What type of alternator is on the car? That will determine how easy and what the availability is of the diodes. Ohmeters can be used to check them, but if you have a DMM with a diode check on it, that method is more reliable. If you have a Delco 10SI (or 12SI) those diodes come all together in a rectifier bridge, and also have a diode trio which is separate from the rectifier. Both are readily available and easy to change...no soldering involved. Of course, there might be something else wrong such as an open rotor and/or fried stator windings.