I'm getting a squeeling sound and checked under the hood ... low and behold the alt belt is dried and cracking. As I am not Mr. Goodwrench, but Mr. So-So Wrench, how do you replace the belt? I am guessing loosen the bolt on the bracket and release tension to remove and do the opposite to install. Do I need a long screwdriver to reestablish tension or is there something else I don't know about??
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks.

I am Mr. Mediocre Wrench. One thing I do know is that if you don't get that belt tight, you'll have nothing but problems with the charging system. I had a 75 Monte Carlo 350 engine, that was plaqued by a loose alternator belt.

Some folks suggest using something for leverage, like a prybar to pull the alternator tight. Some have suggested a broom handle or even 2x4 if it will fit.

I am planning on replacing my belt soon, and will be picking up one of these:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/wcsstore/jcwhitney/images/imagecache/I11262.gif;pvd733c75f94d8a63a
INSTANT FAN BELT TIGHTENER (http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/s-10101/p-3216/c-10101)

Yes loosen the bolt in the slotted bracket, that should be sufficient to get movement if not also loosen the pivot bolt on the bottom side of the alt.
There is a hole through the upper bracket that will allow you to insert a half inch drive extension or a piece of 5/8 pipe, the pipe or extension should be about 2 feet long. Use this to pry against the alt body to get your tension. (IT'S Cheeper)

You don't need any special tools to replace and adjust drive v-belts, in fact those fancy special tools (which I used to sell) cannot be used in all applications. After you loosen the appropriate bolts/nuts you can use a prybar or similar to pry against the alternator, A/C compressor or thermactor pump and then tighten the bracket bolts. The only caution is not to pry against the power steering pump reservoir as you will surely crush it; you can usually pry against the pulley. Do not overtighten the belts (about 3/8-1/2" slack) and retighten after a couple hundred miles. Replacing drive belts is something every car enthusiast should be skilled at.

ok, eating a nice big fat slice of humble pie ..... it's not the alt belt but the a/c and steering? pump belt. and being the furthest one in i guess i have to pull all of them to get to it .... right? this has not been my week. I guess in for a penny in for a pound and I might as well tkae them all off for the practice.
Before I start this venture please chime in if something i said sounds worng.
FYI this is a 229 in an 84

Yep, you gotta take all of them off to replace the inner most belt. While they're off, you might consider replacing all of them as a set.