[Healeys] Electrical issue - Need help

[Linwood H Rose]

Last night I took my recently restored BT7 out for a drive, returned  
and parked in the garage. Ran beautifully and I am pleased with how  
everything has performed. UNTIL,today I jumped in to start the car.  
When I hit the starter button there was a brief click and then  
everything was dead.This was not the first time out. I probably have  
about 5 hours driving time with all components working fine.

Those items not dependent upon ignition switching such as lights and  
horn were unresponsive. With ignition switched on everything is dead  
also.

I suspected the battery or a battery connection, because there was no  
heat, smoke or other signs of a typical short. Tested battery and it  
is strong. Checked boot switch and it is functioning properly. A test  
light shows current at the battery to solenoid connection. The  
positive post on the alternator also lights as you would expect.

Since I am using the alternator, my voltage regulator box has the  
brown and the brown/blue wires connected together on one terminal. The  
yellow wires are joined together on another terminal. The brown wires  
show voltage when checked with test light. Yellow do not.

No fuses blown. The upper non-switched fuse block terminal is live and  
lights with test light. Though the horn and lights do not work. The  
lower switched terminal is not energized on either side of the block.

I checked the ground straps in the boot and the one from the engine to  
the frame. Both new, both securely fastened, and yes, I scraped the  
paint off first so they would have a good connection.

So what is the problem? Can anyone help?

Lin
1960 BT7 "The Bloody Beast"
1959 Bugeye