Starter problem

[bendmartin 64 1/2]

I have a 64 1/2 mustang. It had a motor swap and now has a 302 from a later model. Today I went to start it and it turned over a few times but didn't start. It usually starts right away but sometimes it takes a couple tries. (I don't drive it very often) I went to give it another try and when I turned the ignition it just made a grinding noise. It sounded a bit like turning the ignition on a car when it is already running. Oddly enough it seems the sound is coming from the alternator but i'm not sure. The alternator is not locked up. I've never had this problem before. I've heard you can lightly tap on the starter with a hammer and that can help with older ones.. Where exactly is it located? I just want to make sure that I was tapping the starter and not something else.. If that doesn't work, should I just replace it? Could the issue be caused from something other than the starter? I also read somewhere that you can rebuild the starter. That might be irrelevant. Let me know if you guys have any tips. I appreciate the help. Thanks!

 

[PoppyMod]

Hi,
First, if you don't yet have a manual, buy one. It sounds like you'll be needing it for identification purposes.
The starter is located on the lower right corner of the engine. Tapping, is an old tip to shake loose a stuck armature or sticking bendix drive. You may have a bad starter solenoid too. It's that contraption with a number of wires connected to it and located near the battery. The "+" of the battery is connected. Also, you might want to have your battery "load tested". Most all of the auto parts houses will and can do this for free.