eletrical cut out problem 79 spider

I have purchased a 79 spider Carburated model, manual trans, and it sometimes cuts out electrically when running, and then sometimes I have to play around with the ignition switch to get the dash lites on (oil and battery) to try to get it started again. I have installed a new battery the old one was 6 years old. I have also ordered new wire diagrams and shop manuals, I have no experience with these cars but I live this one, I am stationed in Germany in the army, any help would be greatly apreciated, by yahoo email address is ao177snipe@yahoo.com

It sounds like the ignition switch may be going bad. These are readily available and easy to change. Before you replace the switch though, check the condition of the wiring connector where the switch plugs into the wiring harness. A lot of amps go through this connector and they also fail. To prolong the life of the switch and connector you should install headlight relays: the way Fiat designed the system, all headlight power goes through the ignition switch.