starter vs. solenoid ?

My '66 wont start after sitting for a month. The battery is still alive, and usually a shot of carb cleaner will start her right up. However, this time, the starter whines a little and it wont turn over. I have had problems with the solenoid in the past, should i try replacing it, or the starter, or something else?

TIA!

Manually jump the starter soleniod, tis will tell you if that is the problem or not.

If the starter spins when you turn the key, the solenoid is probably ok.

If the starter spins but the engine does not, the starter is likely your problem. You may simply need to remove the starter and clean the armature shaft and a light dose of oil on it so that the starter drive can kick out. On the other hand, the clutch in the drive may be bad.

Does it make any unusual noises when it spins? Old Fords are known to have problems with the starter bolts backing out if they are not tightened properly.

the starter just kinda grinds, it doesn't kick over. Perhaps a good cleaning is in order.

You're losing me here!! When you turn the key to the start position, does the starter turn the engine? Or, does the starter just make a grinding sound (such as the bendix hitting the flywheel) and the engine does not rotate? Cleaning the shaft ahead of the starter drive/bendix may help, but I doubt it. Unless I miss my guess, go ahead, spend the $60 and replace the starter.