won't start

I have a 1983 Lincoln Towncar. When I tried to start it today - nothing happened. It didn't turn over or make any noises. The only noise I can hear is a faint beep when I open the door. I am getting no power to lights etc. even while trying to jump it. There has been a rattling noise from the front right of the car for a few days. The rattling stops after I accelerate, but starts again after I stop and start accelerating again. Two days ago - after I drove for about 15 minutes and turned it off - I tried to start it again immediately and it was only turning over. I waited 10 minutes and it started fine. It was starting yesterday with no problems (other than the rattling).
The battery wires and grounds seem to be attached, but my boyfriend said the solenoid might have been smoking when he tried to start it while jumping. What am I dealing with here?

check any codes, might be a crankshaft position sensor if it starts one day and does not the next? Need a good mechanic to diagnose if there are multiple problems I'd say. Good Luck.

CPS? ON A 1983??? Are you serious?

Yep, he's smokeing the good stuff alright. This is an old dead post, we worked on answering her questions months ago. I don't know why it's surfaced again. Where are the mod's.