Starter Motor!!!!!!! I am going insane

Hi Guys!

I inherited a 71 Bay Kombi perfect exterior and interior (pretty lucky i know). Anyway the motor the was the last thing to be done. I invested heavily in a rebuilt 2L and finally installed it a month ago. Ever since connecting it all up (exactly as before) and turning the key the I got nothing from the starter. So after much work I found the ignition switch was cooked. I then installed a new one. Still nothing from the starter. So I then took out the starter and got it refurbished by an auto electrician. After installing it yesterday and turning the key nothing!!!!!!!!!!!! I am ready to sell the bloody thing I am that frustrated. Any help would be much appreciated. (note the lights seem to dim when turning the key all the way but no clicking or turning from starter!)

Earth strap ?

Both straps haven't been changed and they worked before. They do look a little crappy i guess but they worked on the old motor. Is it worth a shot?

Try to "ring" the cable between ignition switch and solenoid terminal..

I replaced my earth strap from the gear box. Now it works. The old one was rooted. Thanks Guys

lucky it didn't earth through the accelerator or clutch cable