Voltage Regulator Conversion

[jmos4]

https://www.corvettepacifica.com/products/38464/regulator-voltage-electronic-conversion-kit-63-68/


Hey all,


Just had my voltage regulator fry my battery, and in my search came across the above link, looks like a neat idea for all you show car guys.


I am going to try out a solidstate VR715 Wells, may replace the cover so it looks semi-correct.


Regards,

[elagache]

Dear Jim and mid-60s Buick owners who want stock appearance without fried batteries,

Just had my voltage regulator fry my battery, and in my search came across the above link, looks like a neat idea for all you show car guys.

I am going to try out a solidstate VR715 Wells, may replace the cover so it looks semi-correct.

I was curious enough to try to find out more about this and came across a 2015 article from Thomas A. DeMauro on upgrading to a solid state voltage regulator:

https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2015/05/Solid-State-of-Mind/3748553.html

He also went with the Wells VR715, but there are tricks to make it look more stock appearing.  There are a number of classic car retailers who repackage the VR715 to provide a more correct look.  However, Thomas could find any of these that looked like the Buick voltage regulator, so he made the conversion himself.  Thomas bought the VR715 from a local auto parts store.  He then removed the modern cover and replaced it with the original Buick cover.  So your scheme Jim has already been tried and given the thumb's up! 

The other thing I found was this curious item on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Delco-Remy-10DN-Alternator-Solid-State-Voltage-Regulator-1962-72-GM-Car-Truck-/131364228858

It sure looks like a perfect replica of the original voltage regulator.  I couldn't find any other information besides various eBay listings.  Does anybody know anything about this product?

Cheers, Edouard 

[jmos4]

Hi again,

Just a update, new VR715 has a plastic cover and is glued or epoxied on, seems to work 23 bucks was cheaper than other ones I found, not sure if any of the others were solid state. 

A side note a few years ago I bought 2 from Ames, that were correct in appearance, although I had to take a file to the opening to get my plug to plug in, was a bit of a pain, it didn't work well or very long, the one I replaced was from a 67 225 that was a parts car, got 3 years out of it before it fried the battery, luckily it was 3 days in warranty so only cost 23 to repair.

Regards,