Just thought of another question. Occasionally when I am driving my '82 244 GLT, all of the idiot lights on the dash will come on for a few seconds, then go away. Since this has no effect on how the car is running whatsoever, I am assuming its a bad ground or connection somewhere. Anybody have any ideas of a common place to look, before I start tearing my dash apart? Any ideas would be helpful. As always, thank you.

Sure enough, as I drove home from work today- all of the dash lights came on... and stayed on. Voltage gauge went down to 10. It was getting dark out, but I gave the voltage regulator and alternator a look. The wires going to and from were in bad shape. Dried, cracked insulation and kinks everywhere. I straightened out the wires as best I could and the lights went out and voltage went back to normal. Looks like I'll be running some new wire this weekend when I get some time. Thanks for your help.

get a multimeter and with the engine off check the bat voltage.
turn on the car and do the same thing. this will tell you what you alternator and VR is putting out at the battery.

a normal healthy ALT and VR will measure 14.3 give or take at the battery. even high 13.8+ is ok

load the engine with all manner of elec devices and re measure it should not drop too much

if you are way under 13.8 or so next step is to remove and check the VR brushes for minimum length.

a worn VR brush or dying VR can cause what you see.

check the tiny wire going to the alternator. that's what tells the alternator to charge. and when wire bad, causes the instrument lights to light.