The VR is the Marchal box left of the CDI box. However, a non-charging alternator is more likely worn brushes in the alternator. When a VR fails it most often makes the alternator put out full voltage and overcharges. Failing brushes mean the alternator never produces any voltage while the D-Field coil draws current (red alternator light on).

It's time to remove the alternator and get it tested. Make sure to disconnect the battery before digging in. Else you'll fry the harness.

Ingo

that's what i was thinkin'....a VR usually causes an overcharge situation (not always). OK, time to get off my tuchas, dc the battery, and dig in. thanx. steve

Marchal mechanical VR (grey) in photo beside the CDI.
Black 3 prong plug and a few mounting screws to replace it.
Could be brushes or diodes at the alternator, could be the wiring to it.
Could be the alternator was swapped to Internal VR and old parts left in place.
As Ingo said, the VR usually fails giving an overcharge situation. But not always .

Guess you won't know until you dig in further.

Now post some pics of your car Steve! :)

OK, the dealer from whom I purchased this car has agreed to an assessment at an independent shop, so that's where it will go tomorrow and i'll post the results. I'm planning on adding AC and was wondering if a more powerful alternator might be a good idea. If so, this might be the time. Suggestions on how to go about this? Is there one that bolts the same with more amperage? thanx steve

Hi Timmy2..if Steve goes to larger alternator ..would it not be a problem with the alternator housing?

Ivan

Definitely need to check fit and compatibility of a larger amperage alternator.
Classic retrofit is offering 110 amp alternators to handle their electric A/C.
That is what I would go to if I decided to get their A/C. Don't know if they have different sizes for different years.
Their products are available through Pelican. (Not sure how many)

http://classicretrofit.com/products/

Here are a couple of pictures of the car. These were taken by the seller on BaT. Waiting to hear from the shop about their assessment of the alternator and steering wheel issues. thanx stevehttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1507324986.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1507324986.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1507325043.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1507325043.jpg

Looking good, thanks for the pics. :)

Hi Steve nice looking beast..perfect color

Ivan

OK, time for f/u...seller from BaT and I decided to split the cost of the new alternator (75 amp in preparation for add on A/C, internal regulator) Car should return Friday. More later. steve

OK, just back from the shop. According to them, this car has had this problem for awhile...the alternator that was in the car (now replaced with a bigger one) was good....there was a major, diagnostic disaster in the wiring that someone had previously buggered up. All's well now and the alt light (as opposed to the alt-right!) extinguishes at about 1k RPMS. Cool! Will drive to work this AM. thanx guys

Good to read Steve. I just changed the VR on my '87 this past weekend. What a PIA. Lots of fiddlie-ness, disappearing Woodruff keys and difficult to access nuts and bolts. I think I should have just dropped the motor and accessed it while it was out of the car. Probably would have been quicker. Got my fan and housing cleaned up too! ;)

great to hear. i was sure i was the only one who lost washers, Allen keys, and my nuts. s