Hey Everyone,
New to the board, just bought a 81 Chevy k30 1 ton 4x4. 454ci v8. having a charging issue, bought a new battery and have replaced the alternator. still seems to run straight off battery, and have to recharge. Any ideas as why, there is not alot of anything electrical wise that i can think of...

Check to make sure the alternator is not externally regulated.

I know this sounds kinds stupid, I am not the best at auto repair, how do i check that?

I did find out that it was internally regulated. I unhooked everything to inspect wires, found a crimped wire, replaced and everything is up and going.

Thanks all

Here is the Rub, Bub...

There are a couple of real easy tests you can do here...
Try this,
1. Hook a 10 Ga. wire to the back of the alternator marked 'BATT', it's the threaded 'bolt' with a nut on it.
Run that wire to the positive side of your battery. See if the thing charges.
If it does, the correct way to run that wire is from the alternator to the battery cable side of the starter solenoid.
Install a fusible link (Fuse wire, available from any auto parts store) just before you hook up to the starter solenoid terminal.

My guess is if you check the factory fuse link, (mushy piece of smaller wire with a large plastic collar installed about 3" up from the starter solenoid terminal) you will find that fuse got burned...
IF it's burned through anywhere, if it stretches, or if you use a multi-meter and it's toast, replace it or install a new wire.
YOU MUST HAVE A FUSE IN THIS CIRCUIT, DON'T JUST JUMP OVER THE FUSIBLE LINK!

You may also want to check the ground to your alternator. Lots of times the rust and corrosion will keep the alternator from getting a ground.
Best way to remedy that is to run a 10 Ga. ground wire from the back of the alternator to the battery.