Ok so here is the deal,

I have removed ALL of the wires from my truck (the convertible) and want to wire it simply with an on/off switch and bump start it by rolling it down the driveway. This is beacuse there is no starter and the battery is shot, and the whole truck will be dismantled for rebuilding this spring, so I don't want to throw money into it. Its use in this basic configuration will be to haul brush arround the yard, but no highway or trail use. I only need power for the fuel pump and ingnition, so the question is how do rout the wires comming off the alternator. I don't want to let the smoke out of the alternator, and after already having had a RR catch on fire, Im not looking for a repeat.

It shouldn't be to difficult, after all, my lawnmower works pretty much the same way.

-Jeff

No your lawnmower does not work this way.

An alternator was not designed to run continuous duty. it needs a break every once in a while. What I m saying is is that you will need a battery if you want the truck to last. It will run without but I would not recommend.

Wiring is simple (depending on your alternator). Typically 12 V to the main terminal, and then at the very least a wire to the regulator from the ignition.

Your engine ignition will need a on off switch as well so you could combine the two.

If you need an alternator that is simple try a GM 10SI SE, SE stands for self exciting regulator. This is by far the easiest alternator to mount and wire in my opinion. Go to a Car Quest or similiar and ask for a P/N 7127 SE (Lester Number) It is a 1 wire hook up for the regulator. This alternator is often used on farm equipment.

So would a weak/dying batery suffice? The point here is
1- see how the engine runs, so it can be sold
2- diagnose any other drive train issues,ie poping out of gear/ clonking
3- play with it before it gets torn down
4- not spend any money on it in this stage of the project.

-Jeff

Then why use the alternator at all? Even a half-ass battery should run the fuel pump and ignition for a few hours. If you're gonna be cheesy then be totally cheesy!