you are correct. it was a bad battery. I had to call a roadside assistance as i wanted to get the car out of the driveway so I can get my second car out of the garage,a 66 mustang conv. The tow guy thought at first too that it was a starter problem, but I asked him to try and jump it anyway. 3 tries on the ignition switch and it started up. I took the battery to Kragen where I originally bought it, and it tested bad. It is an autolite. I got 50% off for warranty. Thank you for the pointers. very helpful indeed. I have another problem that I will start a new thread. I have been having this hard start problem after I rebuild the engine. I will soon have some time to focus on it. hopefully you will be available to help....