Car won't start

Someone previously had the dash out and have seen a lot of odd things. When I took it apart the black and red were connected to a common post. Maybe they wanted to bypass the ammeter?
I currently have a "69 fastback apart. If the ammeter wires were not attached to the guage and instead joined together as you describe it's bypassed. I had to move my car with it apart and it started fine. We made sure everything (switches, etc) were clear of the dash frame before moving it. You might have a switch or wire disconnected.

BTW @67Dart273 knows his stuff so follow his advice.