Problem solved!
The ignition/start switch is ok. I finally got it off of the column. There is a little retaining pin that sticks out of the shaft in which the whole mechinism sits. A bit a foam isolation was partially covering the pin but I found it and got the bugger out. The electrical contacts inside the switch were a bit pitted, so I ceaned them up. I tested the continuity between post/terminal 30 and 50 and all was well with the switch. I then put everything back together and gave her a try, NADA!!! Grrrrr!!!! Dead again!!??!!!
While I had been getting the backup lights to work when putting the shifter into reverse I thought there must be more than one contact in that switch on the tranny. Perhaps it was not making contact for the start circuit, hmmmm.
Anyhow I jacked up the car and crawled under (jacks stands in place holding the load) and had a look see. Well, the electrical connector to the switch was half busted. The connector has four wires, two for the backup lights, two for the start circuit. The wires come out of the connnector at one side, not straight out the the back. The side where all four wires enter the plug was messed up allowing the connector, which has two halves, to split apart, albeit very slightly. The two wires closest to the split were the ones for the start circuit. With the connector splitting there was just enough pressure to pull one of the connections lose, hence the problem. WHEW!! So when I cleaned it all up and re-inserted the connector guess what? VRROOOOMMMMM!!! That puppy fired up just fine! Oh the sweat smell of diesel, heck it smelled better than the neighbours BBQ!!
So now I have to get a new connector to attach it all to the tranny properly. Resoldering the wires is not going to be allot of fun but hopefully I can work around it. There is not much room and the wires are fairly short so....
Anyhow, more parts to order. The shut off on the IP is looking kinda oily, I'm surprised it still works.