You may want to try a 'Post' at turbobricks.com - you don't have to have a turbo. I've found brickboard and turbobricks to be very helpfull. Great people on both sites.
Your electrical problem sounds like a bad ground. Which could be hiding anywhere !! You had mentioned in an earlier post something about replacing a light(s) and your 'bulb out' light coming on ? A wrong amp / watt bulb will trigger that light, as well as a lose/ corroded bulb. I picked up a " - Mart" brand head light for my 84-242 and lit my light. I'll change it out someday...just living with the light on (busy with a trans swap on my 89-245). Electrical systems have a host of Gremlins living in them......as long as the brick goes,...some times you have to just pamper them.
Al, 84-242GLTi; 89-245DL and other toys