I was looking on the Internet and found this description of VW
wiring.  This makes me think that applying live current to terminal 50
on the solenoid (instead of ground) is what is required for it to
start turning.

Wiring Terminals
30 - Straight battery power, always hot
31 - Ground
15 - Power when ignition is ON
50 - Power when starter is engaged
X - Power when ignition is on, but loses power while cranking

Assuming terminal 30 on the main solenoid is a big nut with a rubber
boot that is connected directly to the positive battery terminal,
maybe I also need to connect live power to the smaller spade connector
on terminal 50 of the solenoid?

Please help before I try something bad and short something out.

Thanks.
--
Craig Oda   craigoda@communitybuilders.info
VW Info: 1983 VW Westfalia, water-cooled, automatic