I'd start with that issue first. May be something as simple as a wiper motor seizing and drawing current in self destruct mode. The previous owner of my Gal soldered a link to a fuse to keep it from burning out. I found melted metal under the dash from where the lighter was stuck in and burning away. It was a recipe for disaster. Didn't your fuse pop at the panel? Should have. Is it the correct fuse?

Sounds like an interesting puzzle. Keep us posted.