5ks -- Electical Labirynth: Alternator dead?

["Ryan Gemmill" <RGlist00@hotmail.com>]

Quats:

Yesterday autocheck gave me a voltage light on my 86 5ks. The battery was
very old and also had to be jumped a few times in the past. On the way home
after getting the new one the voltage was really low. The engine revs were
kinda bucking (rrrrr rrrrr  rrrrr). After I replaced the battery all
symptoms went away and it appeared remedied. Then all the symptoms returned
later that evening. I got it to my mech. before they closed assuming the
alternator was going. After I turned it off the car it would not start.
(interesting note: the parking lamps still shined bright.) So we pushed her
into a parking place and left it till morning. I'm told when they went back
to the car she started right up, a buncha times. Car still starts on old
alternator.  Ok so here's the puzzle. The warning lights (not the OK, but
the ones next to the turning indicators) are supposed to come on with the
ignition, then off with the engine. They don't now. Nothing on that bottom
row of lights in the instrument cluster. However, when the car is running
the lights will work when applicable (i.e. parking brake light is on with
parking brake. High beam light on with high beams. Indicator arrows work
etc.) But nothing when ignition is turned on.

Another interesting tidbit: the autocheck system (where that "OK" is)
apparently works fine. But it has been giving me an oil light since this
started. Oil level is fine. What gives?

Thing's we've checked:
- Instrument cluster is OK. Compared with an older one...same problem.
- #12 fuse is good.
- Wires on left side of trunk were checked. They were frayed within their
black casing due to opening and closing of trunk. Repaired but to no avail.
(Maybe left a short somewhere else?)
- Alternator is apparently not charging, but what's causing these lights not
to work?

ANY ideas will be highly appreciated....

TIA,
Ryan Gemmill