1971 Blowing Fuses

[FUG8]

This is a weird problem, but I'll try to be a succinct in my description as possible.

I have a 1971 convertible. It's mid resto, but driver resto. The turn signal switch that was in it when I got it wasn't working properly so I ordered a reman from JBugs. It came in and I got it installed. Initially it was working fine, but eventually the high beams started turning on and off when I turned the steering wheel.

I took the wheel off to check out the situation and looking at photos online I realized the four screws that hold the turn signal switch in place were not installed--they weren't in the one I took out, so I didn't realize they needed to be there. I tried to put the screws in, but the holes were too small. I got the drill out to open the holes slightly and in doing so caught the bit on the metal part of the switch and completely ruined it.

I put the swich back in place while I waited for a replacement to come. It no longer operated the turn signals, but it would still function the high beams.

While on a short drive recently the gauges went out and the engine quit. I realized the #2 fuse had blown. I checked the wiring that I could see and saw no bare wires or anything, so I replaced the fuse. The car started back up and I drove about 1/4 mile then it did it again. I tried several things (moving wires around, checking connections, making sure there was no stress on any wires, etc.) all the while blowing fuses trying to get started and home. Eventually, thinking it HAD to be something in the messed up turn signal switch, I took the wheel off and cut all of the wires to the switch. Fuse still blew. I got home on a bolt in the fuse's place--very short trip.

Yesterday I installed the new switch. It functions as it should, with the screws in place, with the exception of one thing... when I use the left turn signal, it blows the #2 fuse.

I decided to disconnect the black/white wire for the left turn signal and see if it would still blow the fuse. It did not. It blew the #1 fuse. Gauges went out, but the engine continued to run.

I reconnected the wire, replaced the fuses, and have not used the left turn signal.

Does anyone have any ideas of where I should look to find this problem?

[jeffrey8164]

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/wiring/ghia_8_70.jpg
This will help.
Sounds like you may have more than one issue though.
Fuses blowing like that are usually a short in the circuit somewhere.
Sounds like a fun weekend 🥴
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[Starbucket]

Plan your trips so you only make right turns Well you know which circuit has a short so now trace the wire and see where you pinched it (probably in the steering column) would be my guess since that is where you were missing with things.