Auto electrics most likely?

I driven since the early 70's, so have been wrenching longer than that. On muscle cars and 50's cars. Basic engine swapping, rear ends, cams, carbs. Notice the missing item here. Electrical. Know the basics which seemed to be adequate for those cars.

So, I have acquired a 92 Cavalier automatic which does not run. It died while driving so I was told. The car was then parked 2 years.
I needed a car. So took a look at it.

Somebody else has been in the electrical in the engine compartment, cutting the red wires apart.
The main cable from positive battery post to starter had been replaced with a different cable which looked in better condition than the original cable(had a clamp instead of a bolt) to fasten to the battery.
What I did was to join all the red ends together in one group and used a grommet(wire nut) to tie the bare ends together as a group
That took care of any visible loose wires in the engine compartment.

Inside the car, the ignition switch cylinder had been replaced (auto wrecker markings). Took off the electrical part of the ignition. It too had been changed (autowrecker marks). So there was a problem there before. Reassembled it, making sure the electrical connections are clean and tight and where they are suppose to be; and checked the fuse box. Everything checks OK.

Put in a good charged battery. Nothing works. Dome light worked for awhile and then quit. Same for wipers. Don't know what shut them off. I went thru the same procedures on the ignition switch area, checked fuses. Don't see any problems.

I did check the starter (shorting it out with screwdriver) and that is functional.

I am stupified here. Any ideas where I should look?

Thanks. I hope I gave you enough info.