Car is a 56 sunliner.  Restored about 10 years ago.

Yesterday drove the car to work, then to lunch, all was fine.  Got back in the car after lunch, and it started right up just fine.  I heard a faint whirring sound, but I figured it was the scrub vette I was parked next to, so I just drove away.  About 4 miles into the trip, still heard whirring, and started to smell a faint burning electric smell.  I chalked the smell up to the scrub suburban next to me at the light (yes, I typically live in denial - makes me happier).

Got back to work, and went to shut car off, and it would not stop.  By now the wirring was louder, and the smell was much stronger.  Opened the hood, and the starter was smoking.  Turns out the starter never shut off.  I quickly disconnected the neg batt cable, and it stopped.  I tried touching the cable to the battery and the starter tried to turn over (key out of car) so I unhooked it again.  Made sure no fire, and called AAA. 

Car was flatbedded home a few hours later, carefully unloaded, and when i reconnected the battery, the starter didnt try to turn over.  Tried the key, and it tries to crank, but the starter is obviously cooked, so it cant really do much.

Car has - new battery, new alternator (GM 1 wire, properly connected), new starter solenoid, and replaced the ignistion switch about 4 years ago.  So what the H*ll is the problem?  All wiring appears to be in good shape (all new harnesses 10 years ago with frame off)

At first, I thought maybe the neutral safety switch (its a F/M), but no part of that is energized with key off.  Where should I look next??

Also, Im trying to get the old starter out.  I remember putting it together with the body off and thinking "man, what a pain this would be with the body on...hope I never have to do that....."  rats.   So the first question I have on that is how do I access the top most bolt?  Is it from the engine compartment side, or from the transmission side (accessed through hole in floor after pulling up carpet?)  Any tricks to get to the top bolt?  Car is on jack stands, as i dont have access to a lift.  Tricks?  HELP!!!!!

As much as i love this forum, I really wish someone who knew what they were doing lived close!

Thanks in advance for any and all help!!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL