Well, I was way off! It's a 1985 or 1986 it appears. I feel stupid.
Anyway, the plot thickens a bit. Someone was looking at it yesterday, but wasn't able to figure anything out. I had found the wiring diagram in our documents file, so I looked it over and went out to take a look. The guy yesterday left the hazard lights switch on, and when I walked in they were flashing! I shut it on and off and they continued to work, but no headlights. I turned on the key and the dash lights lit up. I hit the key, and everything stopped working and once again nothing works.
Looking at this diagram, I wonder if it's not this "combination switch". Pardon my stupidity, but could it cause this problem? Besides controlling all the lights, it appears to have 2 ignition wires running into/out of it. I had assumed it would have nothing to do with starting the tractor, but now I'm wondering.
I'm also checking out the fusible link, just haven't gotten to it yet.
Finally, can anyone tell me what the "timer relay" is and if it's the type of part that could cause such a failure.
I take back whatever I said about being a reasonable mechanic. This is way out of my league and I appreciate everyone's help and suggestions.
Josh