Why do all the amp connections on the ss p/circuts overheat, most if not all (including mine) are a lil toasted in this area--- isnt there supposed to be a SHUNT or something to prevent over heating ,, and if so where the hell is it located, on the fuse block???? what does it look like????

On a 72 there is a 14 ga fusible link in the wire that feeds power from the start solenoid to the horn relay. If that link burns, brakes or just gets disconnected. And if, while the f-link is open, there is any load that would be carried by the f-link, that load will now be routed through the amp gauge. Courtesy lights probably won't hurt anything, unless left on for an extended period, but if the head lights are turned on or if an attempt is made to start the car etc..., that load will fry the circuit card copper traces to the amp gauge. This is one possible scenario, it's hard to say how it happened on your car. The bottom line is that at some time excess current, over one or two amps, was routed through the amp gauge. I have seen cases where the factory amp gauge was wired as though it was a full amp carrying gauge like aftermarket amp gauges. The factory amp gauge is not designed to carry current.

On a 72 the amp gauge shunt is the length of wire that runs from the start solenoid, bat terminal, to the horn relay. The shunt is not ment to protect the amp gauge.

There are fusible links on the amp gauge wires but the circuit card traces will sacrifice themselves to protect them.