Projects 1929 Model A Street Rod build start issue

Good evening! I recently joined this board and have already gotten so much from many of you here. Thank you. I am working on a 1929 Model A I had been building with my incredible dad before he passed this past July.

The car is a Pete and Jakes chassis, Brookfield body, Ron francis wiring, etc. We built it with a crate small block and crate 4 speed from Summit. We had it all worked out in terms of basic drivability (we drove it around my Dad's house a few brief trips and have started it at least 25 times). Anyway, I got the car home and was able to crank it up. Then, it just stopped wanting to start. When I turn the key it pops the start fuse. I have searched the harness and see no issues. I have disconnected the distributor, alternator, etc and replaced the ignition switch. It still pops the start fuse as soon as the key is turned to accessory. The headlights and signals work. There are no power windows, no AC/heat, no radio, etc.

Any tips on how to trouble shoot this no crank issue?

 

Sounds like you have a hot touching ground on the switched side of the fuse block. Did anything noticeably shift during the transport home?
My condolences on your Dad's passing.

 

Take some of wiring off engine,to icelate/seprate from main harness...Run a wire from bat to dizy { like as if key is on,jump starter with a screw driver,if it starts an runs= prob is in some part of wiring,likely under dash..take that n open so ya see.

 

Sounds like some underdash back pain is in your future. I would start the hunt with a multimeter to see if you can find a hot line that ohms out to ground. Good luck

 

Might check around the starter for melted wire grounding out on something. Lots of heat there, could be it took a couple trips and starting it 25 times to do it. Good luck!

 

Yeah, I hope you can inspect visible wiring and track down the short to ground on the circuit. Try no to wiggle stuff too much, since it's a problem now. If it gets moved away from ground, it will be harder to trace down.

 

So it not only pops the fuse when the key is in the start position, but also does it in the accessory position? If that is true it isolates your issue even further.

I'm with @RodStRace you likely have a short to ground.

 

Look around the exhaust manifolds for a wire touching, had that happen to me before.

 

@PsychoSurfer2147 Where are you located? If you're unable to resolve the issue, keep in mind there are a lot of HAMB folks spread across the world, many of them willing to help a fellow out and meet other like minded car folks. Maybe there's one in your area that is a skilled auto-electric guy or gal.