Thanks for the offer! If I can't get it fixed I may try that.
One of the reason's I'm really pissed is because I installed a used, but EXCELLENT condition (all of the wires were still "soft," not brittle, and there were no burns, cuts, or cracks on ANY wire!) completely uncut original underhood harness from a '72 just 5 or 6 months ago. Cleaned ALL the grounds, battery connections, and even FINALLY added a "proper" + junction box (it was part of the '72 harness). It has all grounds. Battery/frame, engine/frame, cab/engine.... sigh