Stop in for a cup of coffee

dukeboy_318 said
Good idea. thanks

I don't think it works as none of the gauges moved when the key was turned

With the engine off, only two possible reasons the ammeter doesn't move when blower motor and wipers are going.
1. Internally the measuring part is broken but the internal shunt is still good.
2. Electricity is bypassing it - shorting to other wires in this case.

answers in red

Why all?
There's some legit reasons to do that, but if its just under the dash that's messed up, that may be all you need to fully replace.