Hmmm.
This guy might still be correct...

On most every car I've had (numerous and many POS included) there were only 2 wires going to the the starter. One Big wire (Positive, from the battery) and one little wire (switched positive from the ignition switch)

To get the starter turning all you have to do is short the little wire to the big wire. (They're usually about 1/4" apart) The ground is usually (always?) through the block...

It sounds like he's not real bright, which would explain why he'd do such a thing in the first place...