While driving to work this morning, I noticed my radio went out, then the windows would not go up at the normal speed. I pulled over to inspect the alt belts, and they are in good shape as should be the alternator since I replaced it about 1 year ago.

I parked it, and it would then not start at all. The batt is dead.

I was wondering if this could be related to the fact that while waiting on some gears for my odometer, I have been driving the car without the instruments connected, not one of them. Do they have to be plugged in to make the car charge?

Also, I inspected the regulator, and the brushes are in good shape.

Any ideas? Thanks.