87 Grand Marquis starts up strange

[CDoasis]

I have an 87 Grand Marquis with the 5.0. It's in pretty good condition with 118k on it or something like that.

Anyway, for the past few months it's been starting funny. When I turn the key, it'll act like the battery is really dead and barely crank over. But if I keep holding the key and cranking it, it'll turn over faster and faster and finally start. Sometimes it'll even make this really fast clicking sound when I go to start it, and yet if I keep holding the key, the click will stop, it'll slowly crank, it'll crank faster, faster, then start. What's going on here? I replaced the battery cables because they were pretty bad looking, but that didn't change anything. Anyone have any ideas?

Also, anyone else here have a Grand Marquis similar to mine with the 5.0, that they're looking to restore? I want to restore mine (minor rust) and kind of want to learn from somebody. Like how to go about taking the body panels off, sanding off minor rust, pretty much disassembling everything, restoring it, and putting it back together!

[CDoasis]

Anyone?

[miamibob]

Check out the Starter (could be a little weak, especially if it is the original) and the Solenoid Starter Switch. That would be on the passenger side with the battery cables going to it. Usually, though, if it is the SSS the car would just "click" and not start at all but I have seen it do some really strange things. Besides, aftermarket parts are under $20 so it may pay to try it and be sure to clean all the cables going to it and put them in the right place!! MB

P.S. Ensure all your cables and grounds are good!