Pulling my hair out!!!

I live in Sacramento. California and I am in need of some serious help with my 74 Duster. I have been engaged in a restoration of this car since August of last year. I have posted a few times on this web site and even started a thread on my progress in the Members Restoration forum, But I have to say this thing has kicked my ***. I can not for the life of me figure out what is going on with this car. #1 issue is I can not even get the thing to run. It will start, run at a hi idle then shut down. I can not seem to get the engine to stay running even when moving the dist. to try to find a sweet spot to start tuning from. I have checked that the Dist is installed right. I have check my timing mark @TDC and the dist is pointing at #1 cap location but when it fires and is running, by holding the rpm @ around 2000-3000 I can not even see the timing mark on the balancer.

#2 Issue is that for some reason the amp meter is pegged over to the right when the engine is running. I have burned one harness already and had to repair it. I have swapped voltage regulators, alternator and still can not seem to get things right.

I am not stupid with mechanics. I am a FAA Airframe and Powrerplant Mechanic and have worked on aircraft and cars most all my life.

I NEED HELP! It there anyone around my area that can give me a hand. You know that second set of eyes thing. If I do not get this car fixed soon, I think I am just going to throw in the towel and sell this POS. I bought the car as a running project car last Feb. for $4800 and have invested over $10,000 in new engine, new 4 speed, new complete PST front suspension, all new interior with bucket seats and console. This car is just about ready to be a super gem, but is useless unless I can get the thing to run. I know there is a local MOPAR club in town, but I have no one to talk to about getting a hand on this thing.

CAN ANYONE HELP<PLEASE! Feel free to call me if you can help.

Jeff Weiss
(916) 925-4917