What was found
CHECK LIST TELLS YOU TO REMOVE LOWER PANELS UNDER SEATS FOR INSP. REMOVED PANELS FOR INSP AND COMPLIANCE WITH SB 64 ON ELEVATOR CABLES. FOUND THAT UNDER RT SEAT THERE IS CONVERTER THAT IS FOR INSTRUMENT LIGHTS. WIRING WAS ROUTED FROM INSTRUMENT PANEL TO CONVERTER IT WAS PULLED TOO TIGHT ALLOWING 3 WIRES TO CHAFE ON 45 DEGREE SPAR BRACE. INSULATION WAS WORN OFF WITH DIRECT WELDING CONTACT OF WIRES ON SPAR MEMBER. NO CB POPPED. EQUIP NOT WORKING IAW MM IS INSTR LIGHTS, THEY ARE ON BUT DO NOT DIM AS REQUIRED. THIS CREATED FIRE WHICH MELTED SIDE KICK PANEL, BURNED INSULATION, CREATED FLAME PATH OF ABOUT 8 INCHES. THIS DAMAGE COULD NOT BE SEEN WITH PANELS INSTALLED. PILOT NEVER SMELLED SMOKE IN COCKPIT.