Hi just got my first third gen a 1982 firebird se and am fixing her up. had numrous probs but got it all figured out and fix besides one thing. The negitive battery cable melted today where it bolts to the battery. i am thinking altenater cause the dash lash dim when tring to start the battery is reading 12.75 volts. i am just wanting to know what this problem is im not to good at electrical stuuf so thanks for the help mike

 

I don't think an altenator would cause that. I am pretty sure you've got a short somewhere. It needs to be found before you do anything else. You might end up burning your car up otherwise. I'd start by running the battery cables and see if one could have a bare spot and is grounding somewhere. I had a 71 Camaro that this happened to and it nearly burnt up on me. Turned out the battery cable going to the starter had a hole in the cover and grounded out, causing a massive short.

 

pm sent

 

yea i was thinking a short to but if it is not from the positive cable wwere do i start from there