So im starting to fix up my grandpas 72 gmc 1500 pickup he left when he passed away, didnt want it to set and turn into dust, so I put new plugs in it, and had the starter rebuilt today, and I put the key in, turn it over once, the lights come on in the inside, then when I turn it over to start, nothing happens, so I make sure it has gas, try it again, this time the lights wont even turn on, and neither time did the starter even crank over, suggestions? its a 4.1/250 inline-6 engine.

What shape is the battery in? I'd clean the clamps and battery posts, then try jumping it.

new battery or a jump start

Besides the things mentioned I would drain the oil and change the filter. Then when you get it to turn over pull the coil wire and let it turn a few times to let the oil pressure build and lube the engine. If you pull the sparkplugs it will crank freely. I'm assuming it has not been run for a long time.

Nah it hasnt been run for a while, several years to be in fact due to just hospital visits and having all of the regular family death issues, no one thought about even looking at it, but Ill clean the clamps, BTW it is a new battery (12v), Im pretty sure it needs a 12, though some old trucks needed a 6, and Ill keep piddling around buying new this and that, but does anyone know where I can find a complete wiring kit? alot of the wires have been spliced and taped over, Im afraid one jut isnt getting good connection

Thanks

A 72 GMC is 12 volts. Take a voltage reading at the battery- it must be 12.6 volts. If that is correct, check your positive and negative battery clamps, they must be clean and free of any corrosion. Also check the postive cable connection at the starter is clean and tight, and again the negative cable connection on the frame or engine is clean and tight. If you still have no crank, we'll have to trace the starter circuit, to make sure that you have 12 volts at the starter solenoid while the ignition key is in crank position.

Only one of those things was what was causing it not to crank, the battery clamps, I feel horribly stupid :whine: , but I got her running now, had to pour a little gas down the carb but she started sucking pretty good, ;) , huthum anyways yeah and now all I need is to change the oil and filter since Im not sure of the mileage and how clean it really is, and slap a new tire on her and Ill have a new ride...thanks for all the help fellas I greatly appreciate it

Run some fresh gas through it real soon.

I ran almost 3 gallons (all I had) of 93 octane in it today, started pretty good, but have ran in to a new problem but I will have to post it somewhere else unless people dont care to help in here lol