Yes '50 flat head v8. The starter bumps each time I make the connection, but does not continue to crank. Is that indicative of a bad starter?

 

Have you checked to see the engine is not locked up? If you put the truck in gear and push or rock it, will the engine turn?

 

You're connecting the small wire inside the solenoid that feeds the small terminal, to the starter motor. That will burn out the solenoid. You need to ground the small terminal (IF it is the original type). If the solenoid has a button on the bottom, you can push up on it to energize.

 

Didn't check that, although I tried to push start it as I pushed it out of the garage, but it was just me so I assumed I wasn't rolling fast enough- I'd be surprised if the motor locked up- it was running fine before I turned the engine off.