[SSuper Dave]

I replaced the original voltage regulator on my '68 Caprice with the Wells electronic regulator today. The one I removed from the car looked just like any other old Delco unit, except it was mounted to the core support with some special bolts and using rubber isolators so that the frame of the regulator was not grounded. The Wells unit directions specifically stated that the unit was to be grounded to the core, so I mounted it using 2 of the 3 original bolts and isolators and bolted a wire to the remaining lug and grounded it to the fender with a star washer and sheet metal screw. It works great, but I'm wondering why this one was isolated when I KNOW that Chevelle ones are bolted straight to the core support, at least '68-'72 anyway. Whats the reason and why aren't all old Chevys like this? Thanks.

 

[zeke67]

There should be a separate ground wire from the "frame" (the zinc plated part) of the the regulator to the rad support. I believe the bushings are not for electrical isolation but for vibration isolation.

 

[John_Muha]

The later year regulators, like the 71/72 were not mounted on rubber (well nuts). They were hard mounted to the core support by sheet metal screws. As long as the mounting connection is clean, no additional strap is needed.
My 64 had a ground strap on it. My understanding was the rubber well nuts were used to protect the regulator from vibration but wasn't really needed. Might be wrong.

 

[SSuper Dave]

Thanks. I just thought it was strange that a '68 Chevelle bolted to the core and a '68 big car was isolated. Well, its grounded good now!

 

[von]

I looked at the '69 assembly manual and it doesn't show any "cushions" or bushings. Yet it seems all the Chevelle parts places sell them for some reason. Strange.