68 El Camino blowing fuse

[Lynn]

20 amp fuse (right side, second from the bottom) blows as soon as I turn on the key. Turn signals are not on. Car not in reverse. As soon as I hit the key, it pops, so dead short to ground somewhere.

It blew once about 2.5 years ago. I coasted in to a truck stop; bought fuses, replaced it and it hasn't blown again until this week. I suspect something touched ground on a bump back then. Now, it appears something is worn clear through, and staying grounded.

Powers Directional Signals and back up lights. Also powers that "ign" terminal to the left of the fuse. I had my electric fuel pump hooked up to that terminal and it quit on me going down the highway. I was able to jamb the spade connector into the other side of the fuse and drove it home without turn signals.

I plan to run the fuel pump to another spot, just in case this happens again. I already have an inline fuse on it, so it doesn't even need to be fused. Obviously, I only want power to it when the car is turned on.

Anyone dealt with a similar issue? Thought I would ask before I start taking stuff apart looking for a short. And yes, it blows even with the fuel pump unplugged.

I suspect something in the steering column, as the turn signals and or back up lights don't even have to be on to blow the fuse. Guessing a wire going to the TS switch.