Do a Removed Cluster result in shutdown?

[lovug653]

I recieved my VDO gears removed the cluster only to find My cluster had a MotoMeter Odometer. Hell the cluster was out I turned the key and woa it starts, went into gear yeah : ). 2 hours later with a dead battery and a stalled car : ( ....(Boooooo) I had a warranty so I got a new battery from Auto Zune, and what the hell Give me one of those (lifetime warranty alternators)
I changed the Batt, changed the alternator ( back hurting .... guess I'm not as young as I thought I was) anyway I was so happy with my dumb self I asked my wife on a date with her handsome genius husband that can fix anything just like SuperMan. Did I forget to mention that my wife had a long hard day and did not want or need a date. She came along and was so pleased at how well I fixed the car.................... That is , till it died. No horn, no radio it was like it had a faulty ground and the battery was not charging.

Could driving without the cluster be the cause. IT is a 1987 325IS automatic with cruse control. installed new battery and new alternator. Please help. I made it 20 miles back home with my cranky wife at 12:30 a.m. : ( I am assembling back the un-fixed cluster so I can take the train upstate NY and attempt to drive the e30 home.

Thanks in advance for your input or insults : )

[lovug653]

To Moderator pleas put post in better location If this is not a good place. thanks

[camip]

Put it back in for some reason the cluster needs to be in for the battery to charge.

[TurboJake]

The exciter circuit to engage the alternator charging is part of the cluster, yes.

You need either the cluster in, or the circuit completed for the battery to charge,

[lovug653]

Thanks Camip and Turbo Jake for taking the time to answer. So I'm off to right my wrongs, by putting back the cluster.

[camip]

No problem.