welcome to the garage Tiny - hope this ain't makin ya bite yer nails!
where is the fuse? if it's not in the headlight circuit [lights still work], then it must be back further, like fusing the whole system, or at least multiple things including the lights, which isn't a good setup - there should be power to a central point [fuse panel] and then fuses on individual circuits so each thing can blow it's own top w/o affecting anything else - it also may just be that the fuse needs to be a higher rating
OTOH, the lights could have a problem causing them to draw waaay too much juice, which seems indicated by the discharge situation - got the wrong bulbs in? could try disconnecting one light at a time to see if it's a problem on one side
more info will prolly get more answers!
Bill
