Intermittent Ignition Issue [66 Valiant /6]

If it won't crank when you short the two STARTER SOLENOID terminals AT THE starter (please be SPECIFIC) then you have got the trouble down to just a very few things

1....Forementioned cables and connections. You can NOT test these "not under load" with a voltmeter
2...Bad starter

You did not mention doing what I asked

TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS.

Then jumper the solenoid. What happens?

There is a VERY GOOD REASON for being SPECIFIC

When you turn on the headlights, this LOADS the circuit, but only some amount. The headlights should light nice and bright. This at least shows that you have some continuity in the electrical system/ cables/ connections, and that the battery is able to provide SOME current

NEXT jumper the solenoid

Does the starter crank the engine? No? Do the headlights dim WAY down? Not at all? go clear out?

If the lights dim not at all, you probably have a bad starter, BUT CONFIRM

If they go clear out, you most likely still have cable/ connection problems, or a defective battery. YOU CAN NOT TEST a battery NOT UNDER LOAD with a voltmeter
Did not think of that. Sheesh I never would have thought of the headlights doing all that in a thousand years. I’ll try all that tomorrow after work. Thanks for all the advice. Ended up calling AAA. Will follow up tmrw WITH the headlight starter relay short test.