Rep Power: 0

My ‘98 Civic dies on me every few days. It started with a dead battery that I removed from the car and charged up with a battery charger. Car started fine and ran fine for 2 days. Tonight on the way home, the dash lights went dim, the speedo and tach went to zero, and the headlights I could barely see. When I jumpstart the car and with it at idle, if I disconnect one of the battery cables, the car dies.
Battery is an Interstate Battery that is about 5yrs old.
Alternator is at least 15yrs old.

 
Rep Power: 209

Bring it to an auto parts store to have them test the alternator and battery free of charge. Also, check tension on the alternator belt to be sure it's not too loose.

 
Rep Power: 221

Most likely alternator but it may have killed the battery. Don't buy a crappy parts store alternator. These cars don't like aftermarket electronics

 
Rep Power: 0

What alternator do you recommend then?
Also, what is best way to replace….from the top or underneath? Looks like I may have to remove the front, driver side tire.

 
Rep Power: 221

From the bottom, tire off is alot easier. Grab one from a junkyard if you don't want to pay for a new oem one.