The ammeter in my '66 has a break in the wire from the post to the coil. I was wondering if the ammeter is required for proper charging and supply of the electrical system, or if it is just a gauge hanging off the end of the electrical run.

I should mention that I can't seem to get my charging system to charge the battery, despite replacing the alternator, voltage regulator, engine compartment wiring harness, battery cables, and even the blower motor switch.

I appreciate the help.

 

No, it doesn't need to be there for the alternator to output current. It's inshunt type of design between the starter relay (lg red wire) and the alternator pos terminal ( lg blk yellow wire). The white wire from the regulator controls the output of your alernator. If you hook that white wire (F on the Vreg plug)directly to 12 v,( terminalA on the Vreg plug)the alternator should really whine & go "full field" and charge like hell. If not, its bad.