Headlights on when battery is hooked

Are you saying that you completely remove the headlight switch connector and they are still on?

Either there is a melted cross in the harness caused by a short, etc, or wiring has been hacked.

You have a diagram? Shop manual?
I got a diagram last night then found all three wires to the dimmer switch cut. The bulk head connector on the cabin side looks good ( no melting ) and the engine and light harness under the hood is new. It seems that the harness has been hacked somewhere under the dash. Thank you