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I've read that if you want a new solid state voltage regulator in a correct date coded case/bottom plate, then you wanted to get one from Bill Caldwell in CT. I tried calling his phone number, but it wouldn't connect. Is he still doing this? If not, any suggestions? I currently have a Jan 64 dated base plate, but need one for my 65...probably a late 64 date coded plate.
It's a pretty easy do it yourself job. You need a VR715 solid state unit to use as a donor to the original Delco. Here are some photos of when I did mine. That was several years ago and zero problems since then. I also upgraded my original numbers matching alternator to 100 Amps and you need a solid state VR to handle that extra power.
dan: where did u buy the vr module? thanks, mike mccagh
Mike,
I know you asked Dan but I thought I chime in. They're available from Auto Zone (and others). They've damn near tripled in price in the last ten years.
I've read that if you want a new solid state voltage regulator in a correct date coded case/bottom plate, then you wanted to get one from Bill Caldwell in CT. I tried calling his phone number, but it wouldn't connect. Is he still doing this? If not, any suggestions? I currently have a Jan 64 dated base plate, but need one for my 65...probably a late 64 date coded plate.
Any help appreciated.
I'm no NCRS expert even if I do get the magazine. However I'd think NCRS would want to see a proper staggered "DELCO REMY" embossed cover on a chassis with its resistors mounted to the back. No resistors is a dead giveaway of an electronic regulator and this can be seen from standing over engine bay. Perhaps someone here who knows the regulator rules at NCRS can say more.
Beyond the aforementioned Pilot Dan's instructions are an excellent way to disguise an electronic regulator. Fact is these are consumable and not-rebuildable devices so its a rare NOS Delco, comparatively poor aftermarket mechanical replacement or one of the electronic units that work well.
I'm no NCRS expert even if I do get the magazine. However I'd think NCRS would want to see a proper staggered "DELCO REMY" embossed cover on a chassis with its resistors mounted to the back. No resistors is a dead giveaway of an electronic regulator and this can be seen from standing over engine bay. Perhaps someone here who knows the regulator rules at NCRS can say more.
Beyond the aforementioned Pilot Dan's instructions are an excellent way to disguise an electronic regulator. Fact is these are consumable and not-rebuildable devices so its a rare NOS Delco, comparatively poor aftermarket mechanical replacement or one of the electronic units that work well.
Dan
Dan, you can leave all that stuff on the back side if you want to and still do the conversion, I wanted a clean unit. The original "Delco Remy" cover goes back on so you would be hard pressed to visually notice the modification.
This email worked! Thanks for that. Now, just to make sure, is the ground wire from the vehicle wire loom supposed to be attached between the screw and the voltage regulator base on the lower front corner of the voltage regulator? Doesn't seem like much of a "ground" so wanted to double check.
This email worked! Thanks for that. Now, just to make sure, is the ground wire from the vehicle wire loom supposed to be attached between the screw and the voltage regulator base on the lower front corner of the voltage regulator? Doesn't seem like much of a "ground" so wanted to double check.
The voltage regulator MUST be grounded to the chassis to complete the circuit. Even in steel bodied cars regulator chassis were often grounded with a strap just to make sure.
The voltage regulator MUST be grounded to the chassis to complete the circuit. Even in steel bodied cars regulator chassis were often grounded with a strap just to make sure.
Dan
interesting. Mine was "grounded" to the base of the voltage regulator with the screw on my 65 Vette. So do you have a picture of where it's supposed to attach to on the chassis on a 65? I don't see anywhere where it should go.
interesting. Mine was "grounded" to the base of the voltage regulator with the screw on my 65 Vette. So do you have a picture of where it's supposed to attach to on the chassis on a 65? I don't see anywhere where it should go.
I believe, but I am subject to correction, that the ground wire that goes under the screw on the regulator base runs through the harness to the alternator where it attaches to the ground screw/stud on same. It is enough of a ground. The regulator used with alternators carry only field current, it never sees charging current directly as does an old 3 element regulator used with generators which use a current regulator alternator regulators do not have.
I believe, but I am subject to correction, that the ground wire that goes under the screw on the regulator base runs through the harness to the alternator where it attaches to the ground screw/stud on same. It is enough of a ground. The regulator used with alternators carry only field current, it never sees charging current directly as does an old 3 element regulator used with generators which use a current regulator alternator regulators do not have.
Dan
This is how mine was attached to the car and ground wire. I am assuming this is correct.
This is how mine was attached to the car and ground wire. I am assuming this is correct.
I believe the screw used is a self tapper on the side of the chassis and not one of the mounting screws. Not all regulators have the ground screw since they have been changed out over the years. What you have will work. Not sure its Kosher..maybe it belongs under the noise suppression cap lug...I should go look at mine but its in the air. Maybe 65GGvert can weigh in.
Dan
Last edited by dplotkin; Sep 18, 2023 at 03:48 PM.
I believe the screw used is a self tapper on the side of the chassis and not one of the mounting screws. Not all regulators have the ground screw since they have been changed out over the years. What you have will work. Not sure its Kosher..maybe it belongs under the noise suppression cap lug...I should go look at mine but its in the air. Maybe 65GGvert can weigh in.
Dan
Has anyone been able to verify where the ground wire should be secured for sure? There is no other screw hole or bolt anywhere around where the VR is mounted.
Also, since there are no Wells VR715s to be found anywhere and all anyone has is the China SS VR, has anyone rebuilt their VR with the kit from Corvette Central? Outcomes? Attached is a picture of if which looks totally different than what others have shown in the DIY conversion pdf.
Too bad these cheap simple circuits are being marked up beyond any reasonableness. The mechanical versions, OEM and reproduction must be grounded to the chassis and I think that best done under the noise suppressor wire lug. There is certainly a cottage industry opportunity to make and sell regulator boards, including the 3-element variety used with generators on the C1's.
65 Voltage Regulator
