I definitely fix the wiring first. Hot is relative, was it engine heat or smoking. In anycase the electricians tape doesn't sound good. A wiring harness seems to be a common solution. If you can get a wiring diagram (factory shop manual, library?) trouble shooting the wiring is not all that bad. The wires are all color coded. You just need to follow them point to point.

Larry

I don't own a vehicle that isn't old enough to drink.