UGH, need help with electrical issue

[MichellePape]

Hey all. I have an 88 Chevy Suburban 5.7 TBI. I went to start it Saturday night, it turned over three times, then the (pink) 16G fusible link that leads off the junction box into the wiring harness burned up. We replaced both the battery and the starter, made sure all the grounds were good and connected securely, then replaced the fusible link. Attempted to reconnect the battery and the link fried again as soon as the negative battery cable touched the terminal. We did find a thick red wire in the wiring harness where the insulation was all rubbed away and repaired that, but while waiting for the new fusible link to arrive at the parts store, I thought I'd check here to see if anyone has any thoughts on what else to check. A few more details, I have no lights (interior or dash) power windows and locks are inop however horn and cigarette lighter are working. Thanks in advance.