I was getting a red Gen light on my dash. Checked and no generator voltage. Replaced Regulator, no change. Took generator to a local shop to get rebuilt. It was in very bad shape, but rebuildable. Installed it and put earlier regulator back on. Now all is well, but since I used the new regulator, I can't return it. The parts place said that I should install rebuilt generator and new regulator as a pair. Good advice? or not?

Jeff '64 F100 CrewCab

 

I would think that a 51 year old part should be replaced, but if the original is working use it and you have a replacement when it does go. Electronic parts do not last forever.

 

I would replace both at the same time but keep your old regulator as a backup, some of the replacement electronic stuff are poor quality off shore junk. Don't forget to polarize the generator..

 

It's a little unclear from your post, but the new regulator should work fine with the rebuilt generator as well, have you tried that too?

It is a good idea to have them both on the same sheet of music. Check voltage at battery, want to see 14.2+ or better at high rpm, with headlights and heater blower on.

 

One of the reasons I buy old NOS voltage regulators, ignition coils and other NOS stuff is due to the offshore junk out there. Since Pertronix moved their production overseas, that's out now too. I'll stick to changing points every 5000 miles, I've got a lot of NOS that won't burn up after a few hundred miles. The scary thing is the offshoring of brake parts such as master & wheel cylinders and I think the best thiong on that is too keep the old ones and have them resleeved. Expensive but worth it.