Car is a '84 300D (617 eng.) Mileage is about 228,000mi.

Wife went to start the car this morn. and it wouldn't even turn over.

The symptoms when ignition is turned-on:
1. Instrument cluster lights noticeably dim (about half normal)
2. Tachometer needle pegs all the way to the end
3. Buzzing/squeeling sound coming from under hood

I'm gonna diagnose soon as I'm off work. Searching archives, I'm thinking voltage reg. or alternator.

Any other ideas? Anyone had this problem/symptoms? Thanks