keep ammeter? / hack job

HemiMark said
That looks like a mess.................. I wish I could help.............Is that the key hot wire..im not sure

I do not know for sure- but I thought so because:
1) it is red and looks like 12g
2) when it is unplugged from the bulkhead I get no lights, no gauges, no starter (using the key). Plug it back in and it all works.