Yes -- really big wires through the firewall. Why is it that
people who work with wires in cars think that electrical tape and
pliers are all they need? Why can't people use soldering irons
and shrink wrap? Oh, and fuses. I like fuses, why doesn't anyone
else?

I cut all the crazy start-a-fire wires out of the system. I
think the amp meter had a wire running to the head light switch
in addition to the huge wire running from the positive on the
battery (actually, to the post on the starter).

I guess that's where to start looking (big wire going to head
light switch).
chris