It was the loose nut behind the wheel ! I wasn't properly disconnecting/connecting everything. The one wire alternator seems to do everything. I was overcomplicating things. Decided to get new guages tomarow.Just a cheapie three pack for now.But atleast the water temp. and Volts will have numbers on them.
I'll finish cleaning everything up. Not sure what to do with the wiring for the old V/R and chrome box ? The harness is in pretty bad shape. Might just "remove" them ? I hear ya' on gas... Got a 100$ a week habit going.