Ignition switch

The first thing I would do is inspect the harness connecter. There are 2 connecters exiting the column . The one from signal switch has smaller wires.
Copper is an exellent heat conducter so if the ignition switch is heating up its connecter should get warm too. I've seen those connecters melted so bad that the switch side has to be destroyed to get the 2 apart. Lets hope the cars harness side isn't damaged beyong reuse.
That igntion switch isn't as hard to replace as it is just annoying. They used 73736 different types of hardware in there so half the tool box is required. LOL
I must repeat a warning about aftermarket switches out there. Many of them have a extra (WRONG) wire in them. Hook it up directly from the package and you'll blow the dash light fuse.

Thank You Redfish!

If I find the connectors exiting the column in good shape, as well as the car's harness side, where else should I look to find the source of the problem?

Would running a wire from the alternator output side directly to the starter relay, thereby bypassing the dash ammeter/voltage regulator circuit, help with this? I see guys running this single wire bypass all the time, as an answer to avoiding a melt down at the dash.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks again!