Steering Column Repair: 85 chevy truck, chevy truck, dash light

Question
ran fine then i tried to start it an nothing no altanator lights   no dash light  but headlights work whats up   thank you

Answer
Hello Arnfin:
It sounds like you may have burned a 'fusible link'.  these are wires that end power into the truck form the engine compartment.  there are 2 or 3 of them attached to the large terminal at the starter (where the batter cable ends).
If any one of these burns it knocks out multiple circuits.  check them with a test light by probing the wire about 6-8 inches away form the starter.  they should be hot at the terminal and wherever you test them.  If you suspect one is bad, give it a tug and see if the wire feels spongy or has lost it's strength.  You cannot see the burned wire---it's inside the insulation.

Good luck
Doug