Thanks for the directions. Did that. Lost headlights (parking lights were on though). Fuses are on order.

High beams don't work when HB lever is moved and locked forward. However if I pull back on the HB lever the high beams come on. Of course if I hold it back they'll stay on. (this is with the bare wire in place; gotta have headlights)

I popped the computer cable to try and check the wire status (passenger side firewall) for the biodegrading wire issue, but didn't see a way to get past the rubber cover. The black wire coming out of the wire cover seperate of the computer connector was in good condition; no cracking visible and the wire bent without seeming brittle. Put the computer wire back and started the car. The ECL is now clear.

Will post more once fuses are in. At least the car is drivable (glass half full).