no power/short?

[shanghaitom]

I purchased a 1970 280SL that was driven into storage about 8 years ago.  I have replaced all the fluids, installed a new battery (700cca) from Interstate Batteries MTP-91.  All electrical worked fine after installing the new battery.  When the moment of truth arrived to start it, the engine turned over once and then everything shut off and now there is no power whatsoever.  In searching the forums, it sounds like it is possibly a grounding problem.  I have checked the fuses, replaced a couple that were suspect, but it didn't help.  Any recommendations on how to troubleshoot?

Thank you.

[wd]

While your waiting for the knowledgeable folks to read your question you might as well go to the tech manual and check the information on Ground.  There are three main grounds  under the hood that are shown in the manual.  See if any of those came loose.  Also you should check for corrosion.  Check the battery connections again and any lines or switches you reconnected when working on the car.  
Connection to starter or ignition switch?  

[Peter van Es]

Indeed: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Troubleshooting

Check the connection from battery -ve to ground of the car. Verify if there is power at the fuse box. Check fuses.

Peter

[w113dude]

There is a good chance your ignition switch corroded and it's not making proper connection, after years of seating it could happen. That's where I would start looking.

Good luck.

[shanghaitom]

Thanks all.  the main culprit was a battery shutoff switch that was faulty installed by the previous owner.  Now I have found a fuel pump leak!  Oh, the joys!!

[m300cab]

see if you can figure out how old the coil is, an old one will leave you stranded, ask me how i know