Appreciate all your words Jumpy. I probably posted my update after or while you were composing your response but the jist of it is I believe the alt is fine. My light bulb wire to the battery test started working for whatever reason (maybe like you say it was barely enough current to induce excitement). Light is on then when started the light goes out and charging kicks in at 14.something volts - also I can start it and rev to 4000 and it will self excite and start charging. So it's back to the wire from the warning lights. With that wire disconnected at the alt. I see 12 volts with the key in position II - you say that should be at ground and then go to 12v once car is started? Hmm, I have to back to basics because I thought the circuit went from battery + to ignition switch to warning lights to small terminal on alt. I'm going out to pull the cluster again and measure the voltages at the warning light sockets again. I'm wondering if I have a bulb that measures 0 ohms but still doesn't light or something like that. Keep those words coming if you have any.
Robb McC