Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator

Posted By: blown340

Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/01/11 11:30 PM

I've had 2 NAPA replacements on my dad's 68 charger and neither has lasted. The car passes every other electrical test showing all the parts, wiring, grounds, alternator and everything are good. The car is a stock 68 318 car other than a 4bbl carb added with the engine rebuild.

I'll convert to the later electronic unit and dual field alternator if needed, but would prefer to stick with the original style parts if there is a decent one available.

Thanks,
-Jon

Posted By: Supercuda

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/01/11 11:37 PM

There are two versions out there, one is the original style truly mechanical regulator the other is an electronic version that bolts in it's place, not to be confused with the later style regulator.

I have been running the mechanical style for more than 10 years on my 65 Cuda with nary an issue. But I doubt the ones sold today are as good.

Posted By: blown340

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/01/11 11:51 PM

Quote:

There are two versions out there, one is the original style truly mechanical regulator the other is an electronic version that bolts in it's place, not to be confused with the later style regulator.

I have been running the mechanical style for more than 10 years on my 65 Cuda with nary an issue. But I doubt the ones sold today are as good.

Do you know who makes the ones with the electronic guts?

Thanks,
-Jon

Posted By: HemiRick

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 12:13 AM

Are you sure you have NAPA mechanical units? How heavy are they? If light they are electronic. If they have some mass to it, it mechanical. NAPA sells both kinds.

Posted By: 69hemibeep

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 12:24 AM

Quote:

Are you sure you have NAPA mechanical units? How heavy are they? If light they are electronic. If they have some mass to it, it mechanical. NAPA sells both kinds.

The mechanical version NAPA sells has two screws to remove the cover to service the contacts(made in china) Just get an electronic one from where ever NAPA or Autozone then cut the screw tabs off the mechanical cover and glue it over the electronic one to make it look big.

Posted By: blown340

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 12:37 AM

Its definitely the nice heavy mechanical one that I have.

Is the electronic one listed as a stock replacement so the counter guy will be able to find it, or do I need to ask for something specific?

Thanks,
-Jon

Posted By: GO_Fish

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 01:05 AM

I've read in the past that if you have upgraded to an electronic ignition (you didn't say you have, so I'm throwing this out for everyone), then you should also have an electronic regulator (I'm not up enough on my electrical theory to explain why). I have the electronic versions in the original style case on both my old cars (both with electronic ignitions).

Posted By: blown340

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 01:13 AM

Quote:

I've read in the past that if you have upgraded to an electronic ignition (you didn't say you have, so I'm throwing this out for everyone), then you should also have an electronic regulator (I'm not up enough on my electrical theory to explain why). I have the electronic versions in the original style case on both my old cars (both with electronic ignitions).

Hmmm... interesting. The car does have a pertronix on it.

Posted By: lewtot184

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 01:56 AM

i've used the VR101 from Car Quest and never had an issue, even with electronic ignition. they're made by Standard. Year One has the electronic version.

Posted By: therocks

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 02:17 AM

The electronic ones are avaliable at just abour any parts store.You can even put the old cover over them.Have them on 3 cars.Just as good as the new style dual field ones.My sons 62 300 has been on 10 years.Still charges great.Running electronic ign with one is fine.The 62 ran the OE mech one for almost 4 years with the MP electronic ign.Rocky

Posted By: blown340

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 02:27 AM

Thanks all, my local auto parts store has the electronic one. I'm going to pick one up in the morning and try it. I'll report back. Thanks for all the speedy replies!!

-Jon

Posted By: blown340

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 09:30 PM

Quote:

Thanks all, my local auto parts store has the electronic one. I'm going to pick one up in the morning and try it. I'll report back. Thanks for all the speedy replies!!

-Jon

picked up the electronic one this morning, installed it, and its working perfectly. Thanks for all the help everyone.

Posted By: therocks

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/02/11 09:35 PM

Glad it worked for you.Rocky

Posted By: markz528

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/04/11 07:02 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Thanks all, my local auto parts store has the electronic one. I'm going to pick one up in the morning and try it. I'll report back. Thanks for all the speedy replies!!

-Jon

picked up the electronic one this morning, installed it, and its working perfectly. Thanks for all the help everyone.

What brand and part number did you get?

Posted By: therocks

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/04/11 09:52 PM

Just go to any parts store.They should have them in stock.Ive used a few different brands.The on in the 62 is probally 12 years old and came fro AZ.Never a problem.I dont even know if any stores actually carry the point ones anymore.Rocky

Posted By: 62maxwgn

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/04/11 11:53 PM

A member has them in the b-body parts for sale.

mrrandyj
mopar

Reged: 20/01/03
Loc: CT Re: 70 Back - B Body Parts For Sale - June [Re: moparts]
#6664539 - 02/06/11 11:40 PM Reply Quote

What we have here is a brand new reproduction voltage regulator for a 1962-1969 Dodge Plymouth or Chrysler vehicle. This regulator looks almost exactly like what the originals look like from the outside, it even has the IGN and FLD stamped into the cover, but hidden inside is a small circuit board with diodes, transistors, and other electronic components. This voltage regulator is completely electronic. No more points that cause voltage fluctuations. Now you can have the best of both worlds, a voltage regulator that looks stock but is all electronic inside. This is a bolt on upgrade, no modifications are necessary. Bolt it on and plug in your factory wiring, its that simple. The cost for these is $28.00 each with free shipping anywhere in the continental US.

If you have any questions you can email me at mrrandyj@aol.com

Attached picture 6666867-top.jpg

Posted By: John_Kunkel

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/04/11 11:58 PM

Quote:

I've read in the past that if you have upgraded to an electronic ignition then you should also have an electronic regulator (I'm not up enough on my electrical theory to explain why).

The theory is that the rapid cycling of the mechanical points cause "noise" in the electrical system that the electronioc ignition doesn't like. Hasn't been my experience though.

Posted By: GO_Fish

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/05/11 01:32 AM

Quote:

Quote:

I've read in the past that if you have upgraded to an electronic ignition then you should also have an electronic regulator (I'm not up enough on my electrical theory to explain why).

The theory is that the rapid cycling of the mechanical points cause "noise" in the electrical system that the electronioc ignition doesn't like. Hasn't been my experience though.

Thanks, John!

I can say that my GTS was going through mechanical regs at a fast clip, but changed to the electronic version and have had no further charging problems.

Posted By: imfixinmopars426

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/05/11 03:45 AM

had a mechanical one stick the points and overcharge,then heat burned stuff up,and then no charge...but when you drive a ol mopar cross country,you must carry spare parts,lol....get a electronic for more of a balanced voltage,imho..

Posted By: 52savoy

Re: Does anyone make a quality mechanical voltage regulator - 06/05/11 07:01 AM

Quote:

had a mechanical one stick the points and overcharge,then heat burned stuff up,and then no charge...but when you drive a ol mopar cross country,you must carry spare parts,lol....get a electronic for more of a balanced voltage,imho..

Back in the old days the points stuck a lot causing overcharging which sometimes lead to the battery blowing up. I've got first hand experience on that..twice over.