't the final solution.
_________________
Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse

[Eric&Barb]

Post an image of the battery cables.
_________________
In Stereo, Where Available!

[finster]

clean the terminals on the starter/solenoid. also check and clean the transmission to floorpan ground strap.
_________________
"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

[pantone149]

What Eric&Barb says. If no pictures, then take a serious look at the cables. They may look good, but looks can be deceiving.

[Erik G]

trans ground strap and starter bushing