Thanks Mr T, you are a wealth of info, and i am very appreciative.
the multimeter is getting a good run.
you're right about bizarre live power - i've blown 2 fuses already! Hopefully i dont *need* a reversing light but rules are rules and i will have to do what they say. there are no wires at the back for reversing light, that was what started the confusement, when i found a 'spare' 2 wire "mini loom" from the tear down. I also forgot to connect the speedo cable when i permanently bonded and rivetted the aluminium forward transmission tunnel
while i dont mind cutting an access port, now i dont know where to cut...
fun and games continue!