Today's saga: electrical meltdown

[ddarnell]

I have not documented the transformation of Bud, the 76 CrewCab but have turned it from the ugliest truck on the block to a respectable camper toter. To that end the family took off in it this afternoon to go camping only to return a short time later with an electrical malfunction.
Upon examination I found the ignition wire (14RD) melted from where it emerges from the steering column to where it joins with all the ignition wires on the engine side of the bulkhead connector.
I'm thinking that the wire was chafed by the movement of the shifter body on the steering column, shorted out and melted.
Anyone think of something in the engine compartment that could have caused an extreme over current? The wiring from the junction of the ignition wire to points out on the engine appears good, though I'm thinking I may want to completely remove and inspect it.

[Gordon Maney]

I suspect your chafing idea is the cause.

[77440Wagon]

I agree, chafing. I had a similar issue last week in my 77 w100 but the ignition switch itself came apart and shorted out inside the column and sent smoke all over the place until I got the battery unhooked. The switch had been taken apart at some point and then put back together though... Seems like dodge's and wiring issues go hand in hand

[ddarnell]

Took the column apart and replaced the ignition "run" wire to the switch. Couldn't find a smoking gun but everything appears to be back to normal. I'll be upgrading the charging system next week. I'll be replacing most of the wiring as well. Installing a 140A alternator with a second battery up front as well as a full current charging circuit to the camper battery. I'm considering doing away with the bulkhead connectors but haven't quite settled on that yet.