UPDATE: Finally figured out how to extract the alternator and after a few bruises on my arms I have installed the new one and a new serpentine belt (I figured as long as I had it off it made sense to put a new one on). Car starts and runs fine; however, now I have no air conditioning! It appears the clutch is not engaging, fuse is fine, switch works (you can hear the relays click) but nothing but warm air. Before assuming it is the compressor, is there anything else I can check to see why its not engaging?

Thanks for all the support, as a very senior mechanic I can handle all kinds of engine issues but these electronics frustrate the daylights out of me. I think its time to trade back for a pre-1970's vehicle that I am more comfortable working on.