It all started when my engine would not shut off when I turned the key off. In order to get it to shut off, I unplugged the positive side of the solenoid. This did the trick, but I think it led to bigger issues. Here is my thoughts, was wondering if anyone else thinks it makes sense. When I unplugged the positive side of the solenoid the engine stopped then I plugged it back in, which I think caused a connection with the ignition, sense it was not technically disconnected. This led to my bigger issue of a fried ignition wiring harness and an exploded coil. When replacing these two, I found that my started was junk due to the extremely hot battery wires I was creating when trying to turn the starter over. I have replaced the wiring harness, coil, and starter. I am going to replace the solenoid and ignition switch, and I think that should do the trick. Does anyone else have any suggestions if this does not work....

 

Ok first off, if your + wire is gettin hot when trying to start your car that means there is some serious resistance in the connections from your battery to the actual starter. Clean all of the connections, the battery terminals, the + and - wire ends, the solenoid connections, that includes the base of the solenoid as it is the main ground for the whole system, and the wire and terminal on the starter itself. That'll reduce the resistance in the wires.
But that is not your problem, it sounds like your ignition switch is bad. It needs to be replaced. Then your car should shut off as normal.
-P.

 

If you have replaced all of that, there isn't anything more to replace in the ignition system except for the points and distributor and plug wires. That oughta' fix it.

 

The conenctions seem clean, but I will clean them to make sure. I am also replacing the solenoid and ignition switch. I believe the resistance was coming from the bad starter due to the positive battery cable, negative battery cable, and wire from solenoid to starter were all extremely hot. Thanks for the advice...

I have changed the points, condensor, lead wire, and dist cap...

 

you may also have a frayed wire somewhere drawing or grounding out and it could be the reason you're heating your wires/frying the solenoid out.