I had some electrical problems many years ago that blew my fusible link. I installed a regular fuse holder in that location & carried fuses with me for about 2 yrs. until I finally redid the dash wiring.

All the power for the car except starter & headlights (I think) goes through that wire, so your short could be just about anywhere and blow that link. You'll have to track down the short.

I used to think about making my car "stealth" by putting a switch inline with that fusible link wire & one more in the brake light circuit. Turn off those two switches & only the headlights & engine get power....not that anyone would ever need that