76 dart sport fuseible links

Thanks for helping out.

Here's a few details that might be helpful...
1. I have a first edition of the Electrical Service Manual. Wiring color codes don't match vehicle in many instances.
2. I have the cluster on the bench.
3. The ammeter checks out.
4. Both traces feeding the ammeter were burned in-two. I repaired them. The repair checked good.
5. After repairing the traces I reinstalled the cluster but could not get any movement of the ammeter needle, zero voltage measured.
6. I have voltage from the alternator to ground. This must mean that neither the fusible link nor the shunt are open.

To burn both traces in-two there would have to be a current spike. The only way I can see that happening is the shunt resistance increased. The traces didn't burn in-two a second time because the was no current. All that's left is the harness. If there's a break or a burned connection that would account for no voltage at the ammeter. Let's say I find and fix a problem in the harness. It seems likely I'll burn the traces in-two again...

So I'm confused. I may be way out in left field. Don't hesitate to call BS on any of this.