Voltage regulator not working properly?

[jeff68]

Great news, Don.  I'll be picking mine up tomorrow. 
I just stripped down my original Delco voltage regulator.  I now have a bare metal base, and hopefully I will try installing the solid state 'guts' this weekend.  I'll let you all know how I make out.

[DonSTP]

Jeff,

I recognize the picture of your car - I believe we've spoken before on the forum regarding originality.  I was the one with the two-tone interior. 

I brought my car back to original.  Here's a pic after all said and done.  Very happy I made this decision.  Previously had a black convertible top, but the trim tag said 722 G-1 (white convertible top).  Not too many of these kicking around anymore - not to mention in the RS model.   

Regards,
Don -

[jeff68]

Don-
I love it!  You made the right choice.  Great looking car.
-Jeff

[jeff68]

OK, I got the VR715, popped the cover off and drilled out 5 rivets to remove the circuit board.  As expected, 4 of the holes line up perfectly with the original base - the ones for the 4 connectors.  The 5th hole is a ground for the circuit board.  I marked and drilled this hole in the original base, and everything fits perfectly.  Very simple & easy.  For final assembly, I will either use rivets or small brass screws.  Sorry I didn't take any pictures, but I was moving too fast.

Now, does anyone know the correct plating for the base?  I was going to have it silver cadmuim plated along with some other parts.

-Jeff

[JohnZ]

Now, does anyone know the correct plating for the base? I was going to have it silver cadmuim plated along with some other parts.

-Jeff

Silver cad or zinc is correct.

[jeff68]

Thanks for the quick reply, John.

[TODD]

Don't tell John Pirkle!
I had mine restored by him and it's a top-flight job!
I have an extra one of the solid state units, no moving parts.
Here's an idea sell a solid state with an original lid and base!
My restored unit works great just a little more pricey than a $20.00
unit from Auto-Zone.

Todd

[69 4 Speed]

I too had intermittent problems with my voltage regulator and finally went with with the Wells unit 3-4 years ago. I didn't use the original base, only the top piece but kept the original.  I had seen this topic discussed here and took CRG's advice and got rid of the old coil style regulator.  It's worked flawless ever since. Also bought mine at Autozone.

[jeff68]

OK, my replated base is on its way back to me.  I'll try to snap some photos when I am re-assembling the regulator with the solid state internals.  I'll have a fresh NOS correct cover, gasket & screws, replated original base, replated male connectors, and original black plastic 'thingy'.  It should look great when assembled (I just hope it works).  The only give-away will be the screws attaching the connectors instead of rivets, but you won't be able to see them once it's installed.

[jeff68]

 I just finished assembling my original voltage regulator using the 'guts' from the solid state unit.  Maybe I'll post this over on the "restoration" forum as well. 

Here are all of the parts of my regulator, plus the circuit board out of the solid state regulator:


Top view of circuit board installed with brass screws:


Bottom view.


Finished!:

[TODD]

Jeff
Awesome job!
That sucker should last forever. Plus looks original, from the outside.

Todd

[Adz28]

Jeff, your post inspired me to do the same with my Voltage Regulator. Having the pictures was a big help. Thanks... I was wondering if the new set-up actually worked. Did you test it yet?

Also, do you have an amp meter or voltage meter? If you have an amp meter, did it repond any differently when the solid state version was applied.

Regards,
Adam

[rich69rs]

On my '69 RS, I have the ammeter as a part of the console gage package.  I also have the solid state regulator.  When the engine first starts, ammeter deflects sightly to the right (charge) and then comes back to neutral.  No different than a properly funcitoning mechanical / original / type of regulator.

[jeff68]

... I was wondering if the new set-up actually worked. Did you test it yet?

Adam-
I have not tested it yet.  My car is currently in "paint jail" serving what seems like a life sentence.  One day I'll get to test it......
Please let us know how yours turns out.
-Jeff

[Adz28]

Hey Jeff,

I still have not installed it either. I recently replaced the original version with the solid state version, which is still in the car. I figured I would leave that in a little while to see how it responds, so I can compare that to the one I just put together.

I also want to get your thoughts on the way I did it. I used the plastic "insulation" and metal tabs from the Solid State version, instead of the original as they were simply in better shape. Should work the same, right?

Regards,
Adam