1968 Skylark Electrical Problems

[68Buick]

I have a 1968 Buick Skylark Custom. 4 door, 350 V-8, 2 barrell. Been having charging system issues. If I drive for a while with the headlights and/or fan running, I usually find the battery low or dead the next time I try to start the car. Didn't seem like the battery wasn't charging at all, just like it wasn't getting enough charge. Put in a brand new Delco battery, and a new alternator and voltage regulator. After installing the new alternator, started the car and the voltage regulator started to smoke. My mechanic suggested that the regulator might be bad, so I replaced it with another one. Same thing. Smoke from the resistor in back of the regulator. I don't understand exactly what has happened. I don't think I could have connected the alternator wrong. Maybe a short somewhere? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Mrbuick714]

I had a similar situation recently, A "rebuilt" alternator had a later model rotor in it (they look the same)The later alternators use solid-state regulators,and will "Burn up" the points type regulators. (doing auto-electric since 1944),R Crisp BCA 2399

[68Buick]

Thanks to your advice, I went looking for a solid-state regulator. Had a hard time finding one readily available. Did some research and found out that even models with AC had only a 55 amp alternator. The one I put in wasn't marked, but when I went back to the store I got it from, I found out that they only stock 62 amp alternators. I went elswhere and bought a rebuilt 55 amp alt. So far, so good. No smoking regulator anyway. I really appreciate your help.