Amp gauge showing around 20 amps whole time I was driving.

Please read title. Amp gauge showing around 20 amps whole time I was driving. Now I find the ignition module and voltage regulator have smoked and eaten paint off of not only, the inner fender well under and around the ignition module, but the hood above it. A little under and around the voltage regulator too. I know I need to replace both but could there be more wrong? Thanks

Please tell us whether it was showing charge or discharge, and how long you were driving.
because for example
20 amps charging for 5 minutes could simply be a low battery, or could be something else.
20 amps charging for 20 minutes is something else
20 amps discharging is likely a short.

The ammeter only indicates whether power is flowing in or out of the battery.
Other than starting, the car normally draws power from the alternator.
The alternator recharges the battery after starting. The gage should indicated charging for a few minutes and then go to zero (centered).
Power does not flow through the ammeter after the battery is recharged (unless there is equipment wired to the battery side).