Charging

[RogG]

After I start my '65 the amp guage stays at the middle position. It does not seem to move either to the "d" or to the "c" side of the middle. Should it move toward the "c" side indicating that the alternator is charging the system? Is it possible that the guage isn't working? How do I check that?

[Joe Vandatta]

First to see if the gauge is working at all, with the engine stopped turn on the headlights. The ammeter should show a discharge. Wait a couple minutes and start the engine, it should show a charge then drop back if the battery is up.
Joe

[RogG]

Ichecked the guage and apparently it is not working. However, I changed the alternator belt and it seems to be recharching correctly even if the guage doesn't indicate it. one interesting side effect is that the sequential tail lights which did not work before now work perfectly!I guess they were not getting enough juice with the loose belt.
One thing that has come to light, so to speak, is that the headlights are screwed up. With the low beams on the high beam lamps are glowing a little bit. Maybe related, may be not. I'm going to see if the lamps are correct or if the wiring is plugged in wrong.
Thanks for the help, Joe.

[Joe Vandatta]

Rog,
The ammeter circuit ties into the main line on the passenger side about midway. On my 66 there is a splice there where the yellow ammeter wire ties into the black and yellow main lead. When my ammeter quit working I found it had became discnnected there.
I would ck. the ground wires on your headlight circuit, there is one on each side
Joe