Starting problem, wire smoke

[67ChevNut]

Tried to start my 69 today only to find out there was no cranking sound. Did notice a burnt odor from a wire connected to my positive battery terminal, this wire comes from a small junction terminal attached to the fender right next to the battery, it got real hot and smoke was coming out of it. I replaced the battery next, I suspected it didn't have the correct charge. However the same thing happened again. What could it be? Starter problem? Where should I start to find the cause of the problem?

[firedemon]

that wire is the main fusible link and is supposed to burn if there is a problem . if it only burns when you try to start check your main battery cables and their connections especially the ground . then if you dont find a problem there check the purple wire to the starter then finally the starter itself . if it burns when you turn the key on but not yet in the start position theres lots more to check

[Stocker]

I had a similar thing happen recently. Mechanic had left the main ground cable disconnected, so all the cranking current had to go through that small cable (fusible link?). Luckily it just burned the insulation off, after I grounded the main cable all was good, just had to re-insulate that small cable.

Mine was a missing ground, sounds like yours is a missing + connection.