I have been reading some repairs for this system, bypassing the ammeter and even the bulkhead fitting connection for these wires. I like what I am seeing and will work on doing that. It would make me feel a lot more comfortable. (MADelectrical.com)

Thanks Stumpy - the ammeter/voltmeter expressway/dead-end reference explained it perfectly.

Time to get out the soldering gun and buy some heavier gauge wire than what I have in the tool box!