Testing new alternator: With all the wires connected to the alternator, I temporarily connected the battery and took voltage readings with the car off and then while running. I got -12.63 volts with the car off and with the car running I got -14.40 volts. So I shut of the car, disconnected the battery re-installed the battery tray and battery and checked the battery voltage closely over the next few days.
I panicked when the glowplug light failed to illuminate on startup, I thought I created an improper circuit. I disconncected the new 6 gauge power connection (red wire) and retested the glowplug light. It still would not light up, I figured the bulb decided to burn out at that exact moment when I replaced the alternator. (It ending up being worn contacts in the ignition switch, as yesterday I could get the glowpug light to illuminate by jiggling the key in the number two position.)
At idle, with heavy load, the voltage doesn’t dip below -14.00 volts and the battery voltage stays a stable -12.77 volts when the car sits overnight. No troubles with charging or voltage for the past 9 days. Yay!
‘Desert Rose” is back in service as a dependable daily driver and she is ready for new lighting options and a new ignition switch.