Hey all,

Fired up my 72 last night and turned on the headlights, noticed the voltage gauge was reading off the chart - high. Watched it for a second and the lights dimmed quickly and then the voltage dropped to 13-14 volts and all seemed normal. I sat there idling and it cycled back and forth like this, as if a switch was kicking on and off. Could the VR be going bad ? I just installed a new alternator as well.

Thanks!

Original style VR? The original style ones have points and they may be sticking. Its either the VR or a bad connection.

Yep, original style voltage regulator - heck prob. THE original regulator.

Original style VR? The original style ones have points and they may be sticking. Its either the VR or a bad connection.
That would be my guess, for under $15 I'd replace it. Worst thing that can happen is you'll have a spare.

I just replaced mine, got it from Canadian Tire, it was around $26.00 with taxes. The guy behind the counter had to look a little harder than normal. The part had been recieved in 1995, but after a bit of box opening, I snagged a new one. The headlights are now a thing of beauty. Daren

Thanks for the heads up on Can. Tire - I just checked with the GM dealer and my cost (father-in-law is service mgr) is $49!!

See if you can find a solid state unit made by Wells. They work better than most of the aftermarket mechanical regulators. The part number is Wells VR715. They are around $11.00 US and sold through Autozone in the US. They are a drop in fit unit that uses the original mounting holes and the original connector. The case must be grounded through the mounting feet and disconnect the battery before installing one. Here is their site if you need to contact them.
www.wellsmfgcorp.com