In the spirit of "what else can possibly go wrong", I noticed that the plastic around the Starter lug where the battery and alternator cables attach is cracked and broken and the lug is very loose & about to fall off. Does that mean it's time for a new starter? Or can this be repaired?

If time for new, any suggestions? I'm looking at the hi-torque IMI-101N. Or should I look for an original used Bosch or a rebuilt Bosch SR17X? Car's a stock '74 2.0.

Paul

Did you check to see if it can simply be tightened, or plastic replaced?

The battery cable & alternator leads attache to the starter solenoid and it can be replaced separately.
If you can find a reputable starter/alternator shop they can fix it or you can take it on yourself.

Jim