Problem solved (1989 244 automatic). Intermittent failures are always maddening so I thought I would share this solution with others. Very intermittently fuse # 12 blows taking out BOTH the power windows and the AC (odd that they are both on the same fuse). No pattern could be recognized as the AC failure is not noticed for several minutes making the cause obscure. After moving the power windows and the rear demister to the spare #5 fuse I found that the AC and backup light fuse # 12 still failed perhaps only once every 2 or 3 weeks. After disconnecting the back up lights (automatic trans) just to the left of the center consul the fuse no longer blew. Finally I found that the neutral safety/back up switch on the right side of the shifter was the problem. The sliding contact is dome shaped initially when new and can only contact one pole at a time but after years and 425,000 miles had worn flat and on occasion could now contact both the back up pole and the starter solenoid (16amp) pole simultaneously blowing the 8 amp fuse. Replaced the switch (FCP) and problem solved! I hope this is of some relief to others. Thanks for reading.

 

Interesting read. After that many years and miles, anything is possible beyond the normally expected things.