fried wires

Two different approaches, the first is really for earlier models than your '81, but has some good info:
http://www.allpar.com/history/mopar/electrical.html

This one is probably more relevant to your truck and it meets your wants pretty well:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml

By all means eliminate bare wires sloppy splices, etc, etc.

BC