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Guess I have another issue. I've noticed the ammeter gauge pegs to C, and the regulator is hot to the touch. Reads 8.5v at the battery when running.

I've read some of the period literature regarding testing/adjusting (thanks Howard), but I just don't have that kind of equipment. Only a digital multimeter.

I'm considering removing the cover and examining the contacts for burnt/stuck issues.

Any suggestions for a charging system novice with limited equipment?

Thanks!

First, we'll hope the regulator is the correct one for the car and generator. Have been a few cases with that body series lately where that has not been true and lots of over/under/intermittent wacky charging issues.

I'd remove the cover and verify the condition of the contacts. A common service item in the day was to clean and dress the contacts. Don't know if they made the long battery in 8v versions but if so, at 8.4 volts, it is possible the regulator may have been changed or adjusted to accommodate an 8v battery sometime in the car's life. Somewhat common back in the day -- at least on the regular square style batteries.

If that is not the case, then is it possible there is a grounding issue and the generator and regulator are at slightly different potentials. There should be a wire between generator frame or case to a mounting screw on headlight terminal strip at L fender and then another wire from that same screw to the regulator ground screw (or mounting screw if no separate ground). Verify there is and the connections are clean & solid.

If that is good, then make sure the one or two resistors on the bottom of regulator are not touching ground. Not a likely problem since the voltage isn't railed but has happened for one reason or another.

If everything is good, then I'm afraid it will take a shop with the proper equipment to diagnose exactly what is happening.

Thanks, Howard, but I just fixed it.

I checked for a response to my post before I started. There was none, so I said, "What the heck," and decided to take a shot at it.

Pulling the regulator cover, and close examination of the contacts revealed the one on the passenger side had what looked like a tin whisker- a very fine protrusion connecting the contacts keeping them from breaking the circuit. A little dressing with a flat jeweler's file corrected the problem. The ammeter needle sits right in the middle, and the battery reads 6+v at idle.

Just as I finished, I heard my iPhone email alerting me of your post!

Another issue solved.

Good to hear. Contacts pitting and burning are common. Make sure the battery voltage measured across the posts goes to about 7.2-7.4v at a fast idle after starting the car and drawing a bit of the battery down. Just sitting with nothing running, the voltage should be 6.3 (depending on accuracy of meter).

Will do. Thanks again!