The alternator was toast, but all the copper wires between the alternator and the bulkhead connector were undamaged, including the fusible link; however, once the current reached the smaller gauge stainless steel wire (I've found information corroborating the type of wire), it couldn't handle that much and got so hot it burned all the insulation off and damaged other wires under the dash. I have a distant memory of putting the wire nut on because I cut it to reroute messy wiring there - I fully inspected all of the wires under the dash last summer when I did have a short in my courtesy lamp circuit. Unfortunately, I am striking out in finding stainless steel wire with insulation, so I may have to construct one...ugh!
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78 White T/A, Carmine interior, Fisher T-tops, WS-6 package, 3.08 gears, a/c, rear discs. Original 403 with 300,000 miles replaced by new Pontiac 455 (roller everything, 6x-4 heads, Performer manifold, Hooker Headers, Hughes converter, Cliff's Q-jet) - I only get 12 mpg!
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