Hi Allison,

first things you might want to look are the ground strap(s) (battery,
tranny).  Have you already done that?  They could be corroded, cut etc.  If
your engine is not proberly grounded solenoid and starter won't work at all.
Measure voltage (max 0.5 V) between engine and body during start (have
helper).

Juha Koivisto
88 Vanagon (Caravelle) 1,6TD (old school bus with 9 seats)
TURKU, FINLAND