Go to your local parts store and buy can of 'Wire Dryer'.  When it is damp out
and your car won't start, spray the wire dryer on your ignition wires.  If it
starts, then you can be pretty sure you need new wires.  If that doesn't work,
spray the ignition cap.  If the car starts, then you know it is that cap
that is bad and needs to be replaced.  If you can't find wire dryer, you can
use WD-40.  If it is not damp out, but you still want to check the condition of
your wires, there is something else you can try.  At night park your car in
a dark area, prefably on a moonless night.  Open the hood and look around
the engine compartment.  What you want to look for is tiny sparks jumping
around from your wires to ground.  If you seem them, you know  your wires
are bad.  
--------------
Alex

Won't crank over and or won't start?

Does the engine turn over and not start when you turn the key or?

Check the batteries condition -- how old is the battery? Are the battery posts
clean or can you see signs of corrosion?

How about the large cables coming from the battery -- bend them back a forth --
if you hear them crack (Remove & Replace) R/R.

If the engine is cranking over but not starting -- then I'd look at the ignition
system -- check out the distributor cap -- Remove the cap from the Distributor
(do not remove the attached wires) Use WD40 and spray inside distributor cap --
re-install cap on distributor -- now try and start engine -- if the engine
starts - replace the cap and rotor as they are defective!

Someone is giving this car to you??! I recommend that you sell *FORD* and use
the cash for a good used and most of all RELAIBLE Japanese (I like Toyotas) made
car -- it will save you in the long run!

BBA