New Owner, No Knowledge, Needs Assistance

In early Sept. I recieved my Grandmas '86 T-Bird, V8 5.0L, as a gift (she would've kept it, but wanted me to have a good car) . I love it. Problem is, I know nothing about cars, and need to first learn basic care, then how to turn my car into the hot peice of muscle I know she can be. I'd love for some assistance of any sort, especially about the problem I'm having:

I was waiting to for a friend to drive him home in the school parking lot. I had my car in idle, and as he was arriving, the car shut off. I tried to restart the car, but when I turned the key, all electronics would shut off. After looking under the hood and staring blankly, I was able to get it started well enough to drive home. Now it won't start. Guy across the street (races little Hondas, heh!) helped me out, looked in, took my battery out, had me charge it, but I haven't been able to get back with him. I recently replaced my starter and alternator a month back or so.

So... anybody got any ideas?

-Alex

That sounds alot like an alternator problem-the not starting, and electrical components not working. BTW, i'm no expert, but alot of people here will be glad to help you (they are experts). Also, check out the forum called Engineering And Technical. Go to FORUMS, then CARS IN GENERAL. It's a forum that answers lots of questions car related, some really smart guys over there.

PS. You might want to go to pep boys or auto zone and pick up a tear down manual if they have one for your car, either chiltens or others. It basically tells you ALOT about your car.

Sounds like your battery can't handle a load... means it could be going bad... take it somewhere and have your charging system/battery load tested. You might just need a new battery.