63 voltage regulator configuration points

[Erik H.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Erik, 512 Voltage Regulators are extremely difficult to find. Call John Pirkle in Augusta, GA. He may have one. He restores those, starters and a who cadre of other electrical parts. He is the best in that area.

Thanks Harry - have a message into John.

Since my car is a late June build, according to the JG I could also use the 515. Is there still hope that the config isn't all that far off? Is the config correct as shown for my car with a 515? Thanks!

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Did a 515 actually make it into the 63 production year, maybe, I do not really know. The difficulty is determining a 63 built 515. Here is why and I don't know the answer.

Is a 515 dated 3E a 1963 or a 1973? Did a 1963 515 not have the screw on the top and look like a 512? or did they immediately start with the additional mounting screw?

Hopefully John Pirkle will see this post and add comment.

[Dan D.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Don't know if it will help you guys or not, but I can tell you what I have.
I have a 515 that I have owned since 1963 (possibly 64, but I think earlier). It looks like this:

12V N 1119
5G 515

Right above the 12N on the side frame is the capacitor hole.

What happened back then is I was having problems keeping the old DC generator running. One day, out of nowhere, one of my good buddies showed up with this almost new alternator and regulator, for a ridiculous low price. I bought it immediately. I don't know where he got it, but I would be willing to bet that he stole it. While I certainly would not entertain that now, back then all I wanted is the parts.
If the 5G designates 1965, I don't think so. I am sure I got it way before then, and it probably came off an existing car - probably a Chevy passenger car. -Dan-

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

5G should be July of 65.

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Did a 515 actually make it into the 63 production year, maybe, I do not really know. .

My 19,746 car had it's original 512 regulator without the extra hole for the ground wire.

I think Lance Millers 19,XXX car also has it's original 512 without the extra hole and I think I have a car around 20,485 or 586 with a 512.

If 515 regulators were used on any 63's, it would have been very late in production. I have doubts though.

[John D.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Thanks for all of the great replies on the regulator. I don't know whether to laugh or cry, as I just spent waaaayyy too much money today on a vintage sealed in-the-box 1115091 coil after I couldn't find any other one - and I mean just one, any one, anywhere - for the past several months. Now, it's going to be a 512 regulator and the Regionals are coming Help!

Erik, It's nice that you got a NOS 091 for your 63. That's a big accomplishment and much rarer than a 512 VR.
Hopefully you have the D1111 ballast resistor.

The deduct for the incorrect Voltage regulator and capacitor is heavy I see. 7 for originality and 5 for condition. That's a big hit. But you did pick up 5 and 5 on the NOS 091. Good luck, JD

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Erik, take a look....................

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corvette-Voltage-Regulator-1963-/160528934451?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2560452633

[Dan D.]

Re: 63 voltage regulator configuration points

Okay Harry, I agree. It looks like mine is later than I thought it was. Can't remember that far back I guess. Sorry. But it looks like the 512 on E-Bay is a real deal. -Dan-