Classic/Antique Car Repair: Light switch, batt cable, starter switch

Question
After successfully turning on my head lights while driving, they suddenly went off.  My parking lights still worked.  The following day I started it, but stalled, then couldn't restart.  No amp change when light switch was flicked.  I do see a flash thru steering column hole in floor, when I would hit the starter switch.  Does my switch in harness have a short?

Answer
Get under the car with the floor boards out and check all the wiring.  Take a hard look at the batt. cable from the batt to the starter switch.  You may be rubbing on the brake pedal arm.  You can burn your car up.  Take the light switch off the column and check it out.  You could have a short inside the starter switch.  It is very close in there and the paper insulation may be torn or worn out.  Take it apart, but you have to find the short.  I think the head lights are probably OK.  When you get it running, make sure the gen or alt is putting out.  
Good luck, and get back to me.  
jack