My question is I have a 1972 El Camino and I have removed the external regulater and installed the 10 si altenater. I wish to make it one wire and do away with the pigtail. I have a volt meter installed and had its wire going to the altenaters pigtail of which I have been informed is not a good option. Questions 1. what is the best location to hook up the volt meter (is the fuse box a good point and then which fuse) question 2. what gauge wire is best to run from the alt. to the batt. I have a number 10 gauge wire currently and I have heard number 8 is a better choice. I have a 63 amp currently and was wondering if I should move up to the 100 amp. I have a 200 amp stereo and I installed and electric fan and I may install driving lights. I was told the 63 amp is plenty but I do see the volt meter rockin' to the music. Also I have an altenater I purchaced from advance auto and I have had to replace it almost once a year. should I go to a delco unit or I was looking at the Summit units as well. Whats better?

My question is I have a 1972 El Camino and I have removed the external regulater and installed the 10 si altenater. I wish to make it one wire and do away with the pigtail. I have a volt meter installed and had its wire going to the altenaters pigtail of which I have been informed is not a good option. Questions 1. what is the best location to hook up the volt meter (is the fuse box a good point and then which fuse) question 2. what gauge wire is best to run from the alt. to the batt. I have a number 10 gauge wire currently and I have heard number 8 is a better choice. I have a 63 amp currently and was wondering if I should move up to the 100 amp. I have a 200 amp stereo and I installed and electric fan and I may install driving lights. I was told the 63 amp is plenty but I do see the volt meter rockin' to the music. Also I have an altenater I purchaced from advance auto and I have had to replace it almost once a year. should I go to a delco unit or I was looking at the Summit units as well. Whats better?

The voltmeter feed wire can be hooked up to the fuse panel, use an accessory or ignition terminal, you don't want the voltmeter to use power when the key is off, because it would create a constant. albeit small drain on the battery. Your new stereo, fans, & possible driving lights can tax the 63 amp unit you now have. The 100 amp alternator makes sense for you. If you upgrade the alternator, use a larger feed wire back to the battery, 6 or even 4 gauge if you can find it. Wire sizes are reversed, a smaller number indicates a larger wire. Even after these upgrades, you may still notice some voltmeter fluctuations when the stereo is hammering out the bass notes. No biggie, the battery picks up the heavy instantaneous load while the alternator fills in the 'gaps'. I've had good luck with AC Delco stuff.

thanks for the information. I will install a 100 amp. alt. :yes:

Welcome to Team Chevelle John!

Be cautious as you add things like higher power lights to your car. The 50 year old wiring harness may be old and undersized (fire hazard). For specific guidance the sparkies that hang out in the electrical forum will zero you in on what you need exactly for those upgrades. G/L