Working fine, sparks, then nothing

[JJSmitches]

Hint 1: Today I wrapped up installing the M&H wiring harness I purchased for my Chevelle.

We had to jump it to get it started. We were having problems adjusting the carb (secondaries kept leaking) when we ran out of fuel. Put more in the tank and get it started again.

Hint 2: Later we turn the key, cranked the engine, and the ground wire for the hand held tach sparked and popped. We turned it back off. I thought it was a fluke. Took the tach off and it started with no problem.

My neighbor walked down and when we hit to fire it up sparks flew from the general area of the MSD box but it was dark and the sparks were so bright I can't honestly say where they came from.

Now turning the key gives nothing, the headlights no longer work, and I need to figure out what happened. We pushed it back in the garage and could not see anything that appeared burnt.

Anyone have ideas where to start?

[derekf]

Trace it back... sounds like you've got no headlights and no ignition switch, is there power to the fuse box? Don't have a wiring diagram here at work, I'd probably check to see if there was power at the voltage regulator next if there wasn't any at the fuse box.

[JJSmitches]

I will probably start working on it Tuesday. It was too late to keep going last night and I have plans for this evening.

[JJSmitches]

I just noticed that the wire I used to connect the tach to the MSD box was left on and probably touching my fender when we tried to start the car and got all of the sparks. I still need to check all the fuses then start checking where there is power.