Dead short?

hey 70net

67dart has given you some excellent advice. i would add a bit more information as i've had a few wiring problems on my 68 barracuda created primarily from the prior owner installing a "viper" anti-theft system. DO NOT EVER install a modern anti-theft device on an old mopar!! these devices are made to hook up to a number of electric circuits and removing one is a nightmare!!

now as to some advice...
i made photo copies of the engine compartment, interior and dash wiring diagrams from the OEM 68 plymouth service manuel i have. wiring diagrams are VERY hard to follow so here's what i did. i got about six different color fine point felt tip markers and traced each wire with a different color marker. by doing this you can see where the wires go from all of the major electric systems i.e.... starter, dash gauges, wiper motor, lights, etc. i would follow every major wire to see if you can find a connection and/or wire that is shorted out or melted. if you are having a lot of trouble finding your short you might try installing "in-line" fuses on wires leading to major electric components. i burned out a fine OEM turn signal switch on my barracuda from trying to track down a short. i did have an original replacement switch and when i installed that one, i installed in-line fuses on each of the six wires so there would be no chance of frying that switch. in-line fuse holders are a bit bulky but you can usually hid them under the dash or behind a component.

i HATE electrical problems. tracking down shorts requires a LOT of patience and a wiring diagram showing how the wires SHOULD be hooked up.

finally, as most guys will tell you, if you cannot find a short you likely have a power feed wire with the insullation worn off allowing it to short out on the frame, chassis, firewall, component, etc. don't forget to look for a "bare" wire anywhere and everywhere.