so a couple of times now i have been driving along and i lose all power. voltmeter shows nothing, if i turn the key off and on i won't get any indication of life. it comes back after a while, but it is not a fun experience. any ideas where i might start looking? thanks!

 

Start by checking your battery terminals & cables.

 

i have had problems with my terminals in the past, and i know its not those. but i will check the main cable where is splices out to the fusible links and starter.

when it died i checked the terminals to make sure they werent the problem.

 

It can only be so many things to cause a complete loss of power... the battery itself, terminals, main cables, fuse links, fuses, wire grounding out.

Start digging.

 

It could be that white resistor block next to the coil. Check it by running a wire from one terminal to the other side. Don't worry it won't hurt anything.
An intermitant short to ground can cause the voltage regulator or ignition relay to turn off. If that is what's happening you will hear an audible click when power is restored.