One of the many differences '68's have from other C3's is that the original voltage regulator is external to the alternator. My OEM regulator was causing the dreaded needle bounce and no matter what I tried (ground check, wire check, etc.) it never had a steady needle. The C2 folks (Paul67) posted on the Wells VR715 solid state voltage regulator that many on that forum said had cured needle bounce and other voltage regulator maladies. The Wells unit is under $15 at Autozone or other parts stores. I had run this unit right out of the box for a long time with no problems. I finally decided to use my OEM Delco-Remy cover and capacitor for the "look" of originality. I saved my OEM base for its numbers in case I turn the BlueL36 into a garage queen someday. Here's a few fuzzy (sorry) pictures of the changeover:

Comparison of Well unit (on left) with OEM unit. Note the height difference:



After carefully prying the plastic cover of the Wells unit and unscrewing the cover off the OEM unit this is what you are left with. You'll need an 1/8" drill bit to drill holes on the wings for the OEM cover screws:



A little black silicone sealant between the OEM cover and the Wells base for waterproofing and using the OEM cover screws to tighten down the cover, it should look like this (only clearer):



If your voltage regulator isn't giving you the performance you want, you might consider the Wells VR715 unit. Do a search including archives in C3 and C2 for more on the subject.

 

TTT for the Monday crowd before this one goes to archives.

 

Great info and nicely written, I've saved it for future use.

Thanks,
Rick

 

Nice write up! Thanks for the info. I figured there had to be a solid state replacement available for my 68's external regulator but hadn't looked into it. Now you've done the research for me and it's much appreciated!