87 Accord Headlight Problem - Low Beam

Hi folks,

My left headlight low beam doesn't work.  I replaced the lamp today
and it still doesn't work.  Checked all the headlamp fuses, they were
good, swapped em around and it still doesn't work.  Took a close look
at the wiring harness leading to the light and the wires appear fairly
brittle after all these years and I'm thinking I have a possible short
or broken connection.

What else should I look for?

Would it be realistic to splice into the wiring harness and run
essential new wires to the lamp assembly?

Any thoughts on this?  I would hate to get raped by a dealer on this
one.

Jim