Such occurrences are a real concern for the antique vehicle community. A 64 year old truck has been exposed to all sorts of weather conditions and of course critters that like to chew on wiring. Heat deteriorates wiring insulation and just moving the wire to get to something else can cause the insulation to fall off. Could you have done something to prevent this from happening? Probably not given where the short was located. Count yourself lucky that it happened while you were there instead of in the dead of night when you were awakened by the fire truck sirens. As you have figured out, a new wiring harness is in order. You got this!
Man you aren't kiddin' on having it happen at home! The sad part on this is, it was a universal harness. The original one for this truck was long gone. That's why I'm trying do what I know best on this truck, but the grounds ALWAYS seem to be the unknown factory for me. Thought I had them covered this time, so I'm at a bit of a loss on what happened.
