I think I got it! I removed the original VR and replaced it with my new solid state Behr VR. I also noticed that there was some sort of noise filter between the alternator and the VR so I removed it and voila it works. I get a bright red light with the key in the ingition and then the light goes out and I see charging voltage on my cigarette lighter voltage meter. My thoughts are that I shouldn't need the noise filter with the new solid state VR. I am not 100% sure if removing the noise filter fixed it or improving the ground strap contact to the alternator fixed it? Before I improved the ground strap connection, I got no light at all with the new VR installed? I added some pics of the new and old VRs and the noise filter I removed.
My original symptoms were a dim and flickry generator light that would occasionally go out after a mile or so of driving. Recently it quit all together and I never saw a charging voltage on my meter. The alternator repair guy said my brushes were shot but my bearings and everything else looked good. He also tested both my original and new VR and said both worked, but to use the new solid state one if possible.
Thanks for the help. It was more work than I thought, but now I feel more comfortable removing the fan and alternator if I ever need to again.
