Classic/Antique Car Repair: repair, diagnosis, austin heally, repair diagnosis

Question
Hello,
I have a 1967 Austin Heally Sprite (1275cc). Apparently the valet says I had a small fire. The engine was hot--212 degrees, but the fire occured 15 minutaes after is sat. My voltage regulator is melted, the bare wire is expossed from starter tumbler (inside firewall/bonet), the generator wire insulation is melted off, and some of the wires from voltage regulator to front of car are also melted. Any idea what might have happened? The car has been restored and drove wonderfully from CA to las Vegas where I had to be towed. Thanks for your help.
Mike

Answer
Hi Michael,
The discription of your wires burned narrows it to several hundred possibles. However, the fact that the regulator, regulator wiring and the ignition switch wiring were burned might indicate several possibles like,
The main contacts in the regulator may have burned together maintaining the current to the generator. The generator not turning could draw enough current while stationary to melt the wiring. Disasembly of the generator and close examination of the comutator, especially where the brushes are setting now should show signs of heat and maybe even burning of one segment of the armeture. Another possible is the engine stalled and the ignition key left on and the regulator points stick at the same time.
Any good mechanic in your area who is familure with electrics and has a diagram and who examines the damaged harnes and components should be able to show the sequence of events to come up with a cause.
I hope this helps.
Howard