Its not hard mate, you just need a multimeter to test each wire to find the ignition live, that way it only comes on with your igintion. CD player, cigarette lighter etc will all be fine
Gutted bud I am in a very similar postion but fuck it, I am gonna get this fucking car built and see what happens I know I'd be back on top when it comes to breaking it anyway. All the best mate
Mis-shifted? Ouch, thats what happens when you give an American a proper gearbox though ;) Just kidding ;) Sounds like its worked out for the better anyway ;)