Hi, I have a 1981 Cadillac Deville and I"m being told that the alternator needs to be replaced. I wanted to be handy and do this myself, but well let's see I know virtualy nothing about cars :) I don't even know what an alternator looks like, but I would really like to do this on my own. If anyone has any tips or suggestions, or knows where to find this sort of thing out, please help me out. Thanks :)

It's the belt driven accessory thats closest to the battery on your car. It's right under where two metal lines go into rubber hoses. Make sure you take the old one out first, then go to the parts store in another car, as there is often a core charge, and you can then match it up right there, saving another trip.

And when you put it back on make sure that belt is tight enough so that it wont squeel and make sure it's connected to the right pulleys. If you have any doubts about remembering where things go, make sure you take a few pictures. Be sure to plug in all the electrical wires that are pluged into the old alternator to the new alternator.

http://www.autodily.net/foto/alternator.jpg
That's a picture of what an alternator looks like. Yours may differ, but it will look similar.