Steering column turn signal help needed

[RShaips]

It's always something! Yesterday while driving my Jimmy the steering column started to smoke. Took it apart and could see a purple wire melted. I thought I had done every job possible to these trucks but I have not done this one. Anyway got the turn signal assembly out in one piece sort of. It's in pretty bad shape. If I buy a new assembly how do I get the wires in and out of the column?
Wonder why the wire smoked? Thanks for the help.