Electricly challenged...Help!

That indicates a really poor connection that is passing minimal current to run the dome light, and when you apply other loads, it dies. Check over the bulkhead connector, check the ammeter for loose connections. Check over connections on the starter relay which are often used for a junction point.

I don't know exactly where the fuse link is located in those old girls, maybe you got it caught on something and tore it loose when pulling/ installing engine parts. Or it may have corroded and losing connection.
Not the original wiring. Car has been completely rewired. Havent had a problem for years. Aftermarket gauges and no bulkheads or ballast to speak of. It has two fuseable links and both are good. Everything was ****. I checked to make sure i was getting spark after about 4 rotations i did and everything was working great. Headlight,tail lights, turn signals like not a single thing wrong and the car died and everything went to **** again.