Classic/Antique Car Repair: Ignition switch burning wire?, dodge dart, slant 6

Question
1970 Dodge Dart w/slant 6 (198 cubic) When I turn the key to start the car it does not turn over,but my lights and all other accessories seem to work until I turn the key back to the off position and then a wire burns coming off the fire wall. This wire that burns also goes to the starter relay ? Is my key switch going bad ? Thanks, Your help is appreciated.

Answer
Hi Terry:
No, you have got some naked wires that are touching some where and when you engage the starter, the heat generated from the starting process is heating up these wires. Find all burned wires (including starter wires to battery) and replace ALL of them. The touching wires are shorting out the starter contact. This may have damage the starter, but you can't be sure until you solve the wire problem.

Also, if there are no touching wires, that usually means your starter is burned out or your battery has too many amps for the starter. Your battery should be putting out 30 to 40 amps for that car. A 70 to 80 amps battery will cause problems.