<VV> 1963 Corvair/alternator

[Craig Nicol]

Kerry wrote:
My car has been upgraded to an alternator with an internal regulator. My 
problem is that suddenly the charge light has been coming on. Sometimes 
dimly, sometimes bright. It may stay on or may go back off for a time. 
All of this seems to be independent of engine speed.  I haven't had a 
chance to check the charging voltage.  I have a couple of questions. 
First is, is this always an alternator problem or is there something 
else I should be checking?

The second issue is trying to identify the alternator. It has a two wire 
plug on the top side near the rear with a brown and pink/red(ish) wire 
and a heavier red wire that is bolted to a stud on the back. Does this 
sound like a standard Corvair alternator?  My alternator is polished and 
I hate to lose it. Is it possible to have it rebuilt??

Any help welcomed and appreciated..

Kerry Born
1963 Spyder, convertible

Craig replies:
Totally rebuildable. Just take it to ANY auto electric shop and have it
repaired. No, it's not a stock Corvair piece; the Corvair alternator had an
external regulator on the firewall.  Luckily for us, the back half of the
internal regulator alternator mates with the unique Corvair front half. You
can't buy that configuration at the auto parts store. 

The internal alternator with a standard GM front housing carries the number
7127-1, 2, or 3. The dash number indicates which of three sides the plug
comes out. They're actually the same parts, just assembled differently. If
you can't find a shop to repair yours any 7127 can donate its guts to repair
your alternator. I strongly suggest finding a shop to repair yours.
Craig