So my 71 cuda just started having issues with trying to start it. If I try starting it cold with the key it does nothing, not even a click. I however can start it by jumping the starter relay with the key in the start position. Once it's running I can shut the car off and can now start it with the key. Any ideas on what may be causing this issue?

there is a part time poor continuity/connection somewhere between the "ST" terminal on the ign switch (& possibly the sw itself but way less likely) and the "ign" terminal on the starter relay that the yellow with tracer wire goes to. Could also be an intermittent ground in the NSS circuit from the "grn" terminal on the starter relay to the auto trans or clutch whichever you have. I would seperate the bulkhead and the dangling connector under the steering column & give the metal terminals a quick cleaning but if you have a VOM and a helper I would have him hold the key to start & you under the hood see if you have fire at the bulkhead wire that goes to the starter relay then either work forwards or backwards (from there) to pin down quicker which one has the open

I had that problem once..cleaned and wire brushed the terminals on the relay..

Clean the terminals and the connections at the relay.By the way thats not a no start.its a no crank.Drove me nuts at the shop when people came in and said my car wont start and it was a no crank.Big difference.Rocky