Steering Column Repair: 78 monte carlo turn key nothing happens, neutral safety switch, starter solenoid

Question
recently my Monte Carlo 78 with 350 engine, started giving problems. I turn the key sometimes and nothing happens. battery good starter good so I'm thinking ignition switch or neutral safety switch. how do i rule out which one? please help  

Answer
Hi Ron:
You will need to use a test light to determine where the current stops.  The circuit you are looking at on the ignition switch (top of the column, knee high) is the yellow or purple wire (I think in 78 it was purple).  When you hit "start", that wire should light up, and when you let go, it should go dark again.  If it does that, then the ignition witch is good.  If not, the replace the ignition switch.

Then the neutral safety switch is next.  That's located at the base of the column, also on the top side, but right at the floor.  Again, when you hit the "start" position with the key, both side of the square connector should light up.  The flat connector is for backup lights and those wires are much smaller gauge and green.  The larger wires should be purple also and the same size as the one in the ignition switch.
If those both light up, then the problem is outside the cab, same circuit going all the way to the starter solenoid 'S' terminal.  If only one side light up, then the switch needs adjusting or replacement

I hope this helps

Doug