Can somone help me with this problem.

[rjfscorpio711]

My buddy has a '37 Chevy coupe with a small block/th350 combo. Late model tilt steering column. Had a dual point distributor with ballast resistor ignition. When starting the engine it would crank but not start as long as the key was held in the "crank" position. But will start when the key is released to the "run" position. Not knowing what to do my friend replaced the distributor with a Mallory "HEI" style distributor but the condition still exists. Im thinking he needs a new ignition switch. Any input? Anybody? Bueller? bueller???

[Stich496]

wire from the starter to the coil is missing

[Phoneguy]

+1 there should be an "I" terminal on the solenoid that needs a wire running directly to the positive side of the coil.

[squirrel]

Would need to know what kind of ignition switch it has, and how it's wired. Sounds like the coil was connected to the ACC terminal instead of IGN