wiring diagrams/alternator issue

Hi, and welcome! Have a look at this one for starters (no pun intended!): A Connector B Battery Charge Lamp C Igntion Switch D Alternator E Starter Motor F Fusebox G Battery H Wiring Junction box (Courtesy vlvworld.com)

will have a manual with the circuit diagrams. You can also pick up manuals on eBay if you don't want to buy new. The wiring for the alternator is really very simple. Battery connects to the big post (big red wire). Ground connects to a bolt on the casing that also secures the cable clamp. Indicator light connects to the spade connector, this is important as without it the alternator will not start charging unless you can get it to self excite which means getting it above about 2k RPM. May be worthwhile taking the voltage regulator out of the alternator and checking the brush length. Just because it was fine some time ago does not mean it is fine now, take it all methodically and start with the basics.

Follow-up: I cannot link to these, sorry. Cut and paste:

Check the earth!! 

alternator/electrical 

thanks for all the great help! i printed off those diagrams and copied down the website, for my teacher to look at i will definately check those connectors - ground (earth), and i had to replace a spade connector (sounds like the indicator lamp) so i will double check the replacement is making contact and good admonition to take it from the basics, i was just so excited to have it running and to find other problems was discouraging... i guess that is the nature of older vehicles?