Mike, your advice was very helpful. I read that manual as well as another book on 12 volt systems and feel more confident now. I replaced the burnt wires and now the truck runs fine, converted to 12 volt. I do want to add a 50 amp maxi fuse but my wiring layout is different than in the Painless Products example. The only fuse box that my 53 chevy 3100 has is for tail and stop lights. A link to the wiring diagram for a '54 is below - it's identical. I think the Maxi fuse should go on the 10 gauge wire between the starter and the ammeter, isn't that correct? Thanks again for your help.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c5pjp89p8lh3uyj/54%20Chevy%20wiring%20diagram.jpg?dl=0
