> went ahead & put in a new starter too.
>
> there was clearly power but the starter did absolutely nothing -
>

I've had this with bad battery and/or starter/solenoid connections.  You
state the starter was changed:  I'd suspect the cables to the starter, both
+ and ground.  Assuming the mechanic was careful, he (or she for those
easily offended) would have taken the battery ground off so check this too.
This can happen with apparently solid connections.

After having disconnected battery ground, disconnect the starter cables,
give a good cleaning with wire brush, contact cleaner spray, reassemble and
tighten well.  Once you establish a good connection you should put a dab of
grease on the terminals to prevent corrosion.

This could also be a bad ignition switch.  With the key turned to the
starter setting, jiggle the wires going to the ignition switch to see what
happens.

Good luck

JGS

84 1.9L Westfalia
Bleu Schtroumpf