Chevrolet Repair: wiring problems, light bulbs, loose wires

Question
Hi, I have a tough problem. When I turn my Right turn signal on it is like my hazards are on, it flashes all the way around. When I turn my headlights on they cancel everything in the rear. No break lights no turn signal nothing. And when I turn my head lights on my gas needle drops to empty. This all started recently. I have never had anyone work on my electrical system. Will you please help me. I drive a 1987 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup. Thanks for you time
    Matt

Answer
Hi Matt,
Sounds like a loose connection, like where everything goes through the firewall. Worse yet, it could be that one of the loose wires melted through a couple of them, shorting them together, but not to ground.
It is also remotely possible that one of the bulbs is in the socket wrong, or the filiment blew and is shorted across to the other. You could test that by removing the tail/stop light bulbs, and then reinstalling them one at a time.
If you have a trailer light connection, don't forget to check the wires to it.
Van