So I've bought my father in laws 83 Jimmy and the thing is far from pretty right now. Buy my problem is with the wiring somewhere. I'm not getting any power to the dash whatsoever. I've already tried new batteries etc. but can't get a single light. And the ignition gives no response either. Now I've been around this vehicle for a while and seen it run and drive before so I know it'll go. My father in law said he believes some wires have burned out near or at the starter and before I go digging I was wanting to see if there is a history of this being a problem and if there is any pointers on finding and fixing the problem. Any help would be awesome. Thanks.

 

check grounds especially the one on the rear passenger side head

 

Could be a fusible link has fried in the power wire from the starter to everything else.

Sometimes they fail with age but often fail from a wiring problem like a short to ground in a circuit.