After reading replies to my original post, reviewing the really poor instructions that came with my harness (diagram didn't even show the alt.), and working it over in my brain I concluded my problem was that my heavy alt. wire ran only to the headlight switch. That gave me good readings at the Dakota gauge and powered everything else inside, but didn't charge the battery.

Per guidance from replies I ran a 10GA wire from the alt terminal to the battery side of the starter switch.

I had ~11v readings from the battery before (it was not fully charged) and had 13.5v and rising after starting it with this new wire in place.

Sounds fixed, right? (or am I missing something?)

A VW guy trying his hand at a '59 LB fs. Lots to learn, but it's about the journey.