Maybe that's why the PO cut them out.
I'd start from scratch. Disconnect everything you connected before your trouble started. With a decent meter, check each lead to chassis ground on ohms or continuity settings. Or, with each device disconnected (that YOU hooked up), insert one at a time and watch your battery voltage for substantial drop (2,3 volts) over a few hours. Either way I'm sure you'll find your culprit.