Ford: amp meter hook up, amp meter, blade type

Question
i have a volt meter already but i was wondering about a ammeter to se how many amps is being put out
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-----Question-----
i have a 1987 f-150 4x4 it has a 1978 351clevland in it with a GM alternator. i need help hooking up an aftermarket amp meter i cant remmember witch wire goes were
-----Answer-----
Josh, I am guessing that you are using a Voltmeter.  If you aren't, I would suggest one.  They are much more reliable when diagnosing electrical issues.  There are a few different types of meters, however they generally have the same setup.  You should have two blade-type knobs that stick out and are identified by a positive and a negative.  The negative can be placed anywhere that you can get a good ground.  I would recommend that you run the wire to the same place that you have your intake grounded at, if you have it grounded.  I would also recommend that you use a lock-washer because vibration could shake the fitting loose and cause it to give a false reading.  The positive will need to be place anywhere that you can get a voltage reading (while the key is in the "on" position) I would recommend that you place it into the fuse box with your cigarette lighter.  By the way, you might want to disconnect the battery before you do all this.  In order to make sure that have done everything right, connect the battery and turn the key to the on position.  The meter should read just a little over 12 volts.  If it doesn't, recheck your  wiring and ensure that everything is nice and tight.  If you still have nothing, take the meter back to the store and tell them you want another one.  Next, start the truck.  The meter should jump up above 13 volts.  It should always stay between 13 and 14.5.  If it doesn't, then you either have a bad alternator or a voltage regulator.  Just make sure that the meter jumps after you start the truck.  If it doesn't, recheck your wiring, or take the meter back.  I hope this was helpful.  Good luck,   Jason

Answer
Josh, I see.  On the ammeter you should have a positive and a negative.  Connect a wire from the positive side of the gauge, to the alternators battery post. (it should be a screw on post for a GM 1-wire.)  Then all you should need to do is connect the ground wire from the ammeter to a good ground.  Once again, I would suggest that you use the same ground that you are using for your intake.  The ammeter will be on it's own circuit, and you will only get a reading when the alternator is turning.  i.e. the vehicle is started.  I hope this helps.  Good luck,    Jason