Melting regulator wires (HELP!!!)

[awhotrods]

I'm in the process of converting my 82 4WD to an "RE", for a little motivation, I figured I would hook up the starter and alternator, and just make sure the damn thing turns over.  Well, lucky me, as soon as I started to crank the motor over, one of the 3 wires that goes between the alternator and regulator on the inner fender started to burn.  I double checked and made sure all grounds were on, and as far as I know, the alternator only has a plug (that only goes on one way) and the other little lead (where you throw the nut back on) Sooooo.... I tried a couple more times after I checked around, and the covering completely melted off the wire.    Damn  I hate the smell of burning wires.  I am usually pretty good with wiring but this one has me stumped.  Oh yeah, there is a little resistor on the back of the alternator that has a wire that needs to be bolted to something,  I grounded that wire to the alternator body, (this was after the first couple times of burning the wire) and it still did it afterwards,  Long story short, I need some help, anyone have any ideas???       

[Uncle Jesse]

it sounds as if the battery wires to the alternator are shorted to ground.  Check and see if the harness that goes between the alt and reg arent shorting on the steering shaft.  Also, get your multimeter and check to make sure the alternator isn't grounded internally(case to battery posts on alternator).