Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1967 newport short circut, wire insulation, short circut

Question
hi i have a 1967 Newport was driving it and it just shut off,no battery nothing! I opened the hood and move the wires by the voltage regulator and harness plug and power came back.I  started the car went home immediately,reopened the hood touched the wires again car went dead as a door knob.I asked around and was told that the electricity runs through the gauge.I had power  to the red wire but none to the black.I removed the nut and black wire and put it on the red lead  and tightened it.i hooked up the battery and ignition came on,as i tried to start the car i saw smoke coming from the fire wall! i quickly disconnected the power but the wire insulation  from the regulator to the harness plug burned to the copper! I'm at a loss ! can you point me in the right direction?i will be forever in your debt! thanks!

Answer
I should have told you that you can get a look at the wiring diagram for your car on the Imperial club web site. If you are not familiar with our group, you're in for a treat.

To see a wiring diagram for your car, go to page 118, 120 and 121 of the factory shop manual.  

We don't have the 67 manual up on the site yet, but we do have the 69, which should be just about identical - just ignore the accessories that your car doesn't have.

Go to http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1969/69FSM/08-118.htm
then change the 118 to 120 and 121 to see the dash wiring.

Hope this helps!

Dick