Recently, while my 1963 Valiant 2-Dr Sedan was idling in the shop, I noticed the alternator gauge was fluctuating quite above in the area above its mid-point. Additionally, the dome light's intensity was dimming with a cadence matching the dash gauge. My first thought was the voltage regulator was acting up. I had planned on having an electrical shop I've had experience with in the past check out the alternator anyway, so I pulled it and an obviously very "used" voltage regulator and took them to the shop. The electrical shop tested the alternator and gave it a thumbs up. They recommended I stop by OReilly's on the way home and pick up a new voltage regulator, specifically part #2-VR9, explaining it was an upgrade from the very "used" part I showed them. Before buying the new part I looked both regulators up on the internet and noted that OReilly's part # for a direct replacement in the car (170 cu in - Base Model) was AC Delco C60DM. The 2-VR9 part was recommended for Valiants beginning in 1965. I purchased the recommended part, #2-VR9 but now am having second thoughts even though after mounting the new regulator, the gauge and dome light stopped fluctuating. Another item: Close examination of my service manual shows a wire running from the alternator to a ground on one of the regulator mounting bolts. There ground is not on my car. Thank you for taking the time to read this longer than intended post.

In my haste to pose my questions before heading out this morning I made an error when I indicated the electrical schematic in my manual shows a wire from the alternator grounded on one of the mounting bolts of the voltage regulator. Not So. However, a photo in the manual does show a ground wire connected to the regulator. Hope my assumption that the schematic trumps the photo/illustration?

After looking more closely at the schematic for a Plymouth included in my manual I found it differs from the schematic for a Valiant: The Plymouth voltage regular is grounded through one of the mounting bolts and the Valiant is not. While awaiting for a response here, I took apart the original regulator and found that one side of the points had been transferring material to the other side (much like what happens with the points-type distributors).

They gave you bad advice. That 2-VR9 is a no-brand piece of junk ("MasterPro" is not a brand) probably from China, and it is not an upgrade -- it's the original stone-age type with points and resistors. Get this regulator instead. It looks a little different, but will bolt right on and hook right up, and really is an upgrade. And yes, it's a very good idea to run a ground wire from the alternator housing (there's usually a "GRD" hole on the back) to the voltage regulator base, and from the voltage regulator base to the battery negative terminal.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

All three books recommended to me are now in my possession. Lots of info to absorb. Dan, a thorough examination of the alternator on my 63 Valiant, 170 ci fails to exhibit a GRD terminal. In fact, I am sure the alternator is not the original. The only identification I have found thus far on the alternator are the letters VF on one line and W5573 immediately below that.

It's not a terminal you're looking for, it's a small round hole on the back of the alternator. It may or may not have the letters "GRD" near it.

If no such luck (generic replacement alternator housing, for example) drill your own or connect your ground wire to one of the alternator's through-bolts.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thank you Dan...