In light of recent studies, a new theory of electrical current
has been advanced. This theory which had been displayed countless
times, but never fully explained, indicated that automotive
electrical wiring is a conduit for smoke, which is what actually
makes electrical devices function.
Think about this. You are working on your GTO, let's say the
alternator. Due to an electrical mishap, smoke escapes from the
alternator. The next thing you know, it doesn't work. This is
because there is no longer any smoke in the system or the
alternator. This theory has been proven countless times in the
restoration process and with general repairs. Due to the lack of
conclusive visual evidence of the escaped smoke, auto parts stores
still do not allow returns on any electrical parts.
So now you know why melting insulation and wires lead to
non-working devices. The next time you are doing electrical work
on your GTO and see smoke coming from one of the accessories, you
will not need to speculate what went wrong, you'll know why it no
longer works.
[Editor's Note: Mr. Sirkett is the author of the how-to, or how
not-to, book on automotive electrical work titled "Under-Dash Arc
Welding." His work has also appeared in numerous automotive
publications, usually used as a bad example.]