(...) It looks like the alt to amm wire goes to the top amm post (+) and then leaves from the same post (+) to the lights and ignition while another wire goes from the amm (-) post to the battery. On some 12v conversion schems there is also a blue wire from Alt to ignition and ignition to coil. The slightly different terminology also is confusing, for example as I look at my ignition switch from behind there is a post at the top, a post at the bottom and a post on the left. I have the alt feed going to the left post and the blue wires (in from alt and out to coil) on the bottom post.??? And the wire from ignition to gas gauge is on the ignition top post. Also some conversions stress need for a ballast regulator between ignition and coil. Is this necessary since the truck ran ok without it - just needed a lot of cranking (...).
the first part is correct, the alternator output goes thru the ammeter to the battery, and the wires from the ammeter to the lights and ign sw supply battery power to other things [ammeter passes current both directions, showing discharge when battery current is being used without that alt working] .... the wire from the alt direct to the ignition is an exciter wire that is necessary to prevent the engine from continuing to run when you shut off the key .... you do not want the wire to the coil from that same terminal or the engine can continue to run as long as the alternator is turning
as for position of terminals on gauges [I continually point out:], the factory diagram is laid out exactly as the wiring and components are seen in the truck, if you look at the schematic from the tail light end [bottom usually] then you are looking at the face of the gauges, if you look at it from the headlight end, then you are looking at the back of the gauges - the gauges and terminals are in the same left to right position as they are in the truck, just need to visualize a bit with the round AD gauge set
and you aren't being stupid, most folks find electricity is confusing, just don't blank out when faced with it, think things thru!!
Bill
