dead battery

Does it still have an ammeter? What did it show during all this?
This ^^^^^^^^^^
Observing the ammeter, if there is one hooked up, will pretty much show whether the battery is charging, discharging, or neither.

Get it charged back up and running, and post back here, and we can run you through some tests.

gauge was showing 12V. but dropped while running.
a. 12 V with engine off is not fully charged
b. Voltage readings are dependent upon where the leads connect.
c. If this is a dash gage, then it would seem your wiring has been modified.
d. Include all the information about the car's electrical system. A '65 is not the same as '75, a '73 Dart equiped originally equiped with high output alternator and rear window defrost is not the same as a Charger, etc. Then what changes or repairs have been made.