So out of the blue the bug has developed an ignition problem, turn the key, dash lights come on, turn further to start and nothing changes, the dash lights stay on the same brightness but nothing else, starter doesn't click, doesn't even try to turn the engine over, nuffn, any clues as to where to start?

Just some more info that may or may not be relevant, when the ignition is turned on the hand brake light is illuminated even though the hand brake is not applied. It goes out when the engine is started ( clutch start) not sure if it did this before, I have had the car for only a few weeks. and can't say that I have noticed it before.

Souds like the ignition switch contacts have worn out. Might just be the plug on the column , what model car, guessing your cabriolet

Yes Mat, 76 cab, converted to RHD about 20 years ago as I understand it

Being converted, they may have extended the wiring harness, possibly a connection has failed where there is a join if poorley done, but usually it's the switch or a wire fallen off with your symptoms.
So check the plug at the column, the small wire on the starter solenoid (and under the back seat there is a connector/join in the starter cable), any joins in the harness relating to the ign switch or extension, or the electrical part of the switch.

Hmm, just went out to the garage to start investigating, hit the key and it turned over imediatly, turned it off and tried again nuffn, hit it a couple of more times with no go and then and it worked, next time no go sounds like (before going in deeper) like you may be on it Mat , with the worn contacts, are all these switches interchangeable?
And how do I get the aftermarket steering wheel off, I've tried everything except brute force and a FBH, but can't find the secret.

Starter motor could be defective.

That's what I thought at first but my limited knowledge suggests that if the starter is the problem then the dash lights would dim when i tried to start it, no?

yep, usually the lights will dim suggesting some actual current flow to the starter.

Steering wheel, you have to get to the nut that's under the horn button....the rest is up to you without a pic to help

go Donny!

^ correct, but in 35 years I've never seen a starter fail into o/c like that, (that I can remember) and in this case the problem comes and goes so my call is switch or wiring o/c (open circuit)

Hmm, we'll after an hour or so in a fruitless effort to remove bathe steering wheel I tried starting it again, I've found that by wiggling the key I can get it to start ( still spasmodic fault though fails outnumber the successes ) maybe it's just a worn key

If the key was too worn, it would not turn the ignition, or any key would turn it. If it is turning, it is OK. The problem is the switch at the back of the ignition.

The steering wheel should come off if you have undone the nut on the top of the column. Post a photo.

I've just noticed that it is a '76. These have the plastic ignition switch that fail. They are very cheap and easy to replace.

Jeff, please don't bring logic into the discussion, it never works with me but I think you may be correct as I have an almost new key and that made no difference, finally got the wheel off, seems I was trying too hard,tonight I'm going to see if I can get the switch out, hopefully it's like AA003 says buy I'm not hopeful

I carry a spare in my glovebox in both T3s. That's how reliable these switches are.

OK, I've got most of it disasembled (hopefully I can reasemble it when I get the new part ) but I cant figure out how to get the last piece out, the piece with the electrical connections right at the back, I can't get the plastic cover off, seems that it has to come off when the steering column is removed, I'm thinking that there must be a spring clip or screw holding the last piece in. Hopefully I can load some pics

Don, on the other side of the column, there is an allen head screw that tightens a clamp around the steering column. Undo that, and you should be able to slide the cast piece off with the switch in it.
It should look like this - you can see the clamp on the left.

ALL GOOD woohoo Well it seems to be all good, time will tell I guess, thanks Mat, AA003 and Jeff, oh, and h for the gee along and Glen T for trying to help when he realy didn't have much time to spare. Yep, it was the plastic electrical connection thingie, and now I know how to get to it (really simple when you know how) it should be a damned lot quicker if I have to do it again, got the part in Newie too so that's a bonus. Comboyne here we come.

Great news.

Looking forward to seeing you at Comboyne.