65 Valiant charging system problems after repaint (Not a grounding issue)

Mattax said
I hope you saved the old parts. Most are better than new - unless / until they fail of course.
regardless.
IF everything is hooked up properly, then +20 to 30 amps shows either
a) the battery is not charged and is sucking as much as possible from the alternator
b) voltage regulation is high, probably over 15 Volts - causing overcharging. Here's where a voltmeter plus the ammeter is super helpful.

edit
+ means current is flowing to the battery. In other words, charging the battery.
View attachment 1716231881

Thank you for the info. I have never seen anything like this. Batt. fully charged anything above idle and the amp guage goes way up. about 40 plus amps. And I cant get the guage to show discharge. Engine off, headlights on high beam and radio, etc on and the needle doesn't budge. The wiring is original and hasn't been hacked like some. I'm going to order a service manual tonight so I can hopefully track down this problem. thanks again for the replt